I have driven past Seymour Lake Park in Oxford Township many times but until a few weeks ago I never explored Hana’s Garden, a wildflower and water feature gem located within the park. I am very glad I did even though it brought back memories of Nov. 30, 2021. On that terrible day I was working as an ER paramedic at McLaren Hospital. We were notified of a mass shooting at Oxford High School with multiple victims.
The garden was designed to remember and honor the four students who lost their lives in the Oxford High School shooting: Hana St. Juliana, Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin and Justin Shilling. Hana’s Garden was officially unveiled to the public on June 1.
The eye-catching garden was a community-led effort, with more than 20 local contractors volunteering their time. The garden’s design incorporated items representing the four students, including groups of four cherry trees, fountains, and a four-sided sculpture and includes a rain garden and walkways.
I quickly discovered the peacefulness of the site on my visit. Butterflies flitted about the garden’s flowers and a pair of robins splashed in a water feature. A red-tailed hawk soared overhead, and an eastern bluebird perched briefly on a small shrub.
Bumble bees gathered pollen from purple coneflowers and a lone frog leapt off a rock at the edge of the water feature. In the background I could hear children playing, a reminder that Seymour Lake Park has something for everyone.
A memorial sign at the garden tells visitors, “The design of Hana’s Garden revolves around the concept of four and is focused on bringing the various elements of nature together to create an environment for reflection and healing. A place built from the love of the four, from family friends, community and even strangers. This space reflects the beauty each of the four brought to the world. The garden is intended to be a healing area for the community and a reminder of what we lost that day, as family, as friends, and as a community. Never forget”
I wrapped up my visit by sitting on a bench next to the garden’s pathway reflecting on a day filled with memories and healing. Seymour Lake Township Park is located at 2795 Seymour Lake Road in Oxford Township and is managed by Oxford Township Parks and Recreation.
FYI: 132-acre Seymour Lake Park has no entrance fee and includes four lighted tennis courts, four softball fields, four baseball fields, eight soccer fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, two pavilions, a fitness trail, the “Red Flyer Run” sledding hill, 18 hole Disc Golf course, two sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, Gaga Ball pit, a playground and swing sets, restrooms and the K.L.R. Splash Pad. The farmers market will be open every Saturday, through Oct. 25, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. For additional information or questions about the marker email farmersmarket@oxparkrec.org.
Jonathan Schechter is the Nature Education Writer for Oakland County Government and blogs about nature’s way, trails and wildlife on the Wilder Side of Oakland County.
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