Welcome to McHardy Park!
In 1870, Thorsten Lee homesteaded what is now part of McHardy Park. In 1972, owners Dr. Bryson and Hazel McHardy donated 35.85 acres of that land to the Brandon Lions Club for park development. In 1973, lacking funds, the Lion’s turned the property over to Minnehaha County and McHardy Park became the County’s first developed park. In 1977 the park was annexed into the Brandon city limits. The National Guard built the 50-foot lookout tower in 1983. The tower has become a major landmark for the City of Brandon. Through the years, the McHardy’s have donated additional parcels of land, bringing the total to 74 acres. The Brandon Lions Club played a significant role in developing the park to include a footbridge, shelters, picnic tables, parking and playground equipment. In November of 2000, the County deeded the park to the City of Brandon. A special thanks to the McHardy family and the Brandon Lions Club for providing this beautiful park to the citizens of Brandon. In 2011 the playground was updated and expanded to its current size.
Not counting the sports complexes, McHardy Park is by far the most popular park in Brandon. It boasts over 39 acres of land all nestled along the Splitrock Creek. It almost doubles in size if you include the soccer complex and hockey areas next door. The two large shelters at the park are booked almost every weekend throughout the summer. While at the park people can use the softball field, play on the playground, go fishing or just enjoy wandering around the large expanse of open green space. McHardy Park has also played host to a wide variety of events including; Home Town Days, art festivals, cross country meets and even outdoor wrestling! Of all the parks in Brandon, McHardy continues to stay busy during the winter thanks to its large and lighted sledding hill. With activities spread throughout the year, McHardy Park is certainly a park worth a visit!
Amenities include:
1 men’s and 1 women’s bathroom
3 drinking fountains
1 playground area with swings
1 large picnic shelter with power
1 softball field
fishing pier
lighted sledding hill
lookout tower
Veteran’s memorial
paved drive and parking areas
1 large picnic shelter with power
1 drinking fountain