The hills and trails of Hillsdale College’s Hayden Park were not always intended for their current athletic use. For many years, the college intended the property to be the site of Independence Grove, billed to friends of the school as “a retirement community that values intelligence, integrity, and independence.” Although about 35 depositors expressed interest in living at the Hillsdale-run facility, college President Larry Arnn and the Hillsdale College Board of Trustees eventually decided to cancel the planned construction in 2008, commenting that the economic downturn made the plans inviable.
The plans for Independence Grove included a clubhouse with a fitness center, library, and multiple restaurants, as well as 165 independent cottages. The facility would offer elderly friends of the school the opportunity to retire in comfort while attending class and continuing the conversation of like-minded people the community would foster.
The initial building on the property was converted into the Hayden Park clubhouse, which opened in 2013. Students and community residents can now use the property and its extensive hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails.
