{"id":371844,"date":"2026-06-23T19:24:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/371844\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T19:24:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T19:24:03","slug":"oak-park-woods-opens-with-giant-playscape-and-other-fun-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/371844\/","title":{"rendered":"Oak Park Woods Opens with Giant Playscape and Other Fun Features"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Oak Park Woods Opens with Giant Playscape and Other Fun Features<\/p>\n

(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 23, 2026)<\/p>\n

Oak Park, MI \u2013 The City of Oak Park and Oakland County Parks (OCP) officially cut the ribbon yesterday on a transformative $6.2 million investment at Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park (located in David H. Shepherd Park).<\/p>\n

The grand opening celebration drew hundreds of community members who enjoyed a live DJ, free ice cream, giveaways, and inflatables. Alongside sweeping modern upgrades, families were delighted to find that the park\u2019s historic signature train was fully preserved and beautifully refurbished.<\/p>\n

The 17-acre property, owned by Oak Park and jointly operated with OCP, now features a massive nature-themed playground, a modern warming kitchen, year-round restrooms, enhanced trails and boardwalks, parking lot improvements, and native landscaping.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis investment demonstrates what can be accomplished when local and county partners work together to improve quality of life for residents,\u201d said Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan. \u201cOak Park Woods will provide families, children, and visitors with a welcoming space to play, explore nature, and build community for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project marks a pivotal milestone in Oak Park\u2019s broader, city-wide infrastructure renaissance totaling over $55 million, which includes a new event hub, bandshell and community center among other improvements.<\/p>\n

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\u201cToday, we celebrate another new gathering place where families can grow closer, neighbors can connect, and memories can take root,\u201d said Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate. \u201cThis park represents a shared investment in health, joy, and belonging, while serving as a magnet for local prosperity. I want to thank Chris Ward, Simon Rivers, and the entire OCP team for their leadership, our dedicated city staff, and\u2014most importantly\u2014the children of Oak Park who patiently watched from the fences. Your wait is over; it\u2019s time to let the fun begin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project was funded through a combination of the Healthy Communities Plan (including $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds) and OCP capital improvement allocations, totaling $6,210,168.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project reflects our commitment to ensuring every resident has access to high-quality parks close to home,\u201d said Oakland County Parks Commissioner Lola Banks. \u201cThe new amenities create opportunities for healthy outdoor activity, family connection, and community engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Visitor Information:<\/p>\n

Location: 24198 Church Street, Oak Park, MI
\nAdmission & Hours: Free entry; open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
\nPet Policy: Dogs permitted on a 6-foot leash; owners must clean up after pets and follow all applicable state and local laws.<\/p>\n

More info: OaklandCountyParks.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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