Hartland approves beer garden changes: Wednesdays added, food trailer, signage and reduced Sunday hours

The Village of Hartland board on Feb. 23 approved a package of operational changes to the Nixon Park beer garden intended to reduce operator strain on Thursdays, increase food-service capacity and clarify the licensed area.

Operator Stephanie told the board she wanted Wednesdays added "because opening on Thursdays when we have the concert series ... is extremely hard," and that an on-site food-preparation trailer would let the beer garden keep food on site and avoid relying on outside vendors. She said the trailer "would be totally dedicated just for the beer garden" and would improve service and reliability.

Trustees discussed options for Sunday hours (noting historically light attendance) and agreed to shorten Sunday operations to end at 4 p.m. The board also approved placing a food trailer on the asphalt area south of the stage (removing the existing tree circle and repaving the area) and delineating the beer garden with temporary rope and eyelet signage so patrons clearly enter the licensed area.

Board members and staff emphasized balancing the rights of park users with the operator’s lease. One trustee noted enforcement is difficult when patrons bring outside food and drink, but the board supported a "soft" approach: clearer signage and a roped boundary rather than more intrusive fencing. Staff estimated the temporary delineation would cost roughly $800 for stakes/rope for initial installation.

The motion the board carried authorized adding Wednesdays to the beer garden schedule (staff to finalize hours), repaving the area to host a dedicated food trailer, maintaining the contracted fee structure (operator noted she is already paying $1,000 per weekend), and instituting temporary rope delineation and ordinance signage at park entrances. Staff will coordinate repaving and signage prior to the season.