PHOTO GALLERY: Hartland Rotary 'Sprucing Up' Cemetery

In a span of just a few hours Wednesday, the historic became more accessible to visitors thanks to a new sidewalk that was installed as part of a project.

The project was done in anticipation of Hartland Heritage Day on Sept. 17 and part of part a larger Rotary project to enhance the cemetery for the community, said Rotary Club member Mike Horan, whose company, Livingston Concrete, donated the materials.

The group also is replacing an aging sign along Hartland Road and plans to paint fencing, trim trees and a general cleanup 8 a.m. Sept. 10, he said. Non-Rotary Club volunteers are welcome but encouraged to contact Horan at 810-632-3030, he said.

"It's a focal point," Horan said of the cemetery. "We just felt it was time it needed a little sprucing up."

Also helping out was a three-man crew from Baker Decorative Concrete of Brighton Township, which created the sidewalk. In total, the job would have cost $1,600.

Steve Baker, the company's owner and one of the crew, said he likes to contribute to the community and help friends.

"Cause Mike asked me to," said Baker in response to a question of why he was helping. "He showed me the job last night at five o'clock and I told him I'd get him done for him."

The new walkway leads from Henry Street to the main iron gate that dates to 1912 and swings open to hallowed ground that includes more than 1,000 stones that date as old as the 1830s. Today the cemetery is considered a key part of Hartland's history and garners attention as a destination for veteran memorial ceremonies and historical tours.

The effort is appreciated by a neighbor and the cemetery's owner, Hartland Township.

"I think it's great," said Heidi Bierer of the , which has an office south of the cemetery. "I think it looks nice and I think it'll make it a lot easier for people to get in there and look around."

Township Supervisor Bill Fountain said he's amazed by the speed the project happen — the first call about the idea was about two weeks ago.

"Anytime the community comes together, that's what makes Hartland special," Fountain said. "Kudos to the club."

Fountain said it's no surprise that people help out, adding that other groups have been stepping up, such as the Hartland Area Youth Athletic Association's work to help maintain the nearby baseball fields.

"We're just so fortunate to have community involvement and organizations willing to give back," he said.

With special events such as an annual luminary and services during the Memorial Day weekend held at the cemetery, Township Manager James Wickman said the work will enhance a significant part of the township's heritage.

"Everyone is enthusiastic about taking that cemetery up to the next level and making it more of a showpiece," he said.