Great parks, trails and recreational activities are a big part of what makes Oakland County a special place to live and raise a family. Oakland County Parks has delivered great recreational experiences to the public for nearly 60 years thanks to the generous support of voters. On Nov. 5, voters will consider a millage request for Oakland County Parks (OCP) to:

• RENEW our parks and recreation facilities.
• ENHANCE and expand opportunities to regional walking and water trails, accessibility for people of all abilities, education and enrichment programs and partnerships with local communities to develop new and renewed parks close to our population centers.
• PRESERVE sensitive natural habitats, green space and wetlands.

If approved, free entry and enjoyment of Oakland County parks and dog parks (excluding pay to play attractions such as golf courses, waterpark, campground and off-road vehicle activities) will be made possible.

The ballot proposal asks for authorization to replace OCP’s current 0.35 millage set to expire in 2029 with a new 0.65 millage that would expire in 2043 and extend the millage cycle from 10 to 20 years. If approved, the net 0.30 increased rate will generate an additional $24 million annually. The impact of the net rate increase for the owner of a home with the county’s average residential taxable value would be $40 a year. To see how the funding would be invested county-wide, click here.

Governments typically finance large projects and purchasing through low-interest bonds paid back over a period of years. Due to the limited duration of Oakland County Parks’ current millage, we cannot utilize these tools and must pay for all major capital projects and purchases with cash on hand.

Extending the millage’s duration to 20 years will open the door for low-interest financing to help fund these projects.

This will allow us to continue to build on the partnerships that upgraded playground facilities at Green Acres Park in Hazel Park and Mack-Rowe Park in Royal Oak Township. At Pontiac Oaks County Park, we were also able to complete a new fishing pier. 

Low-interest financing will help fund long-delayed projects as we aim to invest $100 million in major capital improvements to revitalize our parks, trails, recreational attractions and the Oakland County Farmers Market.

It will also offer possibilities to take advantage of opportunities to purchase property well-suited for recreation and conservation purposes, providing preservation and protection of sensitive natural habitats, wetlands, and green spaces.

To learn more about the OCP ballot proposal, click here. Please share this information with your family and friends, and tag us on Facebook or on Instagram.

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 X for updates and visit our dashboard to see the progress being made to ensure Oakland County is All Ways, Moving Forward. Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and services year-round.