Recognizing the benefits of connecting veterans with each other and nature upon re-entry into civilian life, nonprofit Freedom River, Inc., set out to create a space in southeast Michigan to serve as a peaceful respite for veterans, active military members, and their families. A 94-acre site in Hamburg Township along the Huron River and Gut Lake was selected to create a new, comprehensive outdoor veteran recreation center and private campground. Freedom River owners US Army Veteran Jeff Yeakey and his wife Janna live next to the property, which they bought in 2021 with money raised from personal donations. Funds from the 2023-24 Michigan state budget also supported the project. Construction kicked off with a formal ground-breaking in late June 2024.

Wade Trim surveyors, engineers, and other professionals have donated time and expertise and coordinated with Freedom River representatives to develop the site plan. The campground plan features tent camping, RV space, and family cabins, along with amenities such as a welcome center, memorial plaza, chapel, service dog training facility, sports fields, and docks on the nearby waterways. A wetland delineation for the site was completed, along with well investigations and a traffic study for driveway connections. Civil infrastructure design included sanitary, domestic water, and site stormwater management. Wade Trim coordinated site plan approval through Hamburg Township and is assisting with ongoing permitting and final construction document development.

Rendering and photo provided by Freedom River, Inc.