Oakland County Parks Acquires Turtle Woods in Troy, Invites Public Input

(Oakland County Parks, Aug. 23, 2026)

TROY, MI – Plans for Troy’s first Oakland County park 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 park’s concept plan. 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. Residents can review the plan, follow project updates and provide feedback on design details through OCP’s Co-Creation Lab: bit.ly/3OJs90m.

“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 addition of Turtle Woods nature preserve into the Oakland County Parks system is a creative solution to preserve a thriving local habitat,” Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) said. “The Board is fully committed to investing in our natural spaces and bringing more opportunities for residents to enjoy the many beautiful outdoor spaces across the county.”

“Completing the acquisition protects this special place, and approving the concept plan gives us a clear path toward opening it to the public,” Parks Director Chris Ward said. “The Co-Creation Lab gives residents a clear way to see the plan, ask questions and help us refine the visitor experience before construction. Turtle Woods is a rare remaining natural oasis in the heart of the county’s most populated community. We are excited to get to work transforming the area into a welcoming space for residents to experience nature at a location conveniently located close to home.”

OCP 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 $1,875,000 in property value, providing the match for a $2,175,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. Six Rivers Land Conservancy secured and held the properties during the grant process and transferred them to OCP after the funding and sale agreements were completed.

“We are so excited to complete the protection of Turtle Woods,” Six Rivers Land Conservancy Executive Director Christopher Bunch said. “We are grateful to Oakland County Parks, the Troy School District and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the partnerships that made this possible. 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 Troy School District is thankful that we could bring this project to conclusion. Many individuals, including current and previous board members, have worked diligently to provide green/park space for citizens in Troy and across Oakland County to utilize into the future. We recognize the significance of this land, and we are excited that the entire community will benefit from this cooperative agreement in perpetuity,” Troy School District Superintendent Richard Machesky said.

Turtle Woods and Southfield Oaks are on track to open in 2027 as the latest additions to Oakland County Parks’ current 19-location county park system. Turtle Woods will be the system’s first location in the City of Troy and advances Mission 26 by bringing county park access closer to more residents.

The Troy School District purchased Turtle Woods in the 1950s as a potential high school site that was never needed. The property later became a place for informal recreation, nature education and ecology lessons. Its wetlands feed the Clinton River Watershed, and past assessments documented rare wet lakeplain prairie habitat, turtles and uncommon plant species. The park plan will create a welcoming public experience while retaining the area’s natural character and environmental functions.

The Parks Commission approved the concept plan July 15. Planned 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.

Turtle Woods is located north of Square Lake Road between John R Road and Dequindre Road in Troy.

About Oakland County Parks

Founded in 1966, Oakland County Parks provides more than 7,000 acres of natural areas, parks, trails and recreation destinations that offer year-round opportunities for recreation, wellness and connection to nature.

For more information, project updates and opportunities to provide feedback, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.