Oakland County embraces its diverse communities and is committed to the well-being of all residents. This summer, Oakland County Parks invites individuals with disabilities to enjoy adaptive biking, kayaking, archery—and even an airplane flight! Review the list of events and activities below. For more information, click here.
DiversAbility Days
DiversAbility Days features adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities, sports and games as well as lunch. The special days are held in collaboration with Oakland County Parks, Disability Network Eastern Michigan, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Rehab Without Walls Neuro Rehabilitation. Enjoy adaptive bikes, archery, kayaking, golf and boat rides as well as yard games, farm animals, beach access, face painting and more. Attend one, two or all of these events:
- DiversAbility Days Oakland, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 26 at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston
- DiversAbility Day Macomb, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 31 at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township
- DiversAbility Day Maybury, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 22 at Maybury State Park in Northville
Register at www.tinyurl.com/DiversAbilityDay. For more information, call 586-268-4160 or email REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org.
Adaptive Golf League
Join a modified league where participants will play a few holes each week. All abilities are welcome. Golfers will be paired with a volunteer/therapist. League play will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, July 16, July 30, Aug. 13, Aug. 27 and Sept. 10 at Red Oaks Golf Course, 29600 John R Road in Madison Heights. Cost is $70 for the five sessions.
Register by July 10 by scanning the QR code on the Golf League Flyer and completing the digital form. Staff will follow up with additional details and payment information. This program is held in collaboration with Oakland County Parks, Disability Network Eastern Michigan and the Rim Foundation. For more information, call or text 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com.
Dreams and Wings
Seated beside an experienced pilot in an airplane, individuals ages 6-17 with disabilities and up to two family members and/or friends can experience the world from a new perspective during Dreams & Wings on Saturday, July 13 at the Maven by Midfield hanger at the Oakland County International Airport in Waterford.
The day includes a short ground school to learn about airplanes and how they fly, educational displays, fun activities and refreshments. Each child with a disability receives a Dreams & Wings T-shirt, gold aviator wings, commemorative flight certificate and lifelong memories.
There is no charge to attend.
Registration is due by June 25. Submission of the registration form for limited time slots does not guarantee a flight reservation. Applications are entered in a selection lottery with first-time participants receiving priority. Participants will be notified via email by June 28 and applicants whose names are not drawn will be placed on a waiting list. Flight times will be assigned from 9 a.m.-noon.
For more information, call or text 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com.
Adaptive Kayaking
Learn the basics of kayaking! All abilities welcome and all supplies provided. Attend one or all of these summer/early fall sessions:
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, June 18 at Independence Oaks County Park, $10/person, no entry fee
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Stony Creek Metropark, $10/person with entry of $10/vehicle or Metroparks sticker
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12 at Independence Oaks County Park, $10/person, no entry fee
Upcoming Events
There is so much for individuals of all abilities to do at Oakland County Parks! Mark your calendar for these summer events, designed for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Program registration opens six weeks prior to the date of each event. Register early because these programs fill up quickly!
- Summer Sizzler – 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 13, Independence Oaks County Park, $10/person; $5/caregiver
- Adaptive 4H Fair Day – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, July 11, Springfield Oaks County Park, free. Carnival rides are courtesy of Big Rock Amusements for individuals with disabilities and one caregiver. Participants can also enjoy scheduled activities and show. Preregistration required at oakfair.org.
- Summer Splash – 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, Waterford Oaks Wave Pool, $10/person; $5/caregiver. Splashing in the wave pool, music and dinner.
- Slice of Summer – 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, Oak Park Community Center, $10/person; $5/caregiver. Dinner, music, dancing and miniature golf.
For registration and information, please contact OCPrecreation@oakgov.com or call 248-221-8040.
For information on other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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