We sat down with Paul Pfeifer and discussed the future Hidden Lake Gardens tower and canopy project and it’s potential future impact on attracting business and talent to Lenawee County.
There was a lot of excitement following the announcement in June about the tree tower and canopy walk. You are still in the planning and fundraising stage. When is the project expected to begin construction?
We expect the final drawings to be completed in time for the foundation and site preparation to take place this fall.
When will it be completed?
The Canopy Walk is targeted to open June 1, 2020, and the Tree Tower opening is slated for October 1, 2020.
How will this project benefit the community?
First, it provides a new and unique attraction to Hidden Lake Gardens, so there will be a new experience with accompanying activities and educational opportunities. Second, it will draw more visitors to Hidden Lake Gardens adding to the tourism draw of Lenawee County and the Irish Hills area.
In Economic Development, attracting and keeping talented employees has become critical for the future economic success of a region – how will this help our efforts?
This Tree Tower and Canopy Walk project adds value to Hidden Lake Gardens as a public education and recreation resource and may increase the appeal of working and living in Lenawee County and southeast Michigan.
This kind of attraction more than likely will draw new employees to the area and help to retain current workers seeing a value-added attraction that is improving the local community as both an active recreational area for residents as well as drawing tourists into the region.
How will this help us attract businesses who are looking to relocate their companies and are looking at Lenawee County as an option?
Having the value added attractions of this project will generate new opportunities for employees and volunteers at Hidden Lake Gardens. The tourist attraction of this project will draw more visitors to Hidden Lake Gardens, providing a ripple effect in increased visitors to Lenawee County and the southeast/southcentral Michigan area stimulating the local and regional tourism community.
This type of project has been done before at other locations. What is different about this project that is unique to Lenawee?
First, both the Canopy Walk and the Tree Tower will be ADA compliant with regard to wheelchair accessibility. The Tree Tower will have an elevator assisting those in need to reach the top of the tower. We have not been able to identify another tower-like structure in a woodland setting that has an elevator anywhere in the United States.
How can people become involved with this project?
This is a publicly fund-raised project which relies on support from the public. Donations can be made online at Hidden Lake Canopy Walk & Tree Tower or by calling Hidden Lake Gardens at 517-431-2060 or by mail to Hidden Lake Gardens, 6214 Monroe Road, Tipton, MI 49287.
Closer to the opening of the project in June and October of 2020, there will be volunteer opportunities to assist with the operation and programming of the Tree Tower and Canopy Walk.