When the summer sun starts to shine and temperatures heat up, everyone naturally wants to head outside for fun activities and special memories. Accessible parks and adaptive recreation programming make the Oakland County Parks (OCP) welcoming for all guests.

OCP offers an active Adaptive Recreation program to ensure Oakland County residents of all ages and abilities can reap the physical health and mental benefits of parks. This includes the challenge of trying a new activity, the joy of being outdoors among nature and the social rewards of new friendships.

This summer is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet, with kayaking, biking, golfing off-roading, airplane flights, carnival rides and more all on the 2026 schedule. Review what OCP has planned below and get ready to fill your calendar with adventure and fun!

American with Disabilities Act Celebration

Join Oakland County as we commemorate the 36^th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) – a landmark piece of legislation that transformed the lives of millions by breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion, equality and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The Aug. 20 celebration will feature guest speakers, inclusive activities and local resources dedicated to accessibility and advocacy 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 for all ages; food trucks; live entertainment; a DJ and more as we take time as a community to focus on building a better, more accessible world for all.

Try 9 Golf

Summer means it’s time to hit links, but if you’ve never played before, the thought of picking up a golf club can be a little intimidating. Try 9 Golf is a new program that gives participants the opportunity to experience golf at their own pace at Red Oaks Golf Course.

“Last year we launched a highly popular golf clinic, so this year we wanted to change the format a little bit to let first-time golfers know that this is a sport they absolutely can feel comfortable trying out,” said Recreation Program Supervisor Sandy Dorey. “Sometimes you never know how much you’ll enjoy an activity until you experience it firsthand.”

Join Disability Network Eastern Michigan and Oakland County Parks to either learn the basics of golf or sharpen your skills. There are three sessions, but to allow everyone a chance to participate, each person may register for one of the following dates:

• 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, June 9,16 and 23

Spots are limited and adaptive equipment is available for use. Cost is $14/person. Call 248-221-8040 for program questions. Call 248-858-0916 to sign-up or register online.

Adaptive Golf League

Already love golf and want to play more frequently? Then the Adaptive Golf League is for you! During this modified league, participants play a few holes each week at Red Oaks Golf Course. All abilities are welcome. Golfers will be paired with a volunteer/therapist. Cost is $75 for all four sessions and an end-of-league pizza party. Play will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and Sept. 8.

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

Register online by Aug. 4. Since the program is limited to 12 participants, if capacity is reached, applicants will be entered in a selection lottery. Those not selected will be added to a waitlist. For more information, call 248-221-8040 or email

OCPrecreation@oakgov.com.

Adaptive Fishing

Join us for a day of catching fish and enjoying the great outdoors at Independence Oaks County Park during Adaptive Fishing sessions. All equipment is provided so all you need to do is get ready for some fun! Register for the following sessions:

• 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, May 12 and 26
• 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, June 3 and 17
• 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29

Another adaptive fishing opportunity is scheduled from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 at Thompson Pond in Fort Gratiot.

The program is held in partnership with Rec-Connect: Adaptive Recreation & Wellness. Scan the QR code on the Adaptive Fishing flyer or visit https://dnem.recdesk.com for registration information. All abilities are welcome. For more information, call 586-268-4160 or email REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org.

Adaptive Archery

Take aim at the bullseye to improve your concentration and physical fitness while having fun at the archery range during Adaptive Archery from 12:30-2 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m. May 13 and Aug. 17 at Independence Oaks County Park. Watch for registration details soon at OaklandCountyParks.com.

Adaptive Cycling

Enjoy a 1-hour bike ride throughout Independence Oaks County Park during monthly Adaptive Cycling sessions. Choose a bike, date and one-hour time slot between 2-6 p.m. on the following dates: May 14, 21 and 28, July 9 and 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 and 8. All riders must wear a helmet. Bring your own or wear one available at the event.

Other adaptive cycling opportunities are available from 2-6 p.m. Aug. 3 at McIntyre Park in Fort Gratiot and Aug. 11 at Rowden Park in Lapeer.

The program is held in partnership with Rec-Connect: Adaptive Recreation & Wellness and Oakland County Parks. Scan the QR code on the Adaptive Cycling flyer or visit https://dnem.recdesk.com for registration information. All abilities are welcome. For more information, call 586-268-4160 or email REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org.

Disability Dirt Days

Adventure is around every corner during Disability Dirt Days. Experience all the thrills of off-roading at Holly Oaks ORV Park from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sundays, May 17, Aug. 23 or Oct. 18. 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 Wheels in Motion, Rehab Without Walls and Oakland County Parks.

Online registration is required. Those who register will be sent a confirmation email with additional details prior to the event date. For program questions, text or call 248-221-8040.

DiversAbility Days

If you have several interests and want to make the most of your time outdoors, the DiversAbility Days series is for you! Free adaptive recreation offerings are available through a partnership between Rec-Connect: Adaptive Recreation & Wellness, Oakland County Parks, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Rehab Without Walls and Wheels in Motion during this series jam-packed with fun recreational activities. Check out what’s on the schedule this year:

• June 1: Archery and more from 4-7 p.m. at McIntyre Park in Fort Gratiot
• June 18: Splash pad, archery use of adaptive equipment and more, (includes hot dog lunch), from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Normandy Oaks Park in Royal Oak. Cost: Free. Registration deadline: June 11
• Aug. 5: Archery, boat rides, use of adaptive equipment and more, (includes hot dog lunch), from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township. Cost: $10/vehicle. Registration deadline: July 29
• Aug. 13: Kayaking, boat rides, lawn games, use of adaptive equipment and more, (includes hot dog lunch), from 4-7 p.m. at Independence Oaks County Park. Cost: Free. Registration deadline: Aug. 6

For questions or accommodation requests, call or text 248-221-8040. Register online today!

Adaptive Kayaking

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

• June 11: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Port Huron
• June 24: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston
• July 8: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township
• Aug. 19: 9 a.m.-noon at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township
• Sept. 9: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston

No kayaking experience is necessary. Equipment and life jackets are provided. All abilities are welcome. There is a $10 donation to hold your spot.

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, Blue Care Network.

Dreams and Wings

Dreams and Wings is always a favorite summer event because of its high-flying fun! Individuals ages 6-17 with disabilities can enjoy a flight expedition alongside an experienced pilot and up to two family members and/or friends from 9 a.m.-noon July 11 at the Oakland County International Airport.

In addition to the flight, Dreams and Wings includes airplane-themed crafts, fun activities and refreshments. Each child with a disability receives a Dreams and Wings T-shirt, gold aviator wings, commemorative flight certificate and lifelong memories. Online registration is due by June 26. Details can be found on OCP’s Adaptive Recreation webpage.

Day at the Fair

Nothing says summer fun more than an old-fashioned 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 16 at the Oakland County Fair in Springfield Oaks County Park. Then from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., take the carnival rides for a spin. 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. Guests who register by July 9 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.

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
• Spring 2026 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.

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