Oakland County Parks will throw a free grand opening party for the renovated Red Oaks Park in Madison Heights on Friday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. The park used to go by the name Ambassador Park.
Guests can expect a DJ, a climbing tower, and giant lawn games such as Connect 4, Jenga, and Tetris. Tours and treats will pop up at stations around the grounds.
Oakland County Parks put approximately $7.1 million into the seven-acre site. The money came from its Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan. Of that total, $2.75 million came from American Rescue Plan Act funding and $4.39 million came from the Oakland County Parks Capital Improvement Program.
Crews built a restroom building with a shade structure and porch swings. They also redesigned the parking lot so it holds stormwater better.
“The revamping of Red Oaks will delight park patrons for years to come,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter in a news release.
“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.
The play garden carries the name of Gary McGillivray. He served as a county commissioner from 2008 to 2023 and as an Oakland County Parks and Recreation commissioner from 2011 to 2023. When he died in 2023, he was chair of the parks commission.
Red Oaks Park sits at 600 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights.