The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has awarded Hartland’s Cromaine District Library a $250,000 grant to support the creation of the Heritage Garden — a dynamic, outdoor play and movement space that will anchor the south lawn of the library alongside the planned Cromaine Commons exterior spaces renovation.
In a release, the library said that the generous investment by Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation will allow it to take a bold next step in its mission to re-imagine outdoor community space —centering on youth wellness, imaginative play, and multi-generational connection.
A garden that moves
Inspired by the cultural legacy of the nearby Historic Hartland Music Hall and Cromaine’s role as a community hub, the Heritage Garden will invite children and families to move, explore,create, and connect. This space is intentionally designed to “reintroduce free play,” align closely with the Foundation’s Youth Sports & Recreation priority.
Where traditional playgrounds offer structure, the Heritage Garden provides an invitation: to climb a train, make music on outdoor instruments, wander winding sensory paths, or rest in herb-scented shade. It’s a space where movement is joyful, spontaneous, and inclusive.
Key features will include:
● A climbable train structure for imaginative movement play
● Outdoor musical instruments to spark rhythm and creativity
● Weaving sensory paths for balance, coordination, and exploration
● Ground-level play elements that encourage whole-body activity
● A sculptural bike rack to encourage eco-friendly access
Built on Community Vision
The Heritage Garden emerged from extensive community engagement, including nearly 1,200 survey responses, local focus groups, and a strategic planning retreat—all of which pointed to a shared desire: more green space, more family connection, more freedom to play. In the words of Cromaine Library Director Sarah Neidert, “The community told us what they needed—and now, thanks to Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, we can bring that vision to life.”
A Foundation for play, movement, and community
Located adjacent to the Cromaine Library and the Hartland Early Childhood Center—and within walking distance to many local schools—the Heritage Garden will serve thousands of youth and families every year. It complements the already fully funded $1.25 million Cromaine Commons project, which includes an open-air pavilion, beautiful landscaping, and gathering spaces designed to elevate year-round community programming. Together, Heritage Garden and Cromaine Commons will transform the Library’s lawn into a vibrant, welcoming public square where play, culture, learning, and wellness intersect.
Partnering with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
This project reflects a shared commitment to make joyful play a central part of community health. As a vital community hub, Cromaine Library continues to show how shared spaces can bring people together to learn, move, and connect across generations. We’re proud to partner with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to create meaningful, lasting change right here in Hartland. Cromaine Library, its Board of Trustees, staff, and the broader Hartland community extend their deepest gratitude to the Foundation for helping turn local dreams into lasting reality.
To Support or Learn More
Anyone interested in contributing to the Heritage Garden or Cromaine’s outdoor transformation can contact the library’s community engagement manager, Liz Welch, at lizwelch@cromaine.org or (810) 632-5200 x 118
