The Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan is a $20.2 million program aimed at enhancing park and recreation opportunities in Oakland County using $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds matched with an additional $5.2 million in funding from OCP. There are two of these projects in the works in Hazel Park:

• Green Acres Park
• Hazel Park Community Center

Green Acres Park

Green Acres Park is a 17.9-acre park owned and operated by the City of Hazel Park.

Summary Project Scope

The City of Hazel Park was allocated $400,000 from OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan for a new accessible playground with associated access routes, amenities and manufacturer's warranty for play equipment, as well as planning assistance for future projects. 

• The License Agreement and Consent to Work agreement was signed on May 11, 2023

Playground Replacement - Status: Complete

The playground replacement project removed outdated equipment and expanded the playground area from 1,125 square feet to approximately 4,500 square feet. The new playground has an urban nature theme, is appropriate for children age 2 to 12, and offers the following features:

• Six swings, including two infant swings and one accessible swing
• Three slides of varying heights
• Three musical play elements
• Two spring riders
• Three climbing structures
• Three bench seats with backs and shade structures around exterior of play area
• Several activity panels that promote sensory experience and imaginative play
• Poured-in-place rubber surfacing that enhances access to the main playground features

The grant also funded restroom improvements, including plumbing, electrical, plumbing fixtures, new counters, new bathroom accessories, new partitions, accessibility improvements, new lighting fixtures, paint and epoxy floor finish.  

Planning Assistance - Status: Complete

The original scope of the planning assistance was limited to developing a pocket park plan for Hazel Park's numerous small parks (under five acres). An update of the City's 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which is due for renewal in 2025, was incorporated into this scope. Hazel Park contracted with planning consultant Giffels Webster to develop the recreation plan. Hazel Park City Council approved the recreation plan on Jan. 14, 2025 and submitted it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  

Hazel Park Community Center Modernization Project

The Hazel Park Community Center is located at 620 W. Woodward Heights in the City of Hazel Park.

Summary Project Scope

The City of Hazel Park was awarded a $300,000 grant from the OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan for upgrades to the Hazel Park Community Center. Upgrades may include HVAC improvements, door and window replacements, updates to floors, walls and ceilings, and bathroom improvements. The improvements will include the development of a new Oakland County Parks South Office, which will be a community meeting and office space for OCP and Hazel Park staff as well as other partners and groups. 

• A Grant Agreement was signed on Aug. 21, 2023

Community Center - Status: In Process

Hazel Park has received 50 percent of the grant funds from OCP. The City has contracted with AKA Architects for design and engineering services. The project is in the final design phase. 

Contact Information

Simon Rivers
Interim Planning Lead
248-421-9033
riverss@oakgov.com