Oakland County Parks Eliminate Entry Fee and Vehicle Permits Following Millage Vote
(Oakland County Parks, Nov. 17, 2024)
Oakland County, MI- Effective immediately, general park entry fees and vehicle permits have been eliminated for all parks operated by Oakland County Parks (OCP). This change in policy reflects a commitment outlined in OCP’s millage proposal, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters on Nov. 5.
“More than 7,000 acres of county parkland are now available for residents to explore and enjoy at no cost thanks to the tremendous support of voters for increased funding for Oakland County Parks,” Director Chris Ward said. “We are grateful to the taxpayers and will be working hard to ensure their investment in recreation pays big dividends in the form of great parks, trails and things to do throughout the year.”
OCP operates the following day-use parks and dog parks: Addison Oaks, Catalpa Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks (park and dog park), Orion Oaks (park and dog park), Pontiac Oaks, Red Oaks (nature center and dog park), Rose Oaks, Springfield Oaks and Waterford Oaks. Please note that fees will remain in place for pay to play activities like golf, waterpark tickets, campground reservations, off-road vehicle park entry and similar activities. Parks operated by other agencies, such as state parks, Huron-Clinton Metroparks and local parks may continue to require entry fees or permits.
“Our wonderful county parks are a big part of the equation that makes Oakland County a special place to live and raise a family,” Oakland County Commission Board Chair David T. Woodward said. “Approval of the millage proposal will usher in an exciting new period of renewal of the parks that we love and growth to create new recreational opportunities that will benefit all of us.”
Visitors to county parks who are not Oakland County residents will be asked to make a voluntary contribution in recognition of support provided by Oakland County taxpayers to develop and maintain the parks system.
Free general park entry will provide visitors with opportunities to enjoy many activities, like walking trails, casting a fishing line, exploring playgrounds, disc golfing, pickleball, visiting nature centers and off-leash dog parks.
During warmer weather, guests can plan a picnic with friends and family members, enjoy kayaking and visit beaches at Groveland Oaks and Independence Oaks. Winter months bring opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, sledding and platform tennis. In most cases, guests must supply their own equipment, although some rentals, such as kayaks, bikes and cross-country ski equipment, are offered for a nominal fee at specific parks. Adaptive equipment is also available for those with physical disabilities or mobility challenges.
In addition to free park entry, millage funds will provide major capital improvements across the parks system, expanded regional trailways, increased recreational enjoyment of major rivers, park system expansion through partnerships with local governments, opportunities for school field trips, additional enrichment programming for all ages and preservation of natural spaces.
For more information about Oakland County Parks, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and X.
