Oakland County Parks will celebrate the grand opening of Red Oaks Park, formerly Ambassador Park, in Madison Heights with a community celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Oakland County Parks invested $7.1 million to transform the seven-acre park.
The project was funded through the Oakland County Parks Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, including $2.75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and $4.39 million from the Oakland County Parks Capital Improvement Program.
“The revamping of Red Oaks will delight park patrons for years to come,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Our late dear friend and County Commissioner Gary McGillivray was a huge advocate for county parks and would have been proud to see this newly polished gem in his district.”
A centerpiece of the renovated park is a play garden, named after McGillivray, who served as a county commissioner from 2008 to 2023 and a Oakland County Parks and Recreation commissioner from 2011 to 2023. He was serving as chair of the parks commission when he died in 2023.
“Red Oaks Park is a great example of what our parks are all about — creating spaces where people can come together, enjoy the outdoors and make memories,” said Ebony Bagley, chair of the parks commission. “Gary McGillivray played such an important role in shaping Oakland County Parks into what it is today, and it’s special to see his vision, legacy and commitment to our communities continue through projects like this one.”
Andrew McGillivray, Gary McGillivray’s son, said his father would have been proud to see the renovated park open for families.
“Dad dedicated 40 years of his life to building a better community in Madison Heights, one piece at a time. He would be incredibly proud to see what this new park has turned out to be, and so glad to see this investment in the city he loved,” he said. “Our family is deeply honored by this tribute, and we are grateful to see Oakland County Parks continuing to fulfill his vision of an increased county parks presence in Southeast Oakland County. The McGillivray Play Garden ensures his passion for public service will live on through the families who play here.”
Red Oaks Park, formerly Ambassador Park, is located at 600 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights. The park is part of Red Oaks County Park, which also includes a dog park, golf course, nature center and waterpark.
The public is invited to attend the free event.