The Bureaucratic end of Recreation

Oakland county hosts more than 1.2 million residents, and boasts one of the highest acreages of park land out of all counties in the state. A very important note to make regarding Oakland county's independent parks system is that these establishments promote and serve the same functions as state land reservations, however all Oakland County circuit parks are excluded from the state recreation passports to a rather extreme degree. The state revenue from vehicle registration does not make it's way to the county government, so the state recreation passport does not permit entrance into an Oakland circuit park. In fact, even being ignorant to the regulations, it is a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge to use the private circuit resources without purchasing at least a temporary, or full calendar year pass for $30. This covers unlimited access to Addison Oaks in Oxford; Groveland Oaks in Holly; Highland Oaks in Highland; Independence Oaks in Clarkston; Lyon Oaks park in Wixom; Orion Oaks in Orion Township; Rose Oaks in Holly; and Red Oaks Dog Park in Madison Heights.

        The state recreation passports sold by the state of Michigan (likely at the DMV or SoS for only an extra $11 per vehicle) cover entry to over 200 parks, reserves, campgrounds, and lakes. This access is extremely affordable, and guarantees recreational opportunities anywhere in the state. The emblem, once a 3x3 windshield sticker, is now shown as a simple P on a driver's yearly registration tags. Oakland county's park system is mostly newly built or renovated, each park averages more buildings, and staff, resulting in more activities or services. Both park systems hold nearly infinite weekend activities however for less money the state level system covers park entry ranging from the end of your street, all the way to the tip of the UP!

Michigan's Icy past, and Flourishing Future

Michigan is one of the most naturally diverse states in our country; that's not just because you're quite likely to use both your heat and air conditioning in the same day, or our three-way lake effect! Michigan's violent past has led to it's modern ecological diversity. No, I don't refer to the strip mining of salt beds, or the chemical fallout from a long history of copper mining (Who doesn't like sinkholes and 4 eyed frogs?!) the natural violence I'm referring to is the force of immeasurable tons of ice scraping across the landmass, redistributing entire landscapes in its wake. While not quite on par with the beautiful glacial devastation of Niagara Falls, Michigan's great lakes are considered wonders of the world while the wetlands formed across the palm of the mitten host comparatively more diverse and endangered species than a wooded reservation of similar size.

Oakland County circuit parks

     County Directory-- https://www.oakgov.com/Pages/default.aspx
Full scope of Oakland county & its public natural resources

https://www.oakgov.com/parks/getinvolved/Documents/OCPR-RecPlan5-RecResources.pdf
*Here is a brochure of our county's recreational resources*
Image of OC private rec zones- PG 6/23---DEFINITIONS PG 23/23


--Summer public event resource page 2017--Oakland county sponsors countless community and family activities throughout the business year, particularly during the summer months! http://www.oaklandcountyprosper.com/features/summerfunatocparksandrec.aspx

Catering to all intensities of recreation- Oakland county's vast natural resources satisfy hobbyists far and wide, catering to all walks of life (Senior and children's events with handicap accessibility adaptations in every park) as well as promoting niche interests such as falconry, bird keeping, formula 1 boat racing, and bird watching.

Oakland County Resident Resources

 Oakland County connects with it's residents, and encourages a communal mindset to sustaining our state's natural beauty and civil order. All parks are secure and monitored, while only the most popular destinations receive surveillance to ensure visitor safety.

Here is a county-wide registry of the OKC parks system encompassing all but the smallest of publicly designated recreational areas.
 https://www.oakgov.com/parks/parksandtrails/Pages/default.aspx

      A growing, self investing community; Oakland county cares!
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oakgov?page=1

Oakland county certification classes

https://www.oakgov.com/health/services/Pages/Classes.aspx--

Oakland County Community outreach website

https://www.oakgov.com/Pages/Departments.aspx--

Response forum to public needs and concerns
https://www.oakgov.com/health/Pages/Residents.aspx--

Parks and Recreation Homepage
https://www.oakgov.com/parks/Pages/default.aspx--