When the weather warms up, everyone wants to be outside soaking up the sunshine and creating special memories. Accessible spaces and adaptive recreation programming make our parks welcoming for everyone.

This summer promises to be one of the busiest yet with activities for all interests, ages and abilities. From kayaking, biking and golfing to off-roading, airplane flights and carnival rides, take a look at what’s planned for summer 2025:

Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration

Join Oakland County as we commemorate the 35^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – a landmark piece of legislation that transformed the lives of millions by breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The July 24 celebration will feature speakers, inclusive activities and local resources on accessibility from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Oakland County Circuit Court Courtyard. Enjoy demonstrations of adaptive sports and equipment, inflatables and yard games, food trucks; and live entertainment.

Dreams and Wings

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Dreams and Wings, where individuals with disabilities who are 6 to 17 years old can enjoy a high-flying expedition alongside an experienced pilot and up to two family members or friends.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how many smiles and how much laughter this program has generated over the past three decades,” said Recreation Program Supervisor Sandy Dorey, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist who leads adaptive recreation for Oakland County Parks (OCP). “Volunteers and philanthropic donors make this a free program that’s a success year after year.”

In addition to the flight, Dreams and Wings includes airplane-themed crafts, fun activities and refreshments, a Dreams and Wings T-shirt, gold aviator wings, and a commemorative flight certificate. Registration is due by June 30. Details and a link to registration can be found on OCP’s Adaptive Recreation webpage.

Day at the Fair

Enjoy scheduled shows and activities like a petting zoo, racing pigs, Miracle of Birth Barn, Sea Lion Show and horse and livestock shows, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at the Oakland County Fair in Springfield Oaks County Park. Then from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., carnival rides are free for individuals with disabilities and one caregiver, courtesy of Big Rock Amusements.

Registration is required. Click to complete the online registration form or scan the QR code on the Day at the Fair flyer. Guests who register by July 10 will receive an email with a free parking pass and can stop by the InFAIRmation booth to obtain ride passes. Visit OakFair.org or call 248-634-8830 for more information.

DiversAbility Days

Free adaptive recreation offerings are available through a partnership between Oakland County Parks and Disability Network Eastern Michigan during the DiversAbility Days:

• Kayaking, a boat ride, archery, use of adaptive equipment and more, including a hot dog lunch, from 4-7 p.m. June 26 at Independence Oaks County Park. Cost: Free.
• Beach, lawn games, use of adaptive equipment and more, including a hot dog lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 6 at Huron-Clinton Metroparks – Lake St. Clair. Cost: A Metroparks sticker or $10/vehicle.
• Farm, lawn games, use of adaptive equipment and more, including a hot dog lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 14 at Maybury State Park. Cost: State park license tab, Michigan Activity Pass or $11/vehicle.

For questions or accommodation requests, call or text 248-221-8040. Register by scanning the QR code on the DiversAbility Days Flyer.

Adaptive Golf Clinics

Join Rec-Connect: Adaptive Recreation & Wellness, Disability Network Eastern Michigan and Oakland County Parks for a Golf Clinic. Golf clinics are scheduled from:

• 10:30 a.m.-noon May 21, Cherry Creek Golf Club in Shelby Township
• 12:30-2 p.m. May 21, Cherry Creek Golf Club in Shelby Township
• 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 17, Red Oaks Golf Course in Madison Heights

All abilities are welcome. Equipment is provided. Contact the Rec-Connect team at 586-268-4160 for questions or accommodation requests.

Register by scanning the QR code on the Adaptive Golf Clinics Flyer or visit https://DNEM.RecDesk.com.

More Golf: Adaptive League Play

A summer adaptive golf league begins at 10 a.m. July 8 and continues on July 15, 22 and 29. During this league, participants play a few holes each week at Red Oaks Golf Course. Golfers will be paired with a volunteer/therapist. Cost is $15/week.

This program is held in collaboration with Oakland County Parks, Disability Network Eastern Michigan and the Reimagine Life Foundation.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and closes on June 30. Register online by clicking the QR code on the Summer Adaptive Golf League Flyer. For more information, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com.

Adaptive Cycling

Enjoy a one-hour bike ride throughout the park during monthly Adaptive Cycling sessions. Choose a bike, date and one-hour time slot between 2-6 p.m. on: May 29, June 5, June 12, Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. All riders must wear a helmet. Bring your own or wear one available at the event. Scan the QR code on the Adaptive Cycling flyer or visit https://DNEM.RecDesk.com for registration information. For more information, call 586-268-4160 or email REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org.

Adaptive Kayaking

Learn to kayak during these one-hour sessions presented by the Rec-Connect: Adaptive Recreation & Wellness, Disability Network Eastern Michigan and Oakland County Parks. Kayaking sessions are scheduled from:

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 11, Port Huron 
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 9, Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 16, Shelby Township
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 20, Port Austin
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16 in Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston 

Equipment and life jackets are provided. A $10 donation is encouraged. Contact the Rec-Connect team at 586-268-4160 for questions or accommodation requests. Register by scanning the QR code on the Adaptive Kayaking Flyer or visit https://DNEM.RecDesk.com. This event is sponsored by Blue Cross, Blue Shield; Consumers Energy and Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Disability Dirt Days

Experience off-roading at Holly Oaks ORV Park during Disability Dirt Days from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1. An off-roading ride will be provided for a rider and one guest (must be at least 10 years old) during this special event, which is presented by Detroit 4Fest, Wheels in Motion, Rehab Without Walls and Oakland County Parks.

Registration is required by scanning the QR code on the Disability Dirt Days Flyer.  For program questions, text or call 248-221-8040.

Learn More

Visit OaklandCountyParks.com for additional information on:

• OCP’s adaptive recreation programming
• Locations for the Quiet Zone, an inclusive space with sensory regulation tools such as noise reducing headphones and fidget tools
• Information on adaptive recreation equipment available at the campgrounds, golf courses and waterpark
• Trail accessibility details
• Therapeutic/Adaptive Recreation Resource Guide

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 roadmap. Follow the Oakland County Executive Office on Facebook and X for updates.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.