Construction Projects Impacting Several Oakland County Parks
(OCP, April 3, 2025)
Oakland County, MI – Big investments are in the works at six Oakland County Park locations that will result in enhanced recreational opportunities for residents. Work has already begun at Waterford Oaks and Pontiac Oaks county parks and will commence soon at Catalpa Oaks, Red Oaks, Southfield Oaks and Shepherd Park in Oak Park.
“The support of voters, county leaders and local government partners have made it possible for Oakland County Parks to undertake this extraordinary effort to transform these great recreational spaces for the benefit of the public,” Parks Director Chris Ward said. “We ask for your patience and understanding with the inconveniences that will be created as we complete this work. We hope to keep any interruptions in services to a minimum.”
During this period, temporary measures and closure of park facilities are anticipated. Guests are advised to call ahead or check out the latest construction updates at OaklandCountyParks.com prior to their visit to avoid disappointment.
Work includes a variety of long-term maintenance projects as well as recreation enhancements. Among the investments are:
- Construction of a paved parking lot, new picnic shelter, improved accessible pathways and playground expansion at Catalpa Oaks County Park. The park will close in mid-April to allow for work to be completed. Renovations are expected to conclude in Spring 2026 although there will be intermittent closures throughout 2026 to allow for turf growth.
- Accessible pathways, nature-based play pockets, improved lake views, a new pavilion and accessible kayak launch at Pontiac Oaks County Park. The playground and restroom will remain open during construction, which is expected to be completed by Fall 2025. Intermittent closures are expected.
- Transformation of Ambassador Park in Madison Heights into the McGillivray Play Garden at Red Oaks County Park. The park will close in mid-April for a full park renovation that will include a newly configured parking lot with improved stormwater retention, new playground and tot garden, hammocks, sledding hill improvements and a restroom building with attached shade structure and porch swings. The park is anticipated to reopen sometime in 2026.
- Renovation of the northwest corner of Shepherd Park in Oak Park to create Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park with pavilion and warming kitchen updates, a new restroom building, gathering and seating areas and an exciting new play area. The park will close in mid-April to allow for construction. This portion of Shepherd Park is anticipated to reopen sometime in 2026.
- Restoring natural areas at Southfield Oaks at Beech Woods Park. The former golf course will be reconnected to the Rouge River floodplain with trails that weave throughout the newly restored landscape featuring interpretive stations, play areas and seating. Work will begin in May. Southfield Oaks is anticipated to open in 2026.
- Construction of a major playground expansion, new restrooms, pavilion and fitness area at the Paradise Peninsula section of Waterford Oaks County Park. This area will close at the beginning of April to allow for work to be completed and is anticipated to reopen sometime in 2026.
For updates on the project timelines and closures as well as information about other great park and recreational opportunities and park access, please visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
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