Oakland County Parks Announces Clinton River Oaks Park, Connecting Rochester and Rochester Hills

Oakland County Parks pronounces Clinton River Oaks Park, connecting Rochester and Rochester Hills

(Oakland County Parks, October 28, 2025)

Rochester, MI – Oakland County Parks and Recreation is happy to announce plans to construct Clinton River Oaks Park, a brand new 235-acre county park stretching alongside 2.5 miles of the Clinton River.

The park will join trails, waterways and public lands in Rochester and Rochester Hills, increasing leisure entry and preserving pure sources in certainly one of Michigan’s most scenic and historic corridors.

This landmark initiative represents an $8 million provincial funding, a part of a broader $12 million regional partnership to revive the Clinton River hall, enhance connectivity and strengthen environmental resilience for future generations.

“This venture reveals what is feasible when native and state governments work collectively on a shared imaginative and prescient,” mentioned Commissioner Brendan Johnson, who represents the Rochester Hills area and has helped lead efforts to make this partnership a actuality.

“Clinton River Oaks will increase entry to nature, defend the river for future generations and ship a sustainable return on public investments. It’s precisely the sort of forward-looking partnership our residents anticipate and deserve.” “It is onerous to overstate how exceptional this place is,” mentioned Chris Ward, director of Oakland County Parks and Recreation. “Clinton River Oaks is a panorama of unimaginable abundance: miles of trails that hook up with a statewide community, scenic views of the Clinton River and thriving wildlife habitats that appear untouched by time. It is usually deeply rooted in native historical past, nestled subsequent to Yates Cider Mill, a favourite vacation spot for numerous households yearly. We’re thrilled to guard and share such a particular place with the folks of Oakland County – a spot that may encourage new generations to discover, be taught and join with nature.”

A brand new interlocal settlement brings a northern portion of Bloomer Park (108 acres) and the Yates Park space below OCPR administration. Oakland County will contribute $4 million to the town to acknowledge earlier investments and take over full operations in April 2026, below an settlement that runs till 2043.

The settlement has been permitted by each the Rochester Hills Metropolis Council and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

“The Metropolis of Rochester Hills is proud to associate with Oakland County Parks to protect and activate this unimaginable stretch of the Clinton River,” mentioned Mayor Bryan Barnett. “This venture represents a shared dedication to sustainability, outside recreation and the standard of life that defines our area. I’m happy that Oakland County Parks has made reinvesting native tax {dollars} on this metropolis a precedence.”

OCPR will purchase 300 acres of undeveloped riverfront land adjoining to Bloomer Park and the Clinton River Path, whereas preserving greater than two miles of shoreline. The acquisition helps a $1.4 million river restoration venture funded by the Nice Lakes Fisheries Fee that may remove invasive species dangers at Yates Dam and enhance water high quality and habitat alongside the river.

“The previous Letica property is a crucial acquisition for each recreation and conservation,” mentioned Chris Bunch, govt director of Six Rivers Land Conservancy. “Defending these lands stops air pollution from the Clinton River, preserves important wetlands and floodplains, and ensures that future generations can expertise a wholesome, related pure hall on the coronary heart of our communities. That is precisely the sort of venture that demonstrates the ability of partnership between native governments and conservation organizations.”

After a washout destroyed a portion of the Clinton River Path in Rochester in 2024, OCPR will donate $700,000 towards a $3.7 million rebuild led by the Metropolis of Rochester, in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Basis, the Neighborhood Basis for Southeast Michigan, the Michigan DNR and the Associates of the Clinton River Path. The venture will restore common entry, stabilize the riverbank and reconnect an important regional hall.

“We’re extraordinarily grateful for the help of Oakland County Parks for this crucial effort to revive an necessary portion of the Clinton River Path,” mentioned Rochester Mayor Nancy Salvia. “This partnership won’t solely restore important infrastructure, but in addition enhance entry, security and delight for residents and guests throughout the area.”

Future Collaboration with the Metropolis of Rochester OCPR continues to discover alternatives with the Metropolis of Rochester to increase entry and connectivity alongside the Clinton River hall. Whereas no formal partnership has been permitted, future collaboration stays a shared purpose.

When accomplished, Clinton River Oaks Park will embrace greater than three miles of river hall, offering new alternatives for recreation, conservation and neighborhood connection. The venture underscores Oakland County Parks’ dedication to defending pure sources, increasing public entry and fostering partnerships that strengthen the area’s environmental and social vitality.

Guided by Mission 26, Oakland County Parks’ long-term technique to increase equitable entry, advance public well being and advance environmental stewardship, this initiative strengthens the county’s management in constructing a sustainable and inclusive park system for the following technology.

Study extra about Oakland County Parks at http://oaklandcountyparks.com/

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