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!