Oakland County (Mich.) Parks and Recreation celebrates national park and recreation month

Oakland County (Mich.) Parks and Recreation celebrates “July is National Parks and Recreation Month” by offering close-to-home events and promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

“It’s important for families, especially now with escalating gas prices, to have recreation opportunities available nearby,” Executive Officer Dan Stencil said. “We have a very unique natural environment in Oakland County. July is our annual opportunity to raise awareness about the benefit of public parks, such as time to spend with family, improved fitness and educational activities.”

Oakland County Parks and Recreation’s latest addition, Independence Oaks-North, features a 312-foot boardwalk for hiking connected to a 180-foot-long fishing dock. Independence Oaks-North adds to the 68 miles of trails in the parks.

The universally-accessible Paradise Peninsula Playscape at Waterford Oaks County Park, open from sunrise to sunset during the summer, features an "Up North Woods" cabin, tree fort, sand dunes area, challenge course, and climbing areas.

For our furry friends and their owners, Oakland County Parks and Recreation opened its first doggy agility course at Red Oaks Dog Park in Madison Heights. The course includes a seven-foot climbing ramp for dogs, see-saw, tire jump, tunnels, jump bars and weave poles. On July 2 at 10 a.m., Orion Oaks Dog Park is celebrating Independence Day by hosting a best patriotic-dressed dog contest.

Red Oaks Waterpark offers after-hours fun at the Waterpark Family Fun Fest on July 8 from 6 – 9 p.m. for just $5/person. During the event, all waterpark features are open, and guests can also enjoy the Inflatable Obstacle Course, carnival games, a climbing tower and free frozen dessert.

Golfers can take lessons throughout July. At Lyon Oaks Golf Course, ladies are invited to lessons Mondays from July 11 – Aug. 8, and adults over age 16 are invited to lessons Tuesdays from July 12 – Aug. 9.

Guests are invited to watch the fireworks display at Addison Oaks County Park on July 1 and Groveland Oaks County Park on July 2. Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks campgrounds offer themed weekend recreation programs with crafts, activities and music. Both parks offer cabins, modern and group sites, trails, fishing, swimming and bike rentals.

For event registration, maps and more July events, visit DestinationOakland.com or find us on Facebook.