Campground renovations
A $1.5 million campground renovation project is underway at Groveland Oaks County Park near Holly.
Fifty-two campsites will have electrical upgrades, water and new sanitary hookups to keep pace with the changing trends RV owners expect. Today’s RV’s feature flat screen TVs, satellite dishes, full kitchens, washers and dryers which were straining the park’s1980s electrical system causing power outages.
Electrical failures are not good customer service and the overburdened system posed a safety hazard for guests and our staff.
In 2014, the Parks and Recreation Commission upgraded electrical service to 60 campsites investing $1.5 million, but the campground continued to have power outages, making the new investment necessary.
The current project is taking place in sections A & B of the campground and should be completed by Memorial Day weekend.
An additional project at Groveland Oaks includes the removal of a 31-year-old waterslide and wooden stair tower that has reached the end of its lifecycle. Depending on weather conditions, the attraction will be removed by early to late May.
Staff had original expectations to replace the slide tower, however, poor soil conditions at the location more than doubled the original estimated replacement cost to $300,000. The cost to remove the waterslide is $64,208.
Trail Enhancement Project
Improving accessibility and providing trails that are available to all users is a high priority for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. Our 80+ miles of trails are the number one reason people visit the parks.
A project in progress at Independence Oaks County Park will create an accessible loop all the way around 68-acre Crooked Lake, providing a beautiful trail experience and lake views for users of all abilities.
The Lakeshore Loop Trail project also includes replacement of an existing boardwalk to resolve high water issues caused by lake level fluctuations.
The improvement project is expected to be completed by the end of June and the trail will once again be open to the public.
TrailBlazer Walking Series
And, speaking of trails, our popular TrailBlazer Walking Series returns for its second year with extreme hikes, morning walks and more park treks.
Informational hikes will be led by parks staff who will point out ecological features and share interesting park facts along the way. The program is free; no registration is required. An annual vehicle permit or daily park pass is required at Addison Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks, Red Oaks and Rose Oaks county parks. It is recommended that participants bring bug spray and a refillable water bottle.
The program runs through Oct. 19. For a complete list of hikes, click here.
Check out all of the May 2019 OCPR events here and for more information, please call me anytime – even on evenings, weekends and holidays. I am always excited to share details about events at the parks. I can be reached at 248-858-4944 (office), 248-343-6214 (cell) or StencilD@oakgov.com
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