The Oakland Township Historic District Commission (HDC) is very excited to update the public on the progress of the Cranberry Lake Farm Landscape Master Plan. After a very successful design open house in March of this year, historic landscape architect Brian Devlin presented his Landscape Master Plan to the HDC at their July meeting. His plan was aimed at returning the historic farm to its agricultural history, citing the 1940s as the period of significance.
Flagpole and Barn
The proposed Master Plan not only included major restoration projects, but also provided plans for increased public use and program planning. Mr. Devlin will also present to the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) at their September 14 meeting. The HDC is hopeful there may be future opportunities to partner on seasonal activities like the pumpkin patch and corn maze, which are outside of the historic district proper.
HDC Commissioner Don Westphal stated, “As a Landscape Architect, I am impressed at how comprehensive and creative the proposed master plan is. When implemented over time, it will be a great interpretive tool that captures the agricultural heritage of the township and an interactive experience for visitors to this historic gem!”
Another historic preservation highlight that Mr. Devlin presented was the unique idea to adaptively recreate a hexagon shaped wild game brooder into an open “gazebo-brooder” for public use for ceremonies, performances and even picnics. Other brooders on site could be used for camping and interpretation. Commissioner John Sanderson said, “I was very pleased with the thought & care that went into Brian Delvin’s proposal for a CLF Landscape Master Plan. It promises to be an excellent way forward to preserve and promote this Oakland Township historic resource!”
Funding for Mr. Devlin’s CLF Landscape Master Plan was provided through the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s generous grant and matched by Oakland TWP’s Historic Preservation Millage. HDC Vice-chair Phillips added, “Many groups working together pulled this off, from volunteers, Oakland Township Historical Society members, HDC and PRC, all combined their efforts.”
About Rochester Media