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Welcome to “Friends of Highland Recreation Area” FOHRA |
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The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) are committed to help support Highland Recreation Area State Park by assisting and promoting interpretive, scientific, historical and educational visitor services. |
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A visit is literally a “day in the park” |
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Spanning Highland and White Lake townships, few historic attractions in the United States offer the combined level of history and natural beauty of Haven Hill. But unless we act now, it won’t be anything more than a paragraph in a local paper. So we encourage you to join our growing list of support and ongoing exploration of this fascinating property, by simply getting involved! We have many rewarding opportunities available for individual and corporate support, i.e. rather than donations we offer several advertising options for promoting your business with Us. Contact FOHRA for more information: info@FriendsOfHighlandRec.org |
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“The Friends Of Highland Recreation Area”
A group of concerned citizens and organizations working to renovate the remaining Haven Hill structures, began it’s journey with this barn. The first phase of this rescue, was the Haven Hill’s Edsel Ford Barn. Built in the early 1930’s this barn is one of three remaining structures from the Haven Hill Estate. This 15,000 sq. ft. barn was in immediate need of rescue. |
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Last year brought us some set backs in restoring the old Edsel Ford Barn. In June of 2008 Severe storms passed through southern Michigan and Oakland County, including the area of Highland State Recreation Area. Nearly 3/4’s of the old Edsel Ford Barn was destroyed that summer day. The Friends Group had made many advances to securing the Barn for future use and activities for all to enjoy. Below is a picture of the barn after the storms. |
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Not giving up hope, The Friends Group went right back to work securing the site. A temporary fence was installed until work could be completed installing a more permanent fence. The entire area around the debris was fenced in. |
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Soon afterwards, the MDNR approved the Friends Group to gain access into the area to secure the site further to protect it against the winter elements that would soon arrive. |
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The Friends group cleared a 10 ~ 15 foot area behind the remaining portion of the barn. The team also shored up the outside walls for safety. New beams were installed, wire supports were also added for stability. Partial walls were repaired, and tarps were installed over the roof to keep the winters snows out. |
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The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) help the Crown V Ranch and Stables celebrate their Ribbon Cutting for their Grand Opening Saturday April 18, 2009.
The Friends Group FOHRA and the MDNR Highland office helped the New Owners of the Crown V Ranch located in the Highland Recreation Area State Park with the ribbon cutting. The Crown V Ranch is now open for business. The Ribbon Cutting was a huge success. Various groups and individuals from the area attended the Ribbon Cutting on Saturday April 18, 2009. The day included an information sharing booth manned by the Friends Group, as well as Pony Rides for the kids, and much more.
Please click below for more information.
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Friends of Highland Recreation Area Developing Lease Agreement with MDNR for Haven Hill Structures
In a meeting Wednesday, February 11th, the Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) presented plans to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to increase park attendance through the renovation and use of the remaining Edsel Ford Haven Hill Estate structures. Plans began from converting the barn into an event space with an attached pavilion, to utilizing the Carriage House for estate tours and related history. The plans included a wealth of educational opportunities, unique trail initiatives, and even attracting tourism to the park and local business community, through such concepts as weekend getaway packages that would provide horseback riding, canoeing and other activities to visitors.
The MDNR has given a "green light" to the development of the plans, and offered to assist FOHRA in expediting a lease agreement.
For additional information please contact us here: info@FriendsOfHighlandRec.org |
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FOHRA 2009 Membership Drive:
The FOHRA are announcing their Annual Membership Drive for the 2009 calendar year. We are seeking active members to re-new their membership for the 2009 year. We are also seeking NEW Members to join this exciting group of Friends. Please fill out the attached form and send it back to the FOHRA with your donation. We are also in need of those willing to lend a helping hand during the Work Bee dates.
We encourage you to participate in this Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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