Oakland County Parks and Recreation Seeks Input on New 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

photo of wetlands at Independence Oaks North

We want your feedback! The new Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan is available online and OCPR is encouraging Oakland County residents to continue to share their feedback. Their plan will help build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future for OCPR by updating the strategic plan vision and mission by adding four core values to the 2023-2027 Recreation Plan.

The plan will guide OCPR staff and the Parks Commission in their efforts to provide high-quality recreational opportunities to Oakland County residents over the next five years. It follows the Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans provided by the Grants Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and will replace the previous 5-year plan, which expires on December 31, 2022.

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Conifers, Evergreens, and Christmas Trees

black bear in tree

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

I will assume you started reading today’s Wilder Side of Oakland County because of the black bear in the tree. I’ll confess: I used that photo to draw attention to today’s blog. However, I captured that image about 10 years ago in northern Ontario when a black bear yearling took shelter in the lofty branches of a spruce tree, one of many types of conifer trees in North America. It was retreating from humans, myself included, and we wisely went our separate ways.

The season of the annual Christmas tree hunt has arrived. But just what is a “Christmas tree?” The last few weeks had questions coming my way inquiring about “wild” Christmas trees of Oakland County. One question had an obvious error that had me laughing. The writer meant to inquire about different kinds of conifers that grow in Oakland County that would make good Christmas trees. A spell check error had him asking about good carnivorous trees for his home. Conifer trees do however provide excellent ambush habit for carnivorous birds such as Cooper’s hawks that wait for prey to fly by.

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Be Thankful – Opt Outside!

lake with some snow on it with snow-covered trees on the shore

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Fall and winter hiking is an exhilarating experience, especially after a blanket of fresh snow. Don’t let the chilly weather hold you back; unless perhaps you are visiting snowbound Buffalo. The important thing is to be thankful that you have the opportunity to “Opt OutSide.” Make the day after Thanksgiving, a day to embrace the concept of Opt Outside! I’ll be out there too, not long after sunrise. I might even have a turkey sandwich stashed in my day pack along with a mug of hot cocoa.

The #OptOutside movement was started in 2015 by the outdoor retail company REI. The basic meaning of Opt Outside is to enjoy the outdoors on Black Friday instead of a crowded shopping frenzy. Since 2015, REI has closed its doors on Black Friday—inviting employees and members to spend time outside rather than shopping. This year, REI just announced their Opt Outside movement will be permanent for all their employees.

Many other retailers have joined a similar movement to close their doors on Thanksgiving Day to encourage employees and early bird shoppers to stay at home with their loved ones. In addition, Oakland County Parks and Recreation also hosts one of their Park Appreciation Days on Thanksgiving, when visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, playgrounds, dog parks and all park amenities.

There are plenty of adventures on the wilder side of Oakland County this season, whether you are taking advantage of Oakland County Parks Appreciation Day on Thursday, or Opting Outside on Friday (or both)!

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October Adventures in Oakland County

Fungi growing on tree

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

October has been a golden month; a time for hiking, cider making, leaf peeping, and endless adventure within Oakland County and beyond. I will miss those days that were punctuated by earlier sunsets, later sunrises, and clear, star-studded night skies. Mother Nature teased us a few times with snowflakes, hail pellets, and strong wind gusts, but sunny days and temperatures that climbed into the seventies in this final week dominated the month before rains came near the end. That rain fueled a final emergence of fantastic forest fungi, including shelf fungus that grows on trees.  

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Dog Parks in Oakland County

Dog plays with owner at Orion Oaks Dog Park

Looking for a fun place to spend time with your pup? You’re in luck! Oakland County offers a variety of dog parks for you and your furry friend to have a great time playing, socializing, and exercising. View all the dog parks in Oakland County below on our new interactive map, or checking out our list of parks.

Map of dog parks in Oakland County

Farmington Hills

William Grace Dog Park (Farmington and Farmington Hills residents only)
29040 Shiawassee Road,  48336
248-473-1800

Ferndale

Ferndale Dog Park (residents only)
Hilton Road, just south of Nine Mile Road, 48220
248-544-6767

Hazel Park

Hazel Park Dog Park
Couzens Avenue, 48030
248-546-7000

Lake Orion

Orion Oaks Dog Park
1200 Joslyn Road, 48360
248-625-0877

Madison Heights

Red Oaks Dog Park
31353 Dequindre, 48071
248-585-0100

Milford

Milford Dog Park
Adjacent to Milford Trail, near General Motors Road trailhead and parking lot
248-684-1515

Novi

Novi Dog Park
42390 Nick Lidstrom Drive, 48375
248-347-0400

Pleasant Ridge

Pleasant Ridge Dog Park (residents only)
north end of Gainsboro Park, 48069
248-451-2902

Royal Oak

Mark Twain Dog Park
4600 N Campbell Road, 48067
248-246-3000

Shelby Township

Stony Creek Metropark
4300 Main Park Road, 48316
586-781-4242

Troy

Daisy Knight Dog Park
3410 Livernois, 48084
248-524-3484

West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield Dog Park (residents only)
5911 Halsted Road, 48322
248-451-1900

Wixom

Lyon Oaks Dog Park
52221 Pontiac Trail, 48393
248-858-0906

Do you know of any other pet parks in the Oakland County area? Let us know by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com or leaving a comment below.

Photo courtesy of Oakland County Parks and Recreation.


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