Pontiac Oaks 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 Pontiac:

• Pontiac Oaks County Park
• Crystal Lake Park Revitalization

Pontiac Oaks County Park

Pontiac Oaks, formerly known as Hawthorne Park, is a 77-acre park in Pontiac. The park is operated by Oakland County Parks and owned by the City of Pontiac.

Summary Project Scope

Provide for a safe and welcoming environment by replacing outdated buildings, adding amenities and increasing accessibility. Management of shoreline vegetation and invasive species will provide clear views of Cregar Lake and Upper Silver Lake, and visitors will be able to fish and launch canoes and kayaks off the new accessible dock. Trail improvements, natural area restoration and forest management will provide quality experiences in nature.

OCP will assist the City with acquisition of additional parkland to increase park acreage and is committed to investing a minimum of $1.5 million from the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan in Pontiac Oaks.

Pontiac Oaks - Status: In Process

Project is in the initial construction phase, which will include accessible pathways, nature play pockets, improved lake views, a new pavilion and accessible kayak launch. Pontiac Oaks County Park will be fully closed from Oct. 1-10, 2025 so concrete work and other construction tasks can be completed. The park is scheduled to re-open to the public on Oct. 11, but since work is weather-dependent, please check back here or follow our Facebook page for updates. Construction is expected to be completed in late Fall 2025.  

Crystal Lake Park Revitalization

Crystal Lake Park is a 43-acre park along the north side of Crystal Lake in the southwest portion of the City of Pontiac. Currently closed to the public, it is owned and operated by Pontiac.

Summary Project Scope

The City of Pontiac received a $500,000 grant from the OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan to reclaim and revitalize Crystal Lake Park so that its abundant environmental, recreation and historic resources may be enjoyed by residents. Due to vandalism and deteriorating conditions, the park has been closed. Funding will provide resources for cleaning up the park, and repair and restoration of the amenities.

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

Crystal Lake Park - Status: In Process

Pontiac has received 50 percent of the grant funds. The City has contracted with DLZ for design of the park renovations. The project is in schematic design phase. The overall park master plan will be phased to ensure the park opens to residents within the grant period.

Contact Information

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