A core value – one of four – at Oakland County Parks (OCP) is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. At OCP, that means grounding organizational decisions in equity and justice, and providing parks and recreation services that feel safe and welcoming to all. OCP is committed to ensuring that people of different abilities can participate in any program or event hosted by OCP. OCP has a full-time therapeutic recreation specialist who coordinates programs for individuals with different abilities and provides training for other staff and volunteers, so they are prepared to assist at events. For more information, email adaptive@oakgov.com.
Upcoming OCP Adaptive Recreation Events
Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Nov. 16 (6-8 p.m. at Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation)
Boot Scootin’ Boogie is an event for individuals aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities. It will be held at Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation, 1827 N. Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills, and includes a DJ, music, dancing and pizza. The cost is $10/participant and $5/caregiver. Bus transportation from Southfield Parks and Recreation, 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield, will be available for an additional $5/person. Pick up at 5:30 p.m. and drop off by 8:30 p.m.
Pre-registration with payment is required by Friday, Nov. 10. Please call 248-858-0916 to register. For more information, call/text 248-221-8040.
Jingle Bell Ball – Dec. 12, 2023 (6-8 p.m. at Waterford Oaks Activity Center)
Jingle Bell Ball is an event for individuals aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities. It will be held at Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford and includes music, dancing, pizza and a gift for the participant. The cost is $12/participant and $6/caregiver. Bus transportation from Southfield Parks and Recreation, 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield, will be available for an additional $5/person. Pick up at 5:30 p.m. and drop off by 8:30 p.m.
Pre-registration with payment is required by Friday, Dec. 8. Please call 248-858-0916 to register. For more information, call/text 248-221-8040.
Almost New Year’s (Royal Oak) – Dec. 27, 2023 (6-8 p.m. at Mahany/Meininger Community Center)
Almost New Year’s is an event for individuals aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities. It will be held at the Mahany/Meininger Community Center, 3500 Marais Avenue in Royal Oak, and includes music, dancing, pizza and New Year’s Eve activities. Cost is $12/participant and $6/caregiver.
Pre-registration with payment is required by Wednesday, Dec. 20. Please call 248-858-0916 to register. For more information, call/text 248-221-8040.
Almost New Year’s (Waterford) – Dec. 28, 2023 (6-8 p.m. at Waterford Oaks Activity Center)
Almost New Year’s is an event for individuals aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities. It will be held at the Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford, and includes music, dancing, pizza and New Year’s Eve activities. Cost is $12/participant and $6/caregiver.
Pre-registration with payment is required by Wednesday, Dec. 20. Please call 248-858-0916 to register. For more information, call/text 248-221-8040.
Other Adaptive Recreation Opportunities at OCP
Paved Trails – paved trails are available at Addison Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Red Oaks Nature Center and Waterford Oaks county parks.
Camping – OCP campgrounds have campsites, cabins and yurts with accessible features available.
Golf – Single rider carts are available for individuals with physical disabilities at OCP golf courses. Some carts include a swivel seat that moves to a standing position and pivots left or right for maximum flexibility. Please contact the course 72 hours prior to tee time to arrange a cart.
Pedal Boats – Hand-operated boats are available at Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks when the boathouses are open. Call Addison Oaks or Groveland Oaks campgrounds for boathouse hours.
Pool Transfer Chairs – Red Oaks Waterpark and Waterford Oaks Wave Pool are equipped with water transfer chairs that enable individuals to transfer from a wheelchair into the water.
Picnicking – All OCP parks have wheelchair-accessible picnic tables.
Check OCP’s Adaptive Recreation webpage for the latest information and updates on adaptive recreation opportunities at OCP.
Oakland County offers residents quality, affordable housing in welcoming neighborhoods with access to parks and recreation, public transportation, and healthy food as part of the Livable Neighborhoods goal in our five-year road map. Follow the Oakland County Executive Office on Facebook and Twitter for updates and visit our dashboard to see the progress being made to ensure Oakland County is All Ways, Moving Forward. More community resources are available on the Oakland County Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion resources webpage.
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