Oakland County Parks has had a lot to celebrate recently.
The Parks and Recreation Commission and staff have hosted ribbon cuttings at two parks, bringing upgraded and additional recreational amenities to residents.
Partnership agreements with Oak Park and Pontiac allow OCP to invest, operate and program the parks while the cities retain ownership. OCP invested $6.2 million in Oak Park Woods at David H. Shepherd Park and $3 million in Pontiac Oaks Park, formerly Hawthorne Park.
Oak Park Woods encompasses the northern 17 acres at the former Shepherd Park. Improvements feature a large, nature-themed playground, a new warming kitchen, trail and boardwalk improvements, year-round restrooms, parking lot repairs, grills, bike racks and native plants and trees.
Pontiac Oaks Park preserves approximately 122 acres of green space in a lush setting filled with mature trees and natural areas. The park features the shorelines of Creger Lake and Upper Silver Lake, with water access for kayaking, canoeing and fishing through a dock and boat launch. Other amenities include trail improvements with accessible pathways, nature play pockets, new pavilions, a redesigned 18-hole disc golf course and playground enhancements.
Both projects are part of OCP’s Healthy Communities investment strategy and reflect Mission 26, its framework for expanding access to high-quality parks, natural spaces and recreational opportunities across the county. This includes new and planned locations in Southfield, Bloomfield Township, Rochester / Rochester Hills and Troy.
At the same time, OCP is making multimillion-dollar investments in existing and newly added parks, including major renovations, improved amenities and the restoration of natural features at Catalpa Oaks in Southfield, Red Oaks Park in Madison Heights, Southfield Oaks at the former Beech Woods Golf Course and Waterford Oaks in Waterford.
OCP’s investments were from the American Rescue Plan Act and the park system’s capital improvement funds.
These projects demonstrate how local partnerships can grow the county park system, improve existing public land, bring county park service closer to residents and create welcoming outdoor places that support health, connection and quality of life.
Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park is located at 24198 Church St. in Oak Park. Entry is free. Hours are 8 a.m.to dusk.
Pontiac Oaks Park is located at 1400 Telegraph Rd. in Pontiac. Entry is free. Hours are 8 a.m. to dusk.
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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