60 Years of Oakland County Parks

A Message from the Parks Director Chris Ward  

It’s easy to take for granted the incredible parks and natural spaces we enjoy today. But it began with a choice.

In 1966, Oakland County voters approved a new parks millage by just 51 percent - a slim margin that made all the difference. That single decision made the founding of Oakland County Parks possible.

In the decades since, thousands of acres have been preserved and developed into the outstanding park system we love today. Dedicated public servants have acted as stewards of these special places. And countless memories have been created - first hikes, family gatherings, quiet mornings on the water, afternoons that turned into traditions.

None of it was inevitable. It happened because people chose to make it happen, and kept choosing, year after year.

Today, Oakland County looks very different than it did in 1966. So do the challenges we face. In a post-pandemic world increasingly shaped by the impacts of a changing climate, we are again adapting -focusing on health, access for all, year-round activation and reaching residents who haven’t yet experienced what these parks can offer.

That work continues because of you. The voters who said yes. The families who show up. The community that believes public land matters.

Thank you for 60 years. Here’s to what we’ll build together next!

A Look Back 

• 1967 - Manley Davis donated 169 acres of his family’s homestead in Davisburg (the Manley home is pictured at top right) for the creation of a county-owned park and operation of Springfield Oaks Golf Course was transferred to the newly formed Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. Waterford Oaks County Park, formerly the site of the Evangelical Mission Church and campground, was also purchased (photo at bottom right)
• 1968 - The 197-acre Paradise Campground and Beach was purchased and renamed Groveland Oaks County Park
• 1969 - The 700-acre Tudor Hills Gun Club and Game Preserve in Leonard was purchased and renamed Addison Oaks County Park. OCPRC purchased 337 acres to establish Independence Oaks County Park
• 1971 - White Lake Oaks Golf Course, formerly Twin Lakes Golf Course, was acquired
• 1975 - 9-hole Red Oaks Golf Course was built atop  the Red Run Drain 
• 1976 - Michigan’s first wave-action pool opens at Waterford Oaks. Excavated soil was molded into the adjacent bicycle motocross track
• 1978 - Glen Oaks Golf Club was purchased
• 1980 - Orion Oaks was acquired
• 1985 - The Lewis E. Wint Nature Center opened
• 1987 - Red Oaks Waterpark opened, featuring the largest wave-action pool in Michigan and a giant triple waterslide
• 1992 - Lyon Oaks opened to the public
• 1995 - Rose Oaks, a favorite among local equestrians, was acquired
• 2005 - The Ellis Barn was deconstructed and moved, board by board, from its historic location on Dixie Highway and reconstructed at Springfield Oaks County Park
• 2007 - Catalpa Oaks and Highland Oaks were acquired
• 2012 - OCPRC assumed management and operation of the Oakland County Market and began operation and management of the Madison Heights Nature Center
• 2020 - Holly Oaks ORV park opened
• 2023 - Hawthorne Park in Pontiac becomes Pontiac Oaks Park with the City of Pontiac retaining ownership and OCP assuming management responsibilities
• 2024 - Construction started at Ambassador Park, Shepherd Park, Oak Park Woods and Southfield Oaks and with a $2,175,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board, Turtle Woods was acquired
• 2025 - Clinton River Oaks was acquired 

We can't wait to celebrate our anniversary with you! 

Watch for OCP’s popular mascot, Oakie the Squirrel around town as he'll be making appearances throughout local communities wearing his special anniversary-themed apparel.

OCP will also host several specially themed events for the public to enjoy, including a Birthday Bash in July, historical programming like Fireside Chats and historical exhibits.

Details will be available below and on our Events Calendar closer to each event.

You can also click here to receive email updates on park happenings.

Share Your Memories

Residents are encouraged to join the celebration and share their favorite park memories at Facebook.com/OCParks.

Additional Information

• Special 60th Anniversary edition of the OAKNotes newsletter
• Anniversary news release