"Hi" Pray Park
"Hi" Pray Park is located on the west side of Elk Lake Road, just north of Old M-72. Address of the park is 6075 Elk Lake Road, Williamsburg, MI. The majority of the property (8½ acres) was deeded to Whitewater Township by Elk Rapids Public Schools in 1992 to be used for recreational purposes.
The park, located on the old Williamsburg School property, was named “Hi” Pray Park as a result of a request to the residents for name suggestions.
“Hi” was born June 16, 1909 and spent a good portion of his life in Williamsburg. His father, Gilbert, owned and operated the old Williamsburg feed mill and also bought potatoes from local farmers. “Hi” attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 1931. While at WMU, he was a member and captain of their baseball team. “Hi” and his wife, Rhea, taught at several schools in the area, including Williamsburg, for a number of years. He served as postmaster of the Williamsburg Post Office for fourteen years and then as rural route mail carrier.
An avid baseball player, “Hi” played semi-professional ball in the Traverse City area. He was a first class pitcher for Williamsburg and the old Traverse City Merchants. He even had a tryout with a major league team. “Hi” started the original diamond in back of the old high school. He coached and managed the team for years and also helped out with Little League ball.
Baseball was his love and “Hi” gave unselfishly of his time to work with the youth of the Williamsburg community, teaching and guiding them. Having no children of his own, the youth he worked with became his extended family. One resident summed it up by saying that naming the park “Hi” Pray Park “would be a fine tribute to a fine man.”
The park, located on the old Williamsburg School property, was named “Hi” Pray Park as a result of a request to the residents for name suggestions.
“Hi” was born June 16, 1909 and spent a good portion of his life in Williamsburg. His father, Gilbert, owned and operated the old Williamsburg feed mill and also bought potatoes from local farmers. “Hi” attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 1931. While at WMU, he was a member and captain of their baseball team. “Hi” and his wife, Rhea, taught at several schools in the area, including Williamsburg, for a number of years. He served as postmaster of the Williamsburg Post Office for fourteen years and then as rural route mail carrier.
An avid baseball player, “Hi” played semi-professional ball in the Traverse City area. He was a first class pitcher for Williamsburg and the old Traverse City Merchants. He even had a tryout with a major league team. “Hi” started the original diamond in back of the old high school. He coached and managed the team for years and also helped out with Little League ball.
Baseball was his love and “Hi” gave unselfishly of his time to work with the youth of the Williamsburg community, teaching and guiding them. Having no children of his own, the youth he worked with became his extended family. One resident summed it up by saying that naming the park “Hi” Pray Park “would be a fine tribute to a fine man.”
Pavilion
The pavilion at “Hi” Pray Park is available for family reunions, birthday/graduation parties and other events. There are four picnic tables under the covered area of the pavilion. The fee for pavilion rental is $75.00.
Other Amenities at Hi Pray Park:
Main ball field with lights
Little League field (no lights)
Batting cage (must be reserved)
Basketball court
Tennis/pickleball courts
Playground equipment near the pavilion
Two grills near the pavilion
Ample parking
Contact the Park Manager's office for pavilion or batting cage reservations or additional information, [email protected].
Other Amenities at Hi Pray Park:
Main ball field with lights
Little League field (no lights)
Batting cage (must be reserved)
Basketball court
Tennis/pickleball courts
Playground equipment near the pavilion
Two grills near the pavilion
Ample parking
Contact the Park Manager's office for pavilion or batting cage reservations or additional information, [email protected].
