Dear Valued Members of Our Community,
With the first snowfall of the season, we know many families are excited to get outside and enjoy winter together. For generations, Hartley Outdoor Education Center has been a beloved part of this community, and we understand that our sledding hill has become a special tradition for many. Because of that, I want to share some important clarity with transparency, care, and a deep respect for those traditions.
Hartley is owned and operated by Saginaw Intermediate School District as part of our school district’s educational programming. This has always meant that we carry responsibility and legal liability for the safety, security, and well-being of students, staff, and any visitors on our 311 acres. Over the years, we have been casual in enforcing this boundary, and as a result, many in the community may have believed that Hartley functioned as an open public park.
To ensure long-term safety and security for everyone, we need to clarify that Hartley is not open to the public, including the use of the sledding hill, outside of scheduled programming or permitted events. This is not a new policy, but a reaffirmation of what has long been in place and what we must consistently uphold to ensure Hartley’s longevity and the safety of all visitors.
We know this clarification may feel disappointing or disruptive, especially for families with cherished traditions. Please know this message comes from a place of care, not exclusion. Our first responsibility is ensuring a safe, well-managed environment, and that means we cannot allow unsupervised or unrestricted access.
At the same time, we deeply value our relationship with our surrounding communities, as well as the many families who have made Hartley part of their lives. We are actively exploring ways to create a thoughtful path forward, such as designated public hours or controlled access opportunities, so families can continue to enjoy Hartley in ways that honor both community connection and our district responsibilities.
We are committed to working toward a solution and will keep the community informed as options are developed. Your understanding and support as we navigate this process mean a great deal to us. If you would like to reach out to us for facility use and scheduling, please email hartley@sisd.cc.
Warmly,
Liz Roxberry, Program Director