Over the past few years, the city has undergone a beautification process. Corners have been spruced, landscaping has been planted and a gazebo will be built.

A large part of the project is a park, mural and gazebo on the corner of Johnson Street and Broadway Avenue — an intersection in the middle of town at a four-way stop.

Currently artist Steve DeLaitsch is painting a mural on the Olson Excavating building, 615 Broadway Ave. Adjacent to the building is a green space that was forfeited by back taxes. Soon it will be a park with walkways, landscaping and a gazebo.

“It’s kind of a city project,” said city councilwoman Linda Pederson.

The project, she said, was made possible through many local businesses and people. Work will be done by 4-H students, the gazebo was donated by Larry Nelson of L&D Ag Services, Matt Staloch donated the labor for the gazebo construction, Nancy Skophammer of Farmers State Bank donated trees and residents came together for a spaghetti dinner to help raise funds for the muralist.

The city residents wanted to make the area a park “so people could sit and enjoy it, so that’s what we’re doing with it,” Pederson said.

So far the project is totaling almost $16,000, with $7,000 for the muralist and $8,900 for the gazebo, according to Pederson. Other expenses are not known because they were donated or haven’t yet happened.

The project started two years ago, when Freeborn County approached Hartland about acquiring the land at Johnson and Broadway. It was forfeited by back taxes and the county asked the city if it was interested. The idea for a beautification process then grew.

A corner across the street was also refurbished with the help of 4-H kids and the community. A bus stop building was fixed up, a bench for seating was added and landscape was planted.

“It made it look real nice,” Pederson said.

The work is “to beautify the city, make it look nice for people when they come into town,” she said. “We try to make it a nice community so that people want to live here.”

Because the project came about through a property forfeiture, the city has three years to complete its project. This is the second year and most of the project should be done by the end of summer, Pederson said.

“We really appreciate all the donations of time and money from everybody, because we couldn’t do it otherwise,” she said. “I think our town looks really nice for a small town.”