Oakland County

Nine Downtowns Honored During Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event

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Highland Township’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) captured the Spirit of Main Street award, as nine downtowns were honored on May 5 during Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event, a gala celebration recognizing excellence in Oakland County downtown and historic commercial corridor revitalization.

Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) is a unique economic development program for downtowns, with a historic preservation philosophy and an emphasis on “sense of place.” The program helps local government develop their downtowns as vibrant, successful districts that serve as the heart of their communities.

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Brandon Township’s Crown Jewel

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments
Brandon Township Community Park entrance sign

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

A common misconception exists that one must travel “up north” to enjoy a few hours of nature’s way or just escape life’s daily hustle and bustle. Not so. The splendor of exploring easily accessible nature is never far away; a fact I encounter over and over no matter where I am. Sometimes you just need to know where to go!

In early May, I shared my nature-embracing adventure at the Red Oaks Nature Center in Madison Heights. Today, I’m highlighting my visit from the middle of May to a lesser-known park with a “Living Tree Library” in northernmost Oakland County that’s located just shy of the Genesee County line.

The Brandon Township Community Park encompasses 33 acres and is managed by Brandon Township Parks and Recreation. Just like Red Oaks Nature Center, the park has an easily accessible paved trail. I look at it as the township’s crown jewel, a site hidden away in plain sight that’s open to the public free of charge.

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Celebrate National Trails Day on an Oakland County trail

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Two people walking on trail at Catalpa Oaks County Park in Southfield

Oakland County and its surrounding areas offer miles and miles of trails for your fitness and enjoyment on National Trails Day, June 4! It’s the perfect time to get outside and take a stroll, jog through a park, bike with friends, kick up some dirt at Holly Oaks ORV Park, saddle up on a horse, or paddle down a river. Whether you’re looking to get some vitamin D, exercise, or just want to enjoy some quiet time with nature, there’s no shortage of trails to meet your needs in Oakland County.

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Oakland County Board of Commissioners Program Recognizes Older Adults in the County

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Group photo of Oakland County Commissioners who nominated county residents for the Older Adult Award

60 is the new 50. Maybe it’s that 80 is the new 70. Either way, ideas about gray-haired people spending their days in rocking chairs are on the way out, and older adults are earning a new reputation as active and involved community members.

In honor of Older Americans Month, 12 community members were recognized by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners with 2022 Oakland County Outstanding Older Adult Awards. The program, spearheaded by Commissioner Kristen Nelson (District 5), was designed to highlight Oakland County residents 60 years and older who demonstrate a passion for volunteerism and community service. Commissioners were invited to nominate a resident from their district for this special award program.

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