Catalpa Oaks Project Details

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 three of these projects in the works in Southfield:

• Catalpa Oaks County Park
• Southfield Oaks County Park within Beech Woods Park
• Beech Woods Park Playground

Catalpa Oaks County Park

Catalpa Oaks is a 24-acre Oakland County Park located in the City of Southfield.

Summary Project Scope

Improve the parking lot with new pavement and stormwater management and add an accessible plaza with shaded gathering and seating areas to welcome visitors to the park. The project is funded by the OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, including $750,000 in ARPA funding and $1,490,000 from the OCP Capital Improvement Program.

Catalpa Oaks - Status: In Process

The park is closed for construction work, including a paved parking lot, new picnic shelter, improved accessible pathways and playground expansion. Renovations are expected to conclude in late summer 2026 although there will be intermittent closures throughout the year to allow for turf growth. 

Southfield Oaks County Park within Beech Woods Park

Southfield Oaks is a 39-acre area located within Beech Woods Park in the City of Southfield. The area is operated by OCP and owned by the City of Southfield.

Summary Project Scope

OCP management commenced April 1, 2024. The park is not yet open to the public. OCP has contracted with Stantec for design and engineering services. Construction management contract with Stantec was executed Dec. 11, 2024.  

Southfield Oaks - Status: In Process

The former golf course is in the process of being reconnected to the Rouge River floodplain with trails that weave throughout the newly restored landscape. Work is underway and Southfield Oaks is expected to open in 2026.  

Beech Woods Park Playground and Shade Structure Project

Beech Woods Park is an 82-acre park owned and operated by the City of Southfield. 

Summary Project Scope

The City of Southfield was awarded a $500,000 grant from the OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan for the construction of an inclusive playground designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for children of all abilities. This inclusive approach promotes social interaction and enables children to develop valuable friendships while playing together.

• A Grant Agreement was signed on Nov. 29, 2023

Beech Woods - Status: Complete

The playground opened in 2025.

Contact Information

Simon Rivers
Parks & Recreation Planning Supervisor
248-421-9033
riverss@oakgov.com