OCP celebrates revitalized Pontiac Oaks Park

A major renovation of Pontiac Oaks Park will be celebrated during a public ribbon cutting and community event on Sunday, July 12, from 2-6 p.m. The free public event will include a DJ, food trucks, disc golf demonstrations, fishing demonstrations and family activities. Michigan fishing licenses are required for anglers ages 17 and older. Oakland County Parks will give away free youth fishing poles to the first 50 children. 

Pontiac Oaks, formerly known as Hawthorne Park, became Oakland County Parks' 15th county park in 2023, when the former city park transitioned to county parks management through a partnership with the City of Pontiac, which continues to own the property. 

The project is part of Oakland County Parks’ Healthy Communities investment strategy and reflects Mission 26, Oakland County Parks’ framework for expanding access to high-quality parks, natural spaces and recreation opportunities across the county. 

Details:

• Improvements include: 
  • Trail improvements with accessible pathways 
  • Nature play pockets 
  • New pavilion 
  • Redesigned 18-hole disc golf course 
  • Shoreline vegetation management and invasive species removal to open views of Creger Lake and Upper Silver Lake 
  • Natural area restoration and forest management 
• Previous improvements completed since 2023 include:
  • A larger fishing pier
  • Playground expansion
  • Accessible kayak launch
  • Restroom renovations