Explore: Details Abound in Nature-Themed Playground at Hawk Woods Park in Auburn Hills
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 19, 2023)
Auburn Hills, MI – Hawk Woods Park was already a beautiful place before the recent addition of a playground, which took a small grassy area and made it even better for families who may visit.
The playground came about in part through a $100,000 grant from Oakland County parks and Recreation Park Improvement Grant Program. It’s designed for kids aged two to 12, and is made with sustainable materials.
There are places to climb and slide, as well as some cute details that curious children will love to find. My favorite are the little creatures tucked away in places that little kids will find, like turtles and a row of ants that are part of the structure itself. The different types of wood help the structures fit in with the nature all around them.There’s even a rudimentary telescope kids can use to peer closer at the treetops in search of birds or squirrels, and a rope net that’s an adventure for young climbers. The City of Auburn Hills website credits the Department of Public Works with land preparation, and Midstates Recreation for the equipment and installation.
The park is located in a space full of trees and nature trails. A variety of birds, snakes, deer, and other creatures can be seen around the little lake not far from the playground, and back on the trails are picturesque woods and boardwalks through wetlands. There is also a lodge and an area with cabins for camping.
Hawk Woods is located at 3799 Bald Mountain Rd in Auburn Hills. Learn more at www.AuburnHills.org.
Check out places to Explore in Oakland County and beyond in the Oakland County Times Explore Index. We are currently looking for a sponsor for our Explore! series. If you’d like to help us do more stories like this, please contact editor@oc115.com for more info. Or you can make a donation to our website through PayPal.