Warm weather beckons everyone outdoors. From hiking opportunities and weekly nature interpretive programs, to the beginning of another season of fun at the campgrounds, waterparks, court games complex or golf courses, make the Oakland County Parks your close-to-home, outdoor destination. Please use 248 area code. If outside local calling area, dial 1.888.OCPARKS.
May 15- October 25 Addison Oaks open for 7-day camping. Call 693.2432.
May 15 - September 27 Groveland Oaks open for 7-day camping. Call 634.9811.
May 21 Campground Recreation program kicks off at Addison and Groveland Oaks. Daily activities for campers and park visitors. Addison Oaks programs end Oct. 18; Groveland Oaks ends Sept. 27.
Camp Wilderness at Independence Oaks County Park near Clarkston offers group camping. Organized groups, such as scouts, churches, day camps, etc., can camp overnight seven days from April - November. Special arrangements can be made for winter camping.
Surrounded by a wooded area and open field, the campground features two group areas accommodating up to 160 campers. Amenities include six platform tents (each sleeps four), two pavilions for meals and group activities, water, electricity, showers, restrooms, grills, picnic tables, fire rings and benches.
Campers have access to the nature center, trail system and (in season) beach and boating.
Both waterparks open May 23. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., based on lifeguard availability. During the month of July, the waterparks are open until 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Red Oaks, in Madison Heights, offers a wave-action pool and a triple-flume waterslide plus "Splashtown", which includes a river ride, splash zone and children's water playground. In addition, there are picnic areas, a sun shelter, concessions, bathhouse with lockers and showers, and more. Special group rates and birthday party packages available. Call 585.6990.
Waterford Oaks, in Waterford, named Best Waterworld by Detroit Monthly Magazine, includes The Big Bucket (children's water playground), Ragin' Rapids (515-foot-long group raft ride), The Wave (Michigan's first wave-action pool) and the Slidewinder (double-flume waterslide). Amenities include volleyball courts, picnic areas, concessions and bathouse with lockers and showers. Special group rates and birthday party packages available. Call 858.0918.
June 8 - Sept. 3 Double Dip 2-for-1 Twilight Entry, Monday Thursday, Waterford Oaks Waterpark only. Purchase one admission and get a second admission of equal or lesser value FREE! 4-7 p.m. during June & August; 4-8 p.m. in July.
August 14 Military Day. Active military personnel free (with current I.D.) and discounted admission for immediate family at Red Oaks and Waterford Oaks waterparks.
June 6 Hearty River Hike, 2-3:30 p.m., Wint Nature Center, Independence Oaks. Bring the family out for a heart healthy hike. We will be exploring the glory of the season at the park. Exercise your body and learn about the magic of spring on a naturalist-led hike. Trail snacks and water will be provided. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Rain or shine, we will hike. $1/person.
June 13 Salute to America Appreciation Day. June is Great Outdoors Month. Free park entry at day-use parks.
June 19-20 Great Oakland County Backyard Campout, Berkley. 546-2450. Details
June 20 Fathers Day Canoe & Campfire, 7-9:30 p.m., Wint Nature Center, Independence Oaks. Celebrate fathers during this outdoor adventure including a campfire snack and a paddle around Crooked Lake. Geared for ages 5 and older. Bring a canoe or rent one at the park boathouse (rentals limited). Everyone must wear a life jacket. Meet at the boathouse. $2/person. $4/hour canoe rental. Prepay to register.
June 27-28 Great Oakland County Backyard Campout, Huntington Woods. 541-3030. Details
June 27 Great American Backyard Campout. This is another opportunity for you to campout with your family, in your own backyard! Camping resources and information on this Outdoor Industry Foundations (OIF) and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Initiative can be found at www.outdoorindustryfoundation.org/programs.gabc.html.
July 7-12 Oakland County Fair, Springfield Oaks. Mark your calendar now! Plan to take a "day-cation" with gas- and time-savings plus farm life fun for all ages. Thursday, July 9 is Oakland County Parks Day -- free parking with 2009 OCP Annual Vehicle Permit! For details visit www.oakfair.org.
July 3 Fireworks display at Addison Oaks, dusk. Park entry fee: $10/vehicle after 5 p.m. Entry free with 2009 Oakland County Parks Annual Vehicle Permit. Call 693.2432.
July 4 Fireworks display at Groveland Oaks, dusk. Park entry fee: $10/vehicle after 5 p.m. Entry free with 2009 Oakland County Parks Annual Vehicle Permit. Call 634.9811.
July 5 - 12 Michigan Senior Olympics Summer Games, Rochester. Events include race walk, softball, swimming, tennis, golf, archery, track and field, cycling, bowling and more. Athletes compete in ribbon and medal events. For a complete list of events and to register, visit www.michiganseniorolympics.org or call 248.608.0250.
July 12 Ride for Red – 10 a.m., Waterford Oaks County Park
Motorcyclists are invited to support the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Chapter by land. Riders start at Waterford Oaks and will ride roughly 80 miles, making stops at Independence Oaks County Park, near Clarkston, and Addison Oaks County Park, near Oxford. After the race, participants are invited to Gus O’Connor’s in Rochester for an ox roast and entertainment. There will be freebies, refreshments, and opportunities for participants to win prizes. Proceeds benefit services to the Armed Forces, health and safety and local disaster relief programs. Registration takes place until July 1. Cost is $30/participant and $20/passenger. For more information or to register, visit http://www.semredcross.org.
August 1 Wheelchair Daze, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Independence Oaks
Get your wheels in motion! Those with disabilities of all ages, and their immediate family, are welcome to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the park. The event includes carnival games, clowns, tattoos, barrier-free boat rides, and much more! There will also be a barbecue lunch and plenty of cotton candy. The entire event is free, including free park admittance and parking. Register online at: www.FirstToServe.com by clicking on the Wheelchair Daze icon, or contact Sherri Szep at 248.829.8277.
Sept. 19 & Oct. 10 Free Wood Chips Pick-up Day, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Orion Oaks. Enter at Clarkston Road gate. Bring your own tools, wheelbarrows, buckets, etc.
All programs take place at the Wint Nature Center, Independence Oaks County Park. Pre-registration is required; call 248.625.6473. A trail walk is often part of the program, so please dress for the weather and trail conditions.
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 248.437.7345 and leave your name, phone number and number of people attending. May be paid on the day of the program or mailed to Lyon Oaks Nature Center, 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393. A trail walk is often part of the program, so please dress for the weather and trail conditions.
Scout Leaders Both the Wint Nature Center and Lyon Oaks Nature Center offer Badge Days which fulfill requirements for various scout badges. A ratio of one adult per five scouts is required. Space is limited and pre-registration is mandatory. Call for details, costs and availability. No refund
ATTENTION Jr. Girl Scout Leaders! The Ellis Barn Festival will be held Oct. 10, 2009 from 1-4 p.m. at Springfield Oaks County Park. It centers on an 1884 antique barn. Lots of activities will occur including horse-drawn hayrides, barn tours, crafts, farm animals, pioneer toys, antique tractors, mini barn dance and more! These activities will help in several badges including Local Lore, My Heritage, Dance and Folk Arts. Admission is only $5 per car! Join us for an afternoon of fun and learning. Questions? Please call Kathy Thomas at 248.625.6473.
June 6 Grassland Birds Walk. 8 - 10 a.m., Orion Oaks: meet at the Clarkston Road parking lot. Join Nancy Tar, field trip coordinator from Oakland Audubon, for a bird walk to see some of the rarest bird species in Oakland County. This is a Natural Resources Stewardship Program. To register or for more information, call 858.0704 or e-mail doughertyk@oakgov.com.
June 27 Annual Butterfly Count, 10 a.m. - noon Golden Preserve &/OR noon 3 p.m, .Independence Oaks. The North American Butterfly Associations butterfly count will be held in two locations this year! This count helps to track butterfly populations and reveal important information about the geographical distribution and population size of each species counted. The count will start at Oakland Land Conservancy's Golden Preserve at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Independence Oaks. This is a wonderful family event! All supplies needed are provided. Cost $3. Register at www.stewardshipnetwork.org or 858.0704.
August 22 Lake Ecology Stewardship Eco Series, 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m., Independence Oaks. Look at the water quality of a lake by participating in lake assessment measuring various physical and chemical attributes of the water and searching for aquatic invasive species. The program will be led by Dr. Lois Wolfson, Water Quality Specialist in the Dept. of Fisheries and Wild Life and the Institute of Water Research at MSU, and Howard Wandell. Exec. Director of the Michigan Chapter of the North American Lake management Society. Cost $20/$25. Register online at www.stewardshipnetwork.org. For more info, call 858.0704 or e-mail doughertyk@oakgov.com.
October 24 Invasive Shrub Removal, Independence Oaks, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join Oakland County Parks stewardship staff members to help remove invasives from one of the few natural areas within the park. Invasive woody plants out-compete nature vegetation and soon dominate natural areas. Help staff combat these invaders. Be prepared to pull, cut and get dirty. Parking permits will be provided to workers along with gloves, water and snacks. Register at 858.0706.
These summer camps are offered through the Oakland County Parks Recreation Department. Advance registration is required. Contact your local parks and recreation department for fees and registration.Camp details.
T.O.G.A. Extreme Camp (Teens Outside Great Adventures) (ages 11 - 15)
Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Independence Oaks. Optional overnight on Thursday. Combine outdoor leadership, adventure, teambuilding and outdoor recreation into five days full of fun and excitement.
T.O.G.A. Trips
Get off the couch and discover. Designed for teens ages 12 - 17. Named "Best Teen Program" by Michigan Recreation and Park Association. Contact participating community parks and recreation departments to register: Huntington Woods, Independence Township, Northville, Novi, Oak Park or Wixom. Details.
July 11 - 12 The 24-hour Experience, 10 a.m. – 10 a.m. Independence Oaks. immerse yourself in nature with this unique experience – almost a full 24 hours of outdoor adventure, team-building, outdoor living, nature exploration and nighttime activities – cat naps included!
August 25 Teens Outside Slide & Ride, 5 – 8 p.m. Red Oaks Waterpark. We’re keeping Red Oaks Waterpark open just for you! Kayak or float the river ride. Brave the twisted sister triple waterslide. Enjoy munchies. Make new friends! $8/person
August 27 Teens Outside Surf & Spa, 5-8 p.m. Waterford Oaks Waterpark. We’re keeping Waterford Oaks Waterpark open just for you! Surf or body board the wicked wavepool. Enjoy the bonfire and snacks. Relax with friends! $8/person.
For information on any Oakland County Parks-sponsored golf outings, tournaments or special events, please contact Paul Simpson at 437.1495 or simpsonp@oakgov.com.
"NET GEN" DISCOUNTS FOR YOUNG ADULTS!
Golfers ages 18 - 26 can save $2 on greens fees for nine holes by showing the NetGen Discount Card at Oakland County golf courses (Lyon Oaks excluded). As an added bonus, punches can be earned for the Golfer Loyalty Program. The free cards are available at Oakland County golf course pro shops. Valid any day of the week; not valid for leagues or with other discount offers.
League Discount Cards
The 2009 League members who sign up for the League Discount Card will be able to use them at all four Oakland County Parks golf courses.
April - October Juniors Play Free, All Oakland County Parks courses. Juniors play free with a paid adult on weekends after 4 p.m. Ages 7 - 17.
Monday - Friday, May 26 - August 28 Rise 'n Nine, Before 8 a.m. -- 9-hole Green Fees only $8/person at Glen Oaks, Springfield Oaks and White Lake Oaks (cart additional). Lyon Oaks includes the cart for $20/person. Same rates for regulars, seniors and juniors. Details.
June 12, July 10, August 14 Nine & Dine, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Lyon Oaks. Play 9 holes with cart and top it off with a light dinner in the Lyon Oaks clubhouse. Includes range balls. $29/person.
June 15-19 Total Golf Adventures - Junior Golf Camp, Glen Oaks Golf Course. Mon Fri 10am-3pm for children entering grades 1-8. Learn the game, play golf, & lunch. More info and registration at http://eastoaklandco.totalgolfadventures.com/programs_camps.asp
June 17 Top 50 Junior Tour, Lyon Oaks. Junior tournament for ages 12 - 19. Register at www.top50jrtour.com.
June 18 U.S. Kids Tour, Glen Oaks Golf Course. U.S. Kids junior golf tournament. Register at Michigan PGA.
June 22-24 OR July 20-22 OR August 10-12 First Tee Golf Camp, Lyon Oaks Golf Course. Three days, 4 hours/day for ages 7 - 16. Cost $110. Offered by First Tee of Michigan.
Throughout July Bring Your Kid to the Range, Lyon Oaks. During July, kids get a free small bucket of balls with the purchase of any size bucket. Ages 4 - 17. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. More info at www.playgolfamerica.com.
July 6-12 Take Your Daughter to the Course Week, All courses. Free golf for junior girls with a paying adult. Ages 7 - 17. More info at www.playgolfamerica.com.
July 7 U.S. Kids Tour, White Lake Oaks Golf Course. U.S. Kids junior golf tournament. Ages 5 - 14. Register at Michigan PGA.
July 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug. 6, 13 First Tee Golf Classes, Glen Oaks Golf Course. Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. for beginning level golfers ages 7 - 12. Cost is $55 for six, hour-long classes. Register with First Tee of Michigan.
July 13 Michigan PGA Junior Tournament, Lyon Oaks. Junior tournament. Ages 9 - 16. Register at Michigan PGA.
July 13-17 Total Golf Adventures - Junior Golf Camp, Glen Oaks Golf Course. Mon Fri 10am-3pm for children entering grades 1-8. Learn the game, play golf, & lunch. More info and registration at http://eastoaklandco.totalgolfadventures.com/programs_camps.asp
July 23 Seniors/Retirees Open, Springfield Oaks. Senior Golf Tournament. Ages 55 - 85.
August 7 35th Annual Junior Tournament, White Lake Oaks Golf Course. Light lunch provided. Ages 10 and under, 9 holes (back 9), Ages 11 - 17, 18 holes. Check in: 7 a.m. Shotgun start: 7:30 a.m. Application.
August 9-10 Womens Atlas Cup, Lyon Oaks. Top 12 public players vs. top 12 private club players. Hosted by the Golf Association of Michigan.
August 10-12 First Tee Golf Camp, Lyon Oaks Golf Course. Three day, 4 hours/day. Ages 7 - 16. Offered by First Tee of Michigan.
August 10-14 Total Golf Adventures - Junior Golf Camp, Glen Oaks Golf Course. Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for children entering grades 1-8. Learn the game, play golf, & lunch. More info and registration at http://eastoaklandco.totalgolfadventures.com/programs_camps.asp
August 14 Warren Orlick Memorial Golf Outing, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., White Lake Oaks Golf Course. $40/9 holes & lunch. For details, call 858.7596. Registration form.
August 21 Seniors/Retirees Open, White Lake Oaks. Senior golf tournament. Ages 55 - 85.
September 4-7 Patriot Days, All courses. Golfers are asked to donate a minimum of $1 to Fallen Heros Fund. Info at www.patriotgolfday.com.
Sept. 11 Clarkston SCAMPS' 22nd ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF OUTING, White Lake Oaks Golf Course. Benefits Special CAMPs for special kids. 9a.m. Shotgun start after full buffet breakfast. Includes lunch from grill, awards with open bar and hors d'oeuvres, special event prizes, gift and door prizes. Applications and additional information available at www.clarkstonscamp.com.
For more information, call the Oakland County Parks Trails Coordinator at 248.858.4611.
Through Aug. 7 Walk Michigan/Walk Oakland! Visit an Oakland County Park this summer and walk for a chance to win a trip for two to Mackinac Island this Labor Day weekend (as well as weekly drawings and prizes). Download the walk forms or pick one up at the park's contact station. After each walk, drop them off at any Oakland County Park to enter the drawing. Walks should be at least 1 mile in length, and forms must be submitted no later than August 7 to be eligible for the grand prize trip. Contact Laurie Stasiak at: stasiakl@oakgov.com or 858.4929.
June 15 - Aug 18, Mondays and Wednesdays Take a Hike Level 1 (20 sessions). 6:45-7:45 p.m. Orion Oaks. Do you like to walk but need more of a challenge? Use the parks terrain for a one-hour hike and resistance program that will include fast/slow walking intervals to get your heart pumping. Bring a mat, water bottle and sturdy walking shoes or cross-trainers. Perfect for all levels of fitness. Register with Lake Orion School Community Education Program #4204S. 248.693.5436. http://www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/comedbrochure.pdf.
Through September 26 BMX racing, Saturdays. National Bicycle League sanctioned. NBL Membership required. For details visit www.waterfordoaksbmx.com
July 3, 4 & 5 NBL National Event. Spectators free.
July 8, 15, 22
August 5, 12, 19, 26 BMX Clinics, Waterford Oaks BMX Track. Get involved in an olympic sport. Come and learn to ride BMX. Bring full equipment and sack lunch. To register or more details, call 858.0915.
Memorial Day through Labor Day, Waterford Oaks Court Games Complex. Sand volleyball, children's playscape, picnic shelter and restrooms. Call 858.5433 for details.
For individuals with a developmental or physical disability. 858.7596
Mar. - Dec. Blaze - Adult Recreation Basketball, 6 - 9 a.m. Boulan Middle School, Free. Ages 16 and over.
June 26 Goal Ball Clinics, 6:30 8 p.m., John Grace Community Center, Southfield. Participants are blindfolded and teams compete by throwing a ball with a bell into the opponents goal then listen for the bell sound to judge the balls location. Clinics are open to players ages 6 years and older. Thirty minutes instructional and one hour competitive play. Cost: $3/week. For information or registration call 858.7596.
Mondays, May - July Blaze Adaptive Golf Lessons, 5 - 6 p.m. Beechwood in Southfield. $13/person. Ages 6 and over. For details and reservations, call 796.4673.
Mondays, May - July Blaze Adaptive Tennis Lessons, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Beechwood in Southfield. $8/person. Ages 6 and over. For details and reservations, call 796.4673.
Tuesdays, June - Aug. Blaze Golf League, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. White Lake Oaks. $15/person. Ages 6 and over.
Thursdays, June - Aug. Easter Seals Camp, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Various locations. Ages 6 -18.
June 25 American Picnic, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.. Independence Oaks County Park. $8/person. Ages 16 and over.
July 10 Oakland County Fair, Springfield Oaks County Park.
July 23 Summer Social, 7 - 9 p.m. Clawson City Park. $5/participant. Ages 16 and over.
August 1 Wheelchair Daze, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Independence Oaks
Get your wheels in motion! Those with disabilities of all ages, and their immediate family, are welcome to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the park. The event includes carnival games, clowns, tattoos, barrier-free boat rides, and much more! There will also be a barbecue lunch and plenty of cotton candy. The entire event is free, including free park admittance and parking. Register online at: www.FirstToServe.com by clicking on the Wheelchair Daze icon, or contact Sherri Szep at 829.8277.
August 5 Red Oaks Waterpark, 7-9 p.m. Use of waterpark attractions and outdoor dinner. $8/person.
August 14 Warren Orlick Memorial Golf Outing, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., White Lake Oaks Golf Course. $40/9 holes & lunch. For details, call 858-7596.
Sept 17, Nov 19 TGIT, 7 - 9 p.m., Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 7 - 9 p.m. $5/participant. Ages 16 and over.
