In 2014, the Hartig Family offered, free of charge, over 530 acres of land to Gallatin County with the conditions that the land would never be sold or developed for housing or commercial use. In other words, they wanted it to stay a green-space.

The county accepted the gift, but really had no clear idea of how to best utilize the gift. The Judge Executive of Gallatin County approached the Gallatin County Extension Service (Ag Agent) and asked that we take a leadership role in defining how the park will be used.

As previously reported, the park has been used for hiking, camping, regulated deer hunting, and picnicking. But over the past year, other park features and activities have emerged, and even more improvements have been made.

This is especially true at the park’s scenic overlook. The area below this feature has been cleared of 30+ acres of dead, dying, or junk trees. This allows those who travel to the overlook an even more spectacular view of a large bend in the Ohio River.

Another big improvement is the construction of a 30 by 40 feet picnic shelter. This shelter has been used on numerous occasions by families, companies, and the school system.

Several Extension related programs have been held at Hartig Park. These include wildflower walks, an edible wild plant program, a nuisance wildlife program, and a primitive camping skill class.

This will be a long-term project; 500 acres is a big piece of ground. So progress will continue as funding becomes available. But based on the enthusiasm and early efforts of the working group, we are well on our way to creating one of the largest county parks in the Commonwealth.