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- Welcoming Pontiac Oaks to the parks system
- Recipients of Oakland County Parks Community Grant Program announced
- What's included in the 2024 budget
- Picnic shelter dedicated to Vincent Gregory
- Play area named for Oakland County Parks Chairman Gary R. McGillivray
- Mill Pond Dam project updates
- Information on 2024 Annual Vehicle Permits
- Join us for Free Entry Days
- It's harvest time at the Oakland County Farmers Market
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 View of the Creger Lake access at Hawthorne Park, soon to be Pontiac Oaks.
On Oct. 1, 2023, Pontiac Oaks – formerly Hawthorne Park – will become the 15th park in the Oakland County Parks system.
Per the Pontiac Oaks Partnership agreement, Oakland County will invest more than $1.5 million to improve park facilities and will assume long-term responsibility for park management and maintenance, while the City of Pontiac will retain ownership of the park property and provide guidance on park management.
Read the news release for more information.
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 The City of Madison Heights was awarded $22,500 in 2023 Community Grant Program funding to replace the aging basketball courts at Civic Center Park.
Eleven Oakland County communities were awarded a total of $608,166 through the 2023 Oakland County Parks Community Grant Program.
These grants assist local municipalities with planning, preliminary engineering/design and construction costs for community park improvement and trail projects. The funding supports projects that directly benefit residents through increased accessibility, added recreation opportunities and investment in local neighborhoods.
Read the news release for a full list of 2023 projects.
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The Oakland County Parks (OCP) budget for fiscal year 2024 has been approved at $38,261,932 by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission.
The budget highlights new partnerships and planned investments aimed at revitalizing parks and improving the delivery of Oakland County Parks services in the county’s urban population centers. This was made possible by the $20.2 million Oakland County Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan approved by Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2022.
Read the full news release that outlines specific investments at four municipal parks and various parks revitalization projects.
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 The family of Vincent Gregory, who had a long career in public service, was honored at Catalpa Oaks County Park Sept. 18.
The family of Vincent Gregory, who had a long career in public service, was honored at Catalpa Oaks County Park on Sept. 18. A popular pavilion was named the Vincent Gregory Pavilion for his influence in keeping Catalpa Oaks a park for Southfield residents and his belief in the benefits of parks, nature and outdoor recreation. View highlights from the dedication ceremony on our Facebook page.
Gregory served the residents of Oakland County and Michigan in many capacities including: Michigan State Senator (2011-19); Michigan State Representative (2009-11); Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commissioner (2003-08); and Oakland County Commissioner (1998-2008). He was the first African-American from Oakland County elected to the Senate.
He served 30 years with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Department where he achieved the ranks of corporal and detective. Gregory served in the U.S. Marines in Vietnam from 1969-70.
Gregory died Oct. 21, 2022 at the age of 74. He is survived by wife Yonne and children Lawrence, Troi, Vanessa, Courtney and Kristen. His son Vincent Jr. preceded him in death.
He is also survived by grandchildren: Jay, Elijah, Kelsey, Eric, Caiden, Caleb, Kaylin, Reagan, Kaylie and Ashlyn.
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Oakland County Parks (OCP) Director Chris Ward recently announced plans for the construction of an inclusive playground and meeting space in the north section of Ambassador Park in Madison Heights in honor of Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Gary R. McGillivray. Project plans for the “McGillivray Play Garden” include a restroom, looping pathways, fitness area, accessible water feature, pollinator garden and play and activity hubs.
The project is part of a partnership between OCP and the City of Madison Heights aimed at revitalizing Ambassador Park and Red Oaks Nature Center. The partnership was made possible under the Oakland County Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan, a $20.2 million program aimed at enhancing park and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities located in moderate to low-income areas utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds matched by OCP.
Under the terms of the agreement, Oakland County will invest a minimum of $1.5 million to improve park facilities and assume long-term responsibility for park management and operations. The City of Madison Heights will retain ownership of both park properties. Ambassador Park is expected to be incorporated into Red Oaks County Park before the new year. All park visitors will continue to enjoy free entry.
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 Work to the Shiawassee River in downtown Davisburg will continue throughout the autumn season.
Work to the Shiawassee River in downtown Davisburg will continue throughout fall as crews remove the existing deteriorating dam, allowing water to flow naturally through the headwaters and restoring ideal conditions for habitat and wildlife.
“A dam is an artificial barrier for fish and other aquatic organisms,” Oakland County Parks (OCP) Freshwater Program Coordinator Eric Diesing said. “In the newly restored channel and floodplain, fish can pass upstream, aquatic species like native freshwater mussels colonize and wildlife establish homes. It’s a benefit to the ecosystem.”
The dam and mill pond are currently jointly managed by OCP and Springfield Township. Upon project completion, it is anticipated that the channel will create a new boundary between township and OCP property and that ownership of nearby Rotary Park will transfer to the township.
Design, engineering and restoration services for the $4.2 million project is being partially funded with local, state and federal grants. These include $350,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat Grant; $207,472 from the Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund; $25,000 from Saginaw Bay WIN (Watershed Initiative Network); $197,363 in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Passage Program funds; and $50,200 in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Additional funding is being provided by OCP and Springfield Township.
Initial drawdown using the dam structure began in August. Major construction is anticipated to begin this week with Davisburg Road, which stretches above the dam, closed beginning Oct. 2 during installation of an open-bottom culvert. Guests should keep this in mind when visiting Springfield Oaks County Park or Springfield Oaks Golf Course.
Upon project completion, OCP’s Natural Resources team will complete biological and physical surveys to help them maintain the restored habitat.
Visit the Springfield Township website for the construction schedule and project updates.
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 2024 Annual Vehicle Permits go on sale Oct. 1
Enjoy unlimited visits during all four seasons with purchase of a 2024 Oakland County Parks Annual Vehicle Permit. Permits will be available beginning Oct. 1 and are valid for the rest of 2023 through Dec. 31, 2024.
Annual Vehicle Permits provide year-round fun with access to eight day use parks: Addison Oaks County Park north of Rochester; Groveland Oaks County Park in Holly; Highland Oaks County Park in Highland; Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston; Lyon Oaks County Park and Lyon Oaks Dog Park in Lyon Township; Orion Oaks County Park and Orion Oaks Dog Park in Lake Orion; Red Oaks Dog Park in Madison Heights; and Rose Oaks County Park in Holly.
The cost for the Annual Vehicle Permit remains at $30 for residents and $48 regular rate. In addition to park entry, vehicle permit holders receive free parking at the Oakland County Fair on the grounds of Springfield Oaks County Park during two Oakland County Parks Days.
Many individuals are also eligible for a free Annual Vehicle Permit that provides access to trails, dog parks, beaches, playgrounds, fishing docks and other amenities through Dec. 31, 2029. Eligible individuals include Oakland County seniors ages 62 and older, Oakland County residents with permanent disabilities and all active military and veterans.
Permits may be obtained online, by mail and in person at many locations throughout Oakland County. For a list of locations, to purchase online or for the free permit qualifications, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
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