Hastings Fish Hatchery Park, the largest and busiest park in the city, invites residents and visitors to enjoy all kinds of social gatherings, softball, tennis, soccer, basketball, picnics, or just a quiet visit to relax.

 

The park is getting a significant face-lift, with work started by the Department of Public Services (DPS) on  May 4. DPS Director Lee Hays said three areas are being addressed; the berms, ponds and restroom facilities.

 

The berms block the view of children on the playground, and are being removed to increase visibility of the  children for parents and police. The trees on the berms have been moved into the new flat space. The project will be completed in about two weeks.

 

The three ponds at the park have needed dredging for some time. The  8 to 10 feet of sediment and debris on the bottoms has resulted in an increase in algae and odor.  

A required dredging permit from the DEQ was received this week. Dredging will begin May 23 and be finished in about a month, Hays said.

 

The dredged material will be moved north of the largest pond on a new road built from the gravel berm material.  When dry, the material will be spread and seeded; the increase in height south of the baseball field should reduce the boggy ground in that area, he said.

 

In July, the existing restroom will be demolished and a new facility constructed with separate restrooms for men and women, similar to the one at Tyden Park.

 

“Over the years, Fish Hatchery Park has been widely used and a great asset to our community. The improvements the Department of Public Services is completing this spring will result in a great finished product that will provide years of enjoyment to our community,” Hays said.

 

“The new facilities and park improvements will ensure that Hastings remains one of the Top 100 Small Towns in America.”