Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park Design Information

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 Oak Park:

• Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park
• Oak Park Event Hub - Farmers Market Structure

Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park

Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park is a 17-acre area located within David H. Shepherd Park in the City of Oak Park. The park is jointly operated by OCP and Oak Park and is owned by the City of Oak Park.

Summary Project Scope

Develop an open space gateway with accessible trails, seating and gathering areas, install a nature-themed playground and update existing pavilions and restrooms. The project is funded by the OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, including $2,500,000 in ARPA funding and $3,710,168 from the OCP Capital Improvement Program.

• An Interlocal Partnership Agreement was signed on Aug. 8, 2023
• The Park Action Plan was signed on Jan. 30, 2024

Park Project – Status: In Process

Oak Park Woods will remain partially open throughout construction. The main playground and pavilion will be closed for the duration to allow for construction of a new restroom building, gathering/seating areas and an exciting new play area as well as updates to the existing pavilion and warming kitchen. 

Oak Park Event Hub - Farmers Market Structure

The Oak Park Event Hub will be located at 13600 Oak Park Blvd. in the City of Oak Park.

Summary Project Scope

The City of Oak Park was awarded a $500,000 grant to fund, in part, a four-season permanent Farmers Market building that will provide access to often subsidized, locally grown Michigan produce. The Farmers Market includes a commercial kitchen to provide cooking classes and nutrition education, and opportunities for hands-on experiences with preparing healthy foods.

• A Grant Agreement was signed on Aug. 8, 2023

Farmers Market – Status: In Process

Oak Park has received 50 percent of the grant funds. The city is working with their engineering and architecture firm, Neumann Smith, to complete the design of the Event Hub project. They expect to bid the work out this spring and begin construction this summer. Construction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026.

Contact Information

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