The Oakland County Parks contribute to a high quality of life that attracts businesses and residents to our communities.
In 44 years, the Oakland County Parks system has grown to more than 6,500 acres of natural landscapes and outdoor recreation for Oakland County residents. The 13 Oakland County Parks offer a wide variety of year-round recreation opportunities ranging from camping, hiking, swimming, boating, golfing and picnicking to cross-country skiing, ice skating and ice fishing.
Major maintenance and capital improvement projects for 2010 include:
Completion of a new barrier-free playground at Waterford Oaks. The playground is slated to be a regional draw and addresses issues of accessibility and promotes inclusive play. The 13,000-square-foot structure features a Michigan landscape, including an "up North Woods" cabin, tree play structure, sand dunes are, marsh with climbing cattails, raised sand play area, horizontal and vertical climbing areas and rock climbing areas.
Aerial surveys of the parks for master planning, topographical and wetland delineation purposes.
Installation of a safety path connector trail at Addison Oaks.
Addition of a three-acre dog park on the Red Oaks Waterpark property in Madison Heights.
Improvements to recreational fields, parking lot and constuction of a concession/storage building at Catalpa Oaks.
Master plans will be revised for Independence, Groveland, White Lake and Highland Oaks county parks.
Restroom renovation in section C and construction of a rental equipment station/storage building at Groveland Oaks campground, and shade structures at the mini-golf course will be installed through a partnership with Oakland Trade School.
Improvements to wildlife viewing area and upgrading audio/visual systems at Wint Nature Center.
Construction of a pavilion/vending structure at Orion Oaks dog park.
Relocation of guest entrance at Red Oaks Waterpark and relocation of entrance drive at Red Oaks Golf Course. A partnership with the City of Madison Heights and Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner will result in installation of a playground at the Red Oaks Youth Soccer Complex.
The Fridge refrigerated toboggan run will be closed for the 2010-11 season due to the need for extensive repairs. Staff will consider the possible reconfiguration of The Fridge as part of a more comprehensive winter sports complex.
Experience the Oakland County Parks:
Enjoy two waterparks; the motion of the ocean without the sand -- a favorite family tradition.
Two Nature Centers offer programs and exhibits which help strenthen families and enhance knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
Two Dog Parks unleash great opportunities to build relationships - canine and human.
Valuable green space is preserved at five Golf Courses while providing challenges for all levels of golfers.
The parks system operates additional programs and facilities including a Bicycle Motocross track, an adaptive recreation program, an outdoor amphitheater, and conference and banquet facilities. Platform Tennis courts and a mobile recreation program, as well as numerous special activities, events and classes, are also offered.
The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is proud of its leadership in preserving park land and creating recreational opportunities for all the people of Oakland County. The parks function in an environmentally-sensitive manner to protect the natural world for future generations.
