As a local realtor in Oakland County, Michigan, I am constantly on the lookout for the best places to live, work, and play. One of the things that makes Oakland County such a wonderful place to call home is its abundance of beautiful local parks. These parks offer residents of all ages a chance to get outside, enjoy nature, and stay active. Here are six of my favorite local parks in Oakland County:
Independence Oaks – Clarkston, Michigan
Independence Oaks County Park is a 1,286-acre park that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. The park features several lakes, including Crooked Lake, where visitors can use or rent paddle boards, kayaks and other non-motorized vessels. In addition to boating, Independence Oaks is also full of peaceful picnic areas, trails for hiking and biking, a swimming beach, fishing docks and fun playgrounds. The park is also home to the Wint Nature Center where visitors of all ages can learn about wildlife & conservation.
Kensington Metropark – Milford, Michigan
Kensington Metropark is a 4,481-acre park located in the heart of Milford. Dog lovers, rejoice! This park is chock full of dog-friendly areas for families with four-legged friends. Kensington features a 4.5-acre fenced-in dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs. The dog park also includes a pond for dogs to swim in, agility equipment, and a dog wash station. Additionally, for those without pets, visitors can enjoy Kent Lake’s beach, boat rentals, and fishing docks along with trails, a nature center, picnic areas, and a golf course. In the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Rotary Park – Livonia, Michigan
Do you enjoy outdoor sports? Rotary Park is a 30-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities. The park features a large playground, a picnic shelter, walking trails, and a disc golf course. Visitors also enjoy playing tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball on the well-maintained courts. Events at Rotary Park are year-round! Enjoy movies in the park, concerts, and a holiday lights display.
Heritage Park – Farmington Hills, Michigan
Heritage Park is a 211-acre park located in Farmington Hills. This park features several walking trails, a picnic shelter, a playground, and a splash pad, perfect for cooling off with the kids. Visitors also enjoy fishing in the park’s pond, playing basketball and playing tennis. Heritage Park also features the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center home to educational programs and activities related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Be sure to stop by the farmer’s market that runs from May until October!
Rochester Municipal Park – Rochester, Michigan
Rochester Municipal Park is a 75-acre park that features a variety of recreational activities. This park features multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and a fishing pond. Visitors can also enjoy playing tennis, volleyball, and horseshoes. The park hosts several events throughout the year, including my favorite, the Arts and Apples art fair hosted by Paint Creek Center for the Arts. Don’t miss their summer concert series or movies in the park with your kiddos!
Innovation Hills Park – Rochester Hills, Michigan
Innovation Hills Park is a 110-acre park that opened in 2018. The park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages. Innovation Hills features several walking trails, including a boardwalk trail that takes visitors through a wetland area. One of the park’s main attractions is a 2-acre universal play area that is accessible to all visitors, regardless of ability. This play area includes a treehouse, a zip line, turf sledding, sand pit and interactive sensory river. Innovation Hills gets my vote for one of the best playgrounds in Oakland County!
Living near a park can add so much vibrancy to your life. If you’re looking to buy a home, these parks are just one of the many reasons why Oakland County is a great place to call home. As a local realtor, I am dedicated to helping you find the perfect home. Contact me today to get started!
