The Township acquired Wise Woods and Victory Park from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 2012. The Township purchased the property from the State to be used for public outdoor recreation. The southern portion of the property, previously known as the Proud Lake Recreation Area – East Unit, was partially used in the 1950s as a Nike missile base by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Township subsequently named the portion of the property south of Wise Road, Victory Park. The southern portion includes woods, the former Nike missile site, open fields, streams, wetlands and informal trails.
Deed restrictions focus on conservation and wildlife habitat protection with active, outdoor recreation facilities permitted in and around the former Nike missile area on the south parcel. Parks millage money was instrumental in obtaining ownership of the property.
A long-term master plan was developed for the Wise Woods/Victory Park property in 2014 with a focus on passive recreation and trails throughout both properties with more active recreation in Victory Park including a large pavilion with restrooms, parking, dog park, soccer fields, open space, playground and splash pad.