Plans for the first Oakland County park in Troy have reached two major milestones.
Oakland County Parks has completed the acquisition of Turtle Woods and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has approved the parks concept plan.
Located north of Square Lake Road between John R and Dequindre roads, the 70-acre natural area is moving toward a Fall 2027 opening with accessible trails and boardwalks, a trailhead, parking, restrooms, wayfinding and educational features.
“Troy’s first Oakland County park is moving from vision to implementation,” Oakland County Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault (D-Troy) said. “Turtle Woods will bring county park access closer to residents while protecting a place that has long been valued by Troy families and schools.”
The county park system acquired the 70-acre property and an adjoining 1.67-acre parcel planned for the park entrance, parking area and trailhead. The Troy school district contributed $1.87 million in property value, providing the match for a $2.17 million Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant.
Six Rivers Land Conservancy secured and held the properties during the grant process and transferred them to the parks system after the funding and sale agreements were completed.
“We are so excited to complete the protection of Turtle Woods,” said Christopher Bunch, Six Rivers Land
Conservancy executive director. “After years of work, it is tremendously gratifying to see Turtle Woods remain a public resource for recreation and education while preserving habitat and water-quality functions that benefit the region.”
The Parks Commission approved the concept plan July 15. Development is estimated at nearly $2.9 million, separate from the acquisition.
Final design, competitive bidding and construction authorization will follow, with construction tentatively beginning in spring 2027.