Parks & Recreation

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

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
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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Oakland County Parks and Recreation 2022 Annual Vehicle Permits Now Available

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Annual vehicle permit

Set yourself up for an adventurous year by purchasing an Oakland County Parks and Recreation 2022 annual vehicle permit.

Crunch some fall leaves on a hike, enjoy the sparkling snow on a fat tire bike ride, treat your pup to a day at a dog park or make friends on the playground. Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers something for every park guest during each season.

Explore the great outdoors and all the amenities the parks have to offer by purchasing a permit online, in-person, or by mail. Plus, they make the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life.

The park system provides free permits to Oakland County residents who are 62-years-old or older, active military, veterans and persons with permanent disabilities as a result of the passing of the 2020 millage.

Discounts are also available for eligible non-Oakland County residents, a second permit for another vehicle in the same household, and groups.

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Autumn Beauty on an Oakland County Trail

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A cement path winds down through a heavily wooded area. Foliage is turning from green to shades of yellow and orange. A deer stands near a tree and is almost hidden as its color blends in with the foliage around it.

As the leaves transition to shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the air gains a crisp autumn edge, there is no better time to venture along one of Oakland County’s many scenic trails. To find the best place to take a walk in nature, check out our list by clicking on the button below:

List of Nature Trails in Oakland County

You can also check out the Oakland County Trail Viewer, an interactive map developed by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team. Each trail is marked using brown lines, while green icons represent parks. When a trail is selected, the map allows you to reference both its length and elevation. When users click on a park icon, its name, size, website, and other helpful information will appear.

From the paved paths at Groveland Oaks in Holly to the expansive trails at Waterford Oaks, you are sure to find the perfect nature trail for you using our list and interactive map.

Do you have a favorite trail in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leaving a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow along us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.

Play Ball at Oakland County Dog Parks

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Looking for a fun place to spend time with your canine kids? You’re in luck! The Oakland County area offers a variety of dog parks. You and your furry friend can have a great time at any one of the local dog parks playing, socializing, and exercising. View all the dog parks in Oakland County below:

List of Dog Parks in Oakland County

Whether you want to play ball at the Lyon Oaks Dog Park in Wixom, swim & doggie paddle at Orion Oaks Dog Park in Lake Orion, or take a stroll at William Grace Dog Park in Farmington Hills, there’s a park for you nearby.

Oakland County’s Parks and Recreation manages three dog parks, which are all open most of the year. See the list above for additional dog parks and details. Rain or shine, the parks are open and waiting to welcome you and your pup!

Do you know of any other dog parks in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, contact us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leave a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.

Navigating Nature Centers in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

If you’d like to learn about the wilds surrounding your everyday life, you’ll love our map of nature centers in Oakland County. This interactive map, created by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team, will lead you on a journey across the county, from center to center, helping you plan a trip to any one of these great locations to learn about the natural world. Sunshine or rain, summer or winter, these nature centers are there for you to help grow your pool of knowledge!

MOTMNatureCenters3

Heritage Park in Farmington Hills. Photo credit: Jonathan Schechter

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