County Investment to Help Madison Heights Improve, and Connect, Red Oaks and Ambassador Park
(OCP, Sept. 12, 2023)
Madison Heights, MI – Oakland County Parks (OCP) and the City of Madison Heights have entered into a partnership agreement aimed at revitalizing Ambassador Park and Red Oaks Nature Center. These community facilities are respectively located at 600 E. 13 Mile Road and 30300 Hales St. in the City of Madison Heights.
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.
OCP and the City of Madison Heights invite residents of the city and the surrounding areas to provide their input regarding the future of Ambassador Park and Red Oaks Nature Center, and their priorities for the revitalization project, at three upcoming public engagement events in Madison Heights:
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Chinese Community Center, 32585 Concord Drive
- Monday, Sept. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 360 W. 13 Mile Road
- Friday, Sept. 22, 1-3 p.m. at Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St.
During these events, attendees will learn more about Ambassador Park and Red Oaks Nature Center. They can share their input on their future by visiting staffed stations with maps of the facilities as well as information about their history and the nature found there. Attendees can identify park amenities that are most important to them. Residents are invited to share their own stories of being at the parks with OCP. Comment cards and survey sheets will also be available.
Those who are unable to attend the events are invited to complete an online survey to share their feedback. The survey is available at OaklandCountyParks.com.
“We are looking forward to talking with community members and hearing what they’re most interested in and what’s important to them in a park,” OCP Manager – Planning & Development Melissa Prowse said. “We’re excited to incorporate Ambassador Park into our Red Oaks park complex and offer some new recreational activities for the community. Guests can also expect to see improvements at Red Oaks Nature Center.”
“The City of Madison Heights is excited to collaborate with Oakland County Parks to reimage Ambassador Park,” Madison Heights City Manager Melissa Marsh said. “Parks and playgrounds are vital in supporting the city’s quality of life priorities. This project will help residents of all ages have improved access to safe spaces for physical activity, meditation and play.”
The Madison Heights partnership was made possible under Oakland County’s Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment 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. Additional long-term park partnerships are planned in the City of Oak Park, the City of Southfield and the City of Pontiac.
Ambassador Park is an active community park located on seven acres. Recreational features include a half-mile jogging/walking track, play structure, small sled hill, soccer field, tennis courts and ice rink.
Red Oaks Nature Center is nestled in 37-acre Friendship Woods, which offers an outdoor component for family nature programs. The center’s interior includes native live animals, displays and classroom space. A 1.3-mile paved trail is used for programs, hiking, biking and walking. The sensory trail features a storybook trail. Year-round educational programs presented by park naturalists are available to the public.
For more information about Oakland County Parks, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and X.
