|
About Parks and Recreation
In 41 years, the Oakland County Parks
system has grown to nearly 6,000 acres of natural landscapes and
outdoor recreation for Oakland County residents. The 11 Oakland
County Parks offer a wide variety of year-round recreation
opportunities ranging from camping, hiking,
swimming, boating, golfing and picnicking
to cross-country
skiing, ice skating and ice fishing.
New projects for 2007 include the acquisition of 260 acres in
Highland Township.
A $1.4 million grant from the
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, matched with parks and
recreation commission funds, will make possible the purchase of
Highland Township property bordered by Milford Road, White Lake Road
and a portion of the CSX Railroad line.
The property includes diverse
habitats including wetlands, forests and meadows. The park could
offer activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, horseback
riding and wildlife viewing. It also provides potential links to
other recreational areas via the countywide trails network.
 Another
18 acres will be acquired adjacent to Rose Oaks County Park in Rose
Township. Purchased from Holly Area Schools, the property, formerly
a camp for the school system, provides access to the northern
portion of the park and potential trail expansion along the adjacent
utility corridor.
Along with acquisitions, Oakland
County Parks and Recreation will enhance its Natural Resources
Management efforts including land use inventories, park plans, and
implementing initiatives for the continuance of biodiversity.
Controlled burns, deer population management, invasive species
elimination, diseased tree removal, and tree planting are elements
of the natural resources plan.
Two waterparks offer
the motion of the ocean without the sand. Red Oaks and Waterford
Oaks offer wave-action pools, waterslides, interactive water
playgrounds, picnic areas and more.
The Fridge at Waterford Oaks, Michigan's first and only
refrigerated toboggan run, offers two 1,000-foot flumes and a
sledding hill, plus the Lookout Lodge warming building.
Two Nature
Centers offer educational areas, hands-on exhibits and
interpretive programs.
Two Dog
Parks offer fenced areas for dogs to play off-leash.
Five Golf Courses offer challenges for all levels of golfers.
The parks system operates additional programs and facilities
including a Bicycle Motocross track, an adaptive recreation program,
an outdoor amphitheater, and conference and banquet facilities.
A court games complex with Platform Tennis courts and a mobile
recreation program, as well as numerous special activities, events
and classes, are also offered.
The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is proud of its
leadership in preserving park land and creating recreational
opportunities for all the people of Oakland County. The parks
function in an environmentally-sensitive manner to protect the
natural world for future generations.
|
