HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2022.10.20 - 37669
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution for the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment
Plan (ARPA) 22-338
COMMITTEE MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, October 20, 2022 6:04 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
DEPARTMENT SPONSORED BY
Parks & Recreation Gary McGillivray
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND - FUNDING AND ELIGIBLE USES
The United States Treasury allocated Oakland County $244,270,949 of State and Local Fiscal
Recovery Funds (SLFRF) established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.
Expenditures of SLFRF are limited to the purposes provided in the ARPA law and interpreted by
the guidance of the Department of Treasury (USDOT). The USDOT’s SLFRF Final Rule provides
that funding may be utilized for park improvements that serve residents and communities that were
disproportionately impacted by negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. USDOT expressly
authorizes expenditures located in or primarily servicing Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) or in low
to moderate Adjusted Median Income (AMI) communities.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Misc. Resolution #22-84 on March 24th
“Requesting the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to Submit Proposals to Utilize
American Rescue Plan Act – Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Make Investments in Park and
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure and Address the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic”. Under the
provisions of this resolution, the Parks Commission has been invited to present proposals for
project funding in an amount not to exceed $10 million for improvements to county parks and $5
million for improvements in disproportionately impacted communities. The invitation to submit
project proposals expires on December 31, 2022. The resolution further states that the Board of
Commissioners “strongly encourages the Parks and Recreation Commission to identify additional
funding sources and partnerships to leverage the investment of ARPA funding for maximum
impact.”
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PARK AND OUTDOOR RECREATION INVESTMENT PLAN
Attached you will find a detailed report titled “Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation
Investment Plan”. This document outlines a comprehensive proposal to utilize $15 million in
Oakland County’s ARPA funding to fund park improvement projects focused on serving the needs
of residents of the areas most disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This
proposal assumes an additional commitment by Oakland County Parks and Recreation to expend a
minimum of $5.2 million to support capital improvement projects detailed in the plan. These funds
will be further leveraged by commitments from local governments to authorize long term
operational agreements/leases that will facilitate the expansion of the Oakland County Park system
to incorporate four additional park locations – Ambassador Park in the City of Madison Heights, a
portion of Shepherd Park in the City of Oak Park, Hawthorne Park in the City of Pontiac, and a
portion of Beech Woods Park in the City of Southfield. These partnerships provide a rare
opportunity to rejuvenate existing, underutilized parks located in Oakland County’s core urban
population centers and expand access for the benefit of County residents. Oakland County’s one-
time investment will be secured and sustained as Oakland County Parks operates, maintains, and
invests in these facilities over the next 20-30 years. These agreements will also facilitate a
transformational change in the relationship between Oakland County Parks and Recreation and our
diverse and densely populated centers where we have not had a consistent and strong presence in
the past. Being present in these communities and learning how to better serve their recreational
needs will strengthen our organization and build greater understanding as we seek to create an
environment where all our residents, regardless of who they are or where they live, will feel
welcomed and valued to enjoy the benefits of Oakland County Parks and Recreation.
This Plan also incorporates much needed grant funding to support high priority municipal park and
recreation facilities in five local communities where these limited funds will be most impactful: Hazel
Park, Oak Park, Pontiac, Royal Oak Township and Southfield. These grant funds will be utilized to
provide meaningful benefits to local residents, improving park facilities and promoting positive
health outcomes through investments in aquatic play features, universally accessible playgrounds
and spaces to facilitate social gatherings. Finally, these funds will be utilized to rejuvenate and
enhance four Oakland County Parks – Catalpa Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Red Oaks, and Waterford Oaks.
OCPR staff have worked closely with local government leaders to develop proposals that will be
effective and impactful, ensuring this one-time funding opportunity will have a lasting impact. We
have also conducted extensive public engagement efforts and have utilized the feedback we
gathered to develop projects that will serve priority community needs. As we continue to examine
options for Red Oaks County Park and the future of the golf course, this engagement with the
public will continue over the next several months as the Parks Commission studies and evaluates
these issues.
Voter approval of a .10 increase in OCPR’s property tax levy has provided a much needed influx of
funding to support our organization, services, facilities, and programs. The Parks Commission’s
leadership updating our golf fee structure and operations, combined with a resurgence in
participation has resulted in an increase of more than $1 million in revenues and operating
favorability at four of our five courses. We continue to use this model to assess all aspects of our
organization and set a new course for areas that are falling short of cost recovery benchmarks.
Increased revenues have allowed the Parks Commission to more than double expenditures for
capital improvement projects and equipment and provide additional support to our communities
through recreation outreach, invasive species control and park/trail improvement funding. We have
also been able to address issues of chronic understaffing that place stress on the entire
organization and compromise our ability to provide services. Despite these increases in
expenditures, we are operating with a budget with a healthy surplus that is growing the balance in
unrestricted equity annually. The $5.2 million commitment from OCPR to support capital
expenditures is a sizable expense but it represents less than the total increase in OCPR’s savings
added in FY21 alone ($6.1 million).
Adding three parks to our park system, adding Ambassador Park to Red Oaks, and potentially
adding a fifth new park (Turtle Woods, anticipated in 2024) will result in increased net expenditures
reflected in the annual operating budget. These increases will be mitigated and limited due to the
passive recreational uses planned for these parks that require minimal staffing (with the exception
of the nature education and outreach center planned for Oak Park). Our staff management team
collaborated in developing an estimate of these costs. There are many variables yet to be settled
that could have a major impact on what these total costs will be and when they will be realized in
our budget. Our best estimate is a total increase in expenditures ranging from $500,000 to
$900,000 can be expected due to the three additional parks in the ARPA plan, incorporating
Ambassador Park with Red Oaks County Park, the addition of Turtle Woods and the new park
amenities at our existing County Parks. This amount can be absorbed within our operating budget
surplus/favorability without impairing any current or forecasted financial obligations. Capping
annual expenditures for “millage initiative” outreach, grant and community project programs to $1
million annually would also cover a large portion of these expenses.
MUNICIPAL LETTERS OF INTENT
Attached you will find four proposed non-binding “Letters of Intent” that outline a framework for an
intergovernmental agreement between OCPR and each municipal government to make
improvements to park properties and transfer responsibility for operations to Oakland County
Parks. These items have been reviewed by the city councils of Madison Heights, Oak Park and
Southfield and were approved unanimously in each instance. The Mayor of Pontiac has also
approved and executed the Letter of Intent for Hawthorne Park (Council approval was not needed
under their Charter). We will move forward to negotiate the formal intergovernmental agreements
with the municipalities after the Board of Commissioners approves the appropriation of funding to
move forward with the Plan. The Letters of Intent must be forwarded by the Parks Commission to
the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee for approval as required by the County’s
policy for the sale, lease, or purchase of property.
POLICY ANALYSIS
The Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan can be broken down into
3 categories of park improvements using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Local Fiscal
Recovery Funds.
1. Long-term Park Partnerships sustained by Oakland County Parks and Recreation
(Expansion)
2. One-Time Local Park Investments (Grant)
3. Oakland County Park Investments (Investment)
Pursuant to MR #22084, Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) was requested to submit
proposals totaling not more than $15 million in ARPA funding, with a minimum of $5 million being
dedicated to disproportionately impacted communities. Within this proposal, funding is allocated to
communities with low-to-moderate Area Median Income (AMI) or at least 1 Qualified Census Tract.
DESCRIPTION
ARPA FUNDING
Southfield – Beech Woods Park (Expansion) $1,500,000
Pontiac – Hawthorne Park (Expansion) $1,300,000
Oak Park – Shepherd Park (Expansion) $1,500,000
Hazel Park – South Oakland Parks Office & Programing Facilities (Expansion) $300,000
Subtotal: $4,600,000
Hazel Park – Green Acres Park (Grant) $400,000
Royal Oak Twp – Mack-Rowe Park (Grant) $300,000
Oak Park – City Park Improvements (Grant) $500,000
Pontiac – City Park Improvements (Grant) $500,000
Southfield – City Park Improvements (Grant) $500,000
Subtotal: $2,200,000
Southfield – Catalpa Oaks County Park (Investment) $750,000
Lyon Twp – Lyon Oaks County Park (Investment) $200,000
Madison Heights – Red Oaks County Park & Ambassador Park (Investment) $3,750,000
Waterford Twp – Waterford Oaks County Park (Investment) $3,500,000
Subtotal: $8,200,000
TOTAL: $15,000,000
Long-term Park Partnerships
The long-term park partnerships proposals are estimated around $4,600,000 to expand the
footprint of the Oakland County Parks system through interlocal agreements with Madison Heights,
Southfield, Pontiac, and Oak Park. While the local communities would retain ownership over the
park land, the park would be operated by the County. Each community has signed a Letter of Intent
for OCPR to operate and maintain the park for an estimated 20-30 years. Upon execution, these
agreements would come to the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee for approval,
pursuant to MR #01231 regarding the lease and purchase of property.
As part of this proposal, OCPR will provide an estimated $2,750,000 in matching dollars for the
park expansion investment, bringing the total proposal from $4,600,000 in ARPA funds to
$7,350,000 combined.
The agreement with the city of Madison Heights would seek to incorporate Ambassador Park into
Red Oaks County Park. This proposal is budgeted under “Oakland County Park Investments.”
Additionally, OCPR would open a South Oakland Parks Office and Programming Facility in
partnership with the city of Hazel Park.
The addition of these parks will increase operating expenditures, estimated between $500,000 and
$900,000 annually. This estimate includes any potential new staff; however, exact staffing needs
are unknown at this time.
One-Time Local Park Investments
The one-time local park investments proposals are estimated around $2,200,000 to provide grant
opportunities to five local communities: Hazel Park, Royal Oak Township, Oak Park, Pontiac, and
Southfield. There is no match requirement for the communities.
While projects are subject to change, based on initial discussions with the communities, the Plan
provides one-time grant funding for the following projects:
$400,000 to the City of Hazel Park for a universally accessible playground in Green Acres
Park
$500,000 to the City of Oak Park for a splash pad in Shepherd Park
$500,000 to the City of Pontiac for city park improvement projects (TBD)
$300,000 to the Charter Township of Royal Oak for a universally accessible playground in
Mack-Rowe Park
$500,000 to the City of Southfield for a splash pad and playground in Beech Woods Park
The final agreements and grant acceptance will be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for
approval.
Oakland County Park Investments
The Oakland County Park ARPA investments proposals are estimated around $8,200,000 to make
improvements in 4 Oakland County Parks: Catalpa Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Red Oaks, and Waterford
Oaks. In addition to the ARPA investment, OCPR would provide $2,450,000 in matching dollars,
bringing the total proposal from $8,200,000 in ARPA funds to $10,650,000 combined.
The vision for proposed improvements for each county park is as follows:
Catalpa Oaks
o Focus investment on increasing opportunities for active outdoor recreation with pickle
ball and basketball courts and flexible open space for exercise. An accessible plaza
with shaded gathering and seating areas will welcome visitors to the park and provide
opportunities to socialize and relax. Added trail connectors to city sidewalks will
increase pedestrian access to the park.
Lyon Oaks
o Focus investment on increasing opportunities for active outdoor recreation with pickle
ball and a destination playground, as well as flexible open space for exercise. A new
trail that connects with the Huron Valley Trail will provide new pedestrian access to
the park.
Red Oaks and Ambassador Park
o Incorporate Ambassador Park into Red Oaks and increase connectivity. The health
and social benefits include open park access for everyone, increased opportunities
for outdoor recreation, group gatherings, and trail connectivity.
Waterford Oaks
o Focus investment on increasing opportunities for wintertime active outdoor recreation
with sledding hill improvements (synthetic surface) and an ice rink. A spray park will
extend the season for water play. Pickle ball courts and flexible open space for
exercise will further increase outdoor recreation activities. An accessible plaza with
shaded gathering and seating areas will welcome visitors to the park and provide
opportunities to socialize and relax. A new trail and additional connectors to township
sidewalks will increase overall trail mileage and access in the park.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes
Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.858.5115 (office) or andrewsmb@oakgov.com, or the department contact persons listed for
additional information.
CONTACT
Chris Ward, Director Parks & Recreation
Melissa Prowse, Supervisor Parks &
Recreation Planning
wardcc@oakgov.com, prowsem@oakgov.com
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Kristen Nelson, Created/Initiated - 10/21/2022
David Woodward, Board of Commissioners Approved - 10/21/2022
David Coulter, Executive's Office Approved - 10/21/2022
Lisa Brown, Clerk/Register of Deeds Final Approval - 10/26/2022
AGENDA DEADLINE: 10/20/2022 7:20 PM
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2022-09-29 Full Board - Refer to Committee
2022-10-11 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations - Recommend and Forward to Finance,
as Amended
2022-10-12 Finance - Recommend to Board
2022-10-20 Full Board - Adopted
ATTACHMENTS
1. Schedule A - Budget Amendment
2. ARPA Schedule B
3. ARPA Schedule C
4. ARPA Schedule D
5. 7 - 2_ParksCommARPAres 9_2_2022
October 20, 2022
RESOLUTION #2022-2074 _ 22-338
Sponsored By: Gary McGillivray
Parks & Recreation - Resolution for the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation
Investment Plan (ARPA)
Chairperson and Members of the Board:
WHEREAS the United States Treasury allocated Oakland County $244,270,949 of Local Fiscal
Recovery Funds (LFRF) established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021; and
WHEREAS COVID-19 and the resulting mitigation measures have highlighted the essential role that
parks, trails, and natural spaces play in supporting the mental and physical well-being of individuals.
Parks have been a lifeline for many during the pandemic – a place of safety, comfort, exercise,
reflection, enjoyment, and therapy for individuals often isolated and lonely; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved MR# 22-84 inviting
the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to submit project proposals utilizing American
Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to make investments in parks and outdoor
recreation infrastructure in an amount not to exceed $10 million for Oakland County Parks and $5
million for communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has developed the Healthy
Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, a comprehensive proposal to utilize
ARPA funding leveraged with funding from Oakland County Parks and Recreation and long-term
partnerships with local governments to make major investments that will rejuvenate and enhance
parks that serve residents disproportionately impacted by the pandemic (Schedule C); and
WHEREAS the cities of Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pontiac and Southfield have approved non-
binding Letters of Intent with Oakland County Parks and Recreation, broadly outlining the terms of
proposed intergovernmental agreements between each municipality and Oakland County Parks and
Recreation to transfer the responsibility to manage, improve, operate, and maintain four existing
municipal parks. Under the terms of these agreements, the following parks will be operated as
Oakland County Parks, for the enjoyment of all county residents (Schedule D):
1. Ambassador Park in the City of Madison Heights (to be incorporated in Red Oaks County
Park),
2. Shepherd Park (part) in the City of Oak Park,
3. Hawthorne Park in the City of Pontiac,
4. Beech Woods Park (part) in the City of Southfield; and
WHEREAS the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan includes funding
to reopen the South Oakland County Parks and Recreation Office and develop recreation programing
and interpretation facilities in partnership with the City of Hazel Park; and
WHEREAS the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Letters of Intent at their September
7, 2022, meeting and have submitted them to the Economic Development and Infrastructure
Committee of the Board in accordance with the County’s policy for the Sale, Purchase and Leasing of
Property; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending grant funding
be authorized for local priority park improvement and outdoor recreation projects located in
communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic designated under the USDOT
guidelines; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending approval of
funding to make improvements in four Oakland County Parks that service residents of
disproportionately impacted areas designated under USDOT guidelines:
1. Catalpa Oaks County Park (serving residents of the cities of Southfield and Oak Park, and
Royal Oak Township)
2. Lyon Oaks County Park (serving residents of the City of Wixom)
3. Red Oaks County Park (serving residents of the cities of Madison Heights and Hazel Park)
4. Waterford Oaks County Park (serving residents of Waterford Township, and the cities of
Pontiac and Keego Harbor); and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission have committed to expend not
less than $5.2 million to support capital improvement projects and park improvement plans detailed in
the Healthy Communities Plan prior to December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission shall seek additional partners
and grant opportunities to provide additional financial support to planned park improvements projects
and enhancements to park facilities; and
WHEREAS a summary detailing park improvement plans and project proposals with estimated
budgets is detailed in Schedule B. Completion of project proposals shall be contingent upon final
construction cost estimates, the terms of intergovernmental agreements and funding availability; and
WHEREAS approval of the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan with
an appropriation of $15 million in Local Fiscal Recovery Funds would be a meaningful and lasting
investment in improving the health and well-being of Oakland County’s residents most impacted by
the pandemic and contribute towards the recovery and resiliency of disproportionately impacted local
communities.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners authorizes
an appropriation of $15 million in ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to support the projects and
initiatives outlined in the Healthy Communities and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan as reflected
in Schedules B and C.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriated funds may be utilized to support capital improvement
projects to rejuvenate, enhance and improve parks and outdoor recreation facilities as reflected in
Schedule B.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED expenditures of appropriated funds shall comply with the regulations
and compliance requirements for the use of American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners authorizes the Parks and Recreation
Commission, with the assistance of Corporation Counsel, to develop and submit grant acceptance
agreements to the Board of Commissioners to facilitate improvements to local park and recreation
facilities in amounts not to exceed:
1. $400,000 to the City of Hazel Park,
2. $500,000 to the City of Oak Park,
3. $500,000 to the City of Pontiac,
4. $300,000 to the Charter Township of Royal Oak,
5. $500,000 to the City of Southfield.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners authorizes the Oakland County
Parks and Recreation Commission to negotiate and submit to the Board of Commissioners
intergovernmental agreements with the cities of Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pontiac, and Southfield
regarding the management, operation and maintenance of the parks identified in Schedule D.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Commission shall present quarterly
reports to the Board of Commissioners regarding the use of appropriated funds and the status of park
improvement projects.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Commission shall seek and apply for
additional funding from other sources to supplement the investments made by Oakland County and
Oakland County Parks and Recreation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the appropriation of Local Recovery Funds shall not obligate a
commitment of General Funds. All expenditures shall conform with federal, state, county and local
regulatory requirements and Oakland County policies and procedures.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the FY 2023 budget shall be amended as reflected in the attached
Schedule A – Budget Amendment.
Chairperson, the following Commissioners are sponsoring the foregoing Resolution: Gary
McGillivray.
Date: October 21, 2022
David Woodward, Commissioner
Date: October 21, 2022
David Coulter, Oakland County Executive
Date: October 26, 2022
Lisa Brown, County Clerk / Register of Deeds
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2022-09-29 Full Board - Refer to Committee
2022-10-11 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations - Recommend and Forward to Finance, as
Amended
2022-10-12 Finance - Recommend to Board
2022-10-20 Full Board - Adopted
VOTE TRACKING
Motioned by Commissioner Michael Gingell seconded by Commissioner Kristen Nelson to adopt the
attached Resolution: for the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan
(ARPA).
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Gingell, Michael Spisz, Karen Joliat, Kristen Nelson, Eileen
Kowall, Christine Long, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Thomas Kuhn, Chuck
Moss, Marcia Gershenson, William Miller III, Yolanda Smith Charles, Penny Luebs, Janet Jackson,
Gary McGillivray, Robert Hoffman, Adam Kochenderfer (20)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)
Passed
ATTACHMENTS
1. Schedule A - Budget Amendment
2. ARPA Schedule B
3. ARPA Schedule C
4. ARPA Schedule D
5. 7 - 2_ParksCommARPAres 9_2_2022
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true
and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on
October 20, 2022, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court at
Pontiac, Michigan on Thursday, October 20, 2022.
Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk / Register of Deeds
Oakland County, Michigan
Schedule "A" DETAIL - Special Revenue/Proprietary Funds
R/E Fund Name Division Name
Fund #
(FND)Cost Center (CCN) #
Account #
(RC/SC)
Program #
(PRG)Grant ID (GRN) #
Project ID #
(PROJ)
Region
(REG)
Budget
Fund
Affiliate
(BFA)
Ledger
Account
Summary Account Title
FY 2022
Amendment
FY 2023
Amendment
FY 2024
Amendment
FY 2025
Amendment
R ARP Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund
Administration FND21285 CCN9010101 RC610313 PRG133095 Federal Operating Grants $15,000,000 $-$-
$-$15,000,000 $-$-
E
ARP Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund PR Administration FND21285 CCN5060100 SC762011 PRG133095 GRN-1004019 Transfer to Municipalities $-$6,800,000 $-$-
E
ARP Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund PR Catalpa Oaks FND21285 CCN5060170 SC730789 PRG133095 GRN-1004020 General Program Administration $750,000
E
ARP Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund PR Lyon Oaks FND21285 CCN5060174 SC730789 PRG133095 GRN-1004021 General Program Administration $200,000
E
ARP Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund PR Red Oaks FND21285 CCN5060176 SC730789 PRG133095 GRN-1004022 General Program Administration $3,750,000
E
ARP Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund PR Waterford Oaks FND21285 CCN5060164 SC730789 PRG133095 GRN-1004023 General Program Administration $3,500,000
$-$15,000,000 $-$-
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor
Recreation Investment Plan
Schedule B - - Park Improvement Projects, Budgets and Planned Expenditures
Oakland
County
ARPA
OCPR
Match
(Equity/CIP) Total ARPA Proposal
Long-Term Park Partnerships Sustained by OCPR
Southfield - Beech Woods Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment
1,500,000
OCPR CIP Match 1,500,000
Southfield - Beech Woods Park Subtotal 3,000,000
Pontiac - Hawthorne Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment
1,300,000
OCPR CIP Match 500,000
Pontiac - Hawthorne Park Subtotal 1,500,000
Hazel Park – South Oakland Parks
Office and Programing Facilities 300,000 300,000
Oak Park - Shepherd Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment
1,500,000
OCPR CIP Match 750,000
Oak Park - Shepherd Park Subtotal 2,250,000
One-Time Local Park Investments
Hazel Park - Green Acres Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment 400,000
Universally accessible playground
Royal Oak Township - Mack-Rowe Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment 300,000
Universally accessible playground
Oak Park - City Park Improvements
Oakland County ARPA
Investment 500,000
Splash pad
Pontiac - City Park Improvements
Oakland County ARPA
Investment 500,000
City park improvement projects
Southfield - City Park Improvements
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor
Recreation Investment Plan
Schedule B - - Park Improvement Projects, Budgets and Planned Expenditures
Oakland County ARPA
Investment 500,000
Splash pad/playground
One-Time Local Park Investments Subtotal 2,200,000
Oakland County Park Investments
Southfield - Catalpa Oaks County Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment 750,000
OCPR CIP Match 250,000
Southfield - Catalpa Oaks County Park Subtotal 1,000,000
Lyon Township and Wixom - Lyon Oaks County Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment 200,000
OCPR CIP Match 200,000
Lyon Township and Wixom - Lyon Oaks County Park Subtotal 400,000
Madison Heights - Red Oaks County Park and Ambassador Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment
3,750,000
OCPR CIP Match 1,000,000
Madison Heights - Red Oaks County Park and Ambassador Park
Subtotal 4,750,000
Waterford Township - Waterford Oaks County Park
Oakland County ARPA
Investment
3,500,000
OCPR CIP Match 1,000,000
Waterford Township - Waterford Oaks County Park Subtotal 4,500,000
TOTALS
15,000,000 5,200,000 20,200,000
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor
Recreation Investment Plan
Schedule B - Park Improvement Projects, Budgets and Planned Expenditures
Projects listed provide a blueprint to improve each park. Completion of individual projects are subject to final cost estimates,
funding availability, intergovernmental agreement terms and approval of updates to park master plans (if necessary).
Beech Woods/Southfield Oaks
ARPA Funded: Upland, lowland and riverbank restoration, floodplain boardwalk and viewing platform, walking trail
construction, pavilion(s)
OCPR Funded: cost share for joint entryway/parking lot with City, shared costs for ARPA projects
Hawthorne Park/Pontiac
ARPA Funded: restoration of forested area, native gardens, disc golf course improvements, trail & shared-use
pathways construction and improvements, invasive species control, playground improvements, fishing dock repair/replacement,
pavilion(s)
OCPR Funded: demolition and replacement of restroom facilities, cost share for ARPA projects
Shepherd Park/Oak Park
ARPA Funded: Trail construction/improvements, removal of defunct tennis courts, universally accessible playground
repair/replace/construct, pavilion(s) and other gathering space amenities, restoration of forested area, native tree/plants,
remove and replace basketball courts
OCPR Funded: renovation of building to serve as nature education and outreach facility, shared costs for ARPA projects
Catalpa Oaks Park
ARPA Funded: Construct pickle ball court, basketball court, exercise/activity equipment, pavilion and gathering space
amenities, rain garden/bioswales, tree planting, seating
OCPR Funded: parking/trail improvements, shared costs for ARPA projects
Lyon Oaks Park
ARPA Funded: regional trail connection construction, construct universally accessible playground, construct pickleball
court, pavilion/gatherings space
OCPR Funded: shared costs for ARPA projects
Red Oaks Park
ARPA Funded: native gardens, tree planting, trailway/walking path construction, construction of pickleball courts,
construct green restroom, play structures, seating, pavilion(s)
OCPR Funded: shared costs for ARPA projects, parking and dog park improvements
Waterford Oaks Park
ARPA Funded: native garden, invasive species removal, pavilions, trail improvements, splash pad, ice rink, sledding hill
improvements/resurfacing, construct pickleball courts
OCPR Funded: shared costs for ARPA projects, parking improvements
Hazel Park
ARPA Funded: South Oakland County Parks and Recreation Program and Facilities
SCHEDULE C – PLAN DETAIL
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PARK
AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
INVESTMENT PLAN
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission
Gary R. McGillivray, Chairman
J. David VanderVeen, Vice Chairman
Ebony Bagley, Secretary
Christine Long, Executive Committee Member
Yolanda Charles, Commissioner
Amanda Herzog, Commissioner
Andrea LaFontaine, Commissioner
Jim Nash, Commissioner
Nancy L. Quarles, Commissioner
E. Lance Stokes, Commissioner
Chris Ward, Director
Jim Dunleavy, Manager of Operations and Programs
Melissa Prowse, Manager of Planning and Development
Donna Folland, Supervisor of Planning and Resource Development
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 1
Contents
Proposal Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Background ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
Impacting Health Outcomes .................................................................................................................................. 3
Disproportionately Impacted Communities/Residents ......................................................................................... 3
Park Improvement Project Sites/Local Partnerships ............................................................................................. 4
American Rescue Plan Act Funds/OCPR Matching Expenditures .......................................................................... 5
Forecasted Plan Budget and Park Improvement Projects ..................................................................................... 5
Project Guiding Principles ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Measuring Outcomes ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Park Improvement Plans – Local Park Partnerships ................................................................................................. 10
Beech Woods / Southfield Oaks Park ................................................................................................................... 10
Hawthorne Park / Pontiac .................................................................................................................................... 12
David H. Shepherd Park / Oak Park ...................................................................................................................... 14
Park Improvement Plans -Oakland County Parks .................................................................................................... 17
Catalpa Oaks County Park / Southfield ................................................................................................................ 17
Lyon Oaks County Park / Lyon Township and Wixom .......................................................................................... 20
Red Oaks County Park and Ambassador Park / Madison Heights ....................................................................... 22
Waterford Oaks County Park / Waterford Township........................................................................................... 24
Notes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 2
Proposal Summary
Background
Oakland County is blessed with an abundance of high-quality natural resources, green spaces, public parks and
recreational facilities - including more than 70,000 acres of federal, state, county and local parkland, 358 inland
lakes, the headwaters of 6 major rivers, and more than 100 miles of regional trailways.
Parks and recreational spaces are core infrastructure that support the quality of life, economic prosperity,
environment, and physical and mental health of our residents. Unfortunately, gaps exist in access to these
benefits and the gaps disproportionately impact marginalized or underserved groups, including communities of
color, people with physical or cognitive disabilities, low-income people, immigrants, and people in LGBTQ+
communities. These disparities are often greatest in urban and densely populated areas where local
governments struggle to meet the recreational needs of the community due to chronic underfunding and aging
infrastructure. In Oakland County, the location and distribution of parks in proximity to where people live,
access to affordable and accessible transportation, perceptions of safety, the condition of park facilities and
standards of maintenance are often major factors that create barriers for our residents seeking to access and
enjoy recreation opportunities.
COVID-19 and resulting mitigation measures have highlighted the essential role that parks, trails, and natural
spaces play in supporting the mental and physical well-being of our residents. As attendance levels skyrocketed,
our parks and green spaces became a place of recovery, restoration, comfort, social connectivity, and physical
activity.
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners invited the Parks and Recreation Commission to present projects
and proposals for utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to invest in
park and outdoor recreational spaces. Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) has developed a
comprehensive proposal that would:
• Rejuvenate municipal parks that are underutilized due to existing conditions that compromise
accessibility, participation, and use by residents, including outdated or inoperable recreation equipment
and facilities, deteriorating infrastructure, and disinvestment and underutilization of natural
resources/park amenities
• Sustain the one-time investment of ARPA funding through partnerships that will incorporate four
existing municipal parks into the Oakland County Parks system, securing long-term, ongoing investments
from OCPR in park facilities and maintenance
• Transform and eliminate historic inequities in the distribution of the benefits of the Oakland County
Parks system and significantly enhance our capacity to serve residents of densely populated, diverse
core urban cities
• Expand accessibility and use of existing community park facilities to serve regional recreational needs
• Make investments in park infrastructure that will have the greatest impact in improving the health and
well-being of our residents
• Provide much needed financial aid to chronically underfunded, disproportionately impacted
communities to address priority local park and outdoor recreation needs
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 3
• Rejuvenate and enhance four existing OCPR parks that serve disproportionately impacted populations
through investments in park infrastructure, amenities and facilities targeted at improving health
outcomes and social connectivity
• Leverage the investment of county ARPA funding with a commitment by OCPR to make a minimum $5.2
million investment in park improvement projects to support the plans outlined in this proposal
Impacting Health Outcomes
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are defined by the CDC as the “conditions in the places where people live,
learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes”.1 Two of the five areas of SDOH
outlined by the CDC are especially relevant to parks and recreation agencies: social and community context 2,
and neighborhood and built environment.3 SDOH disparity contributes to wide health inequities and lowers life
expectancy relative to people who have access to conditions that support positive health outcomes.
According to the CDC, race and ethnicity are risk markers for underlying conditions that affect health. Underlying
conditions include socioeconomic status, access to health care, and exposure to the COVID-19 virus related to
occupation. Native American, Black, and Hispanic populations are at the greatest risk compared to White, Non-
Hispanic persons, with Asian populations at a somewhat lower risk.4
The CDC’s Healthy People 2030 sets data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the
next decade. The objective for physical activity is relevant: Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through
regular physical activity. Only one in four adults and one in five adolescents in the United States meet physical
activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Most people don’t get the recommended
amount of physical activity and it can be especially hard for older adults and people with chronic diseases or
disabilities.
Strategies that make it safer and easier to get active — like providing access to parks and programs — can help
people get more physical activity.5 Parks also provide access to nature, which has been shown to lower stress
levels and improve mental health.6
Disproportionately Impacted Communities/Residents
The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Final Rule acknowledges that pre-existing disparities magnified the impact of
the COVID-19 public health emergency on certain households and communities and provides methodology for
identifying those households and communities. The Final Rule further indicates that parks and other services
that reach a general geographic area can measure the median income of the area being served (Area Median
Income or AMI), instead of identifying individual households.7 Using this method, communities with Low AMI 8
and Moderate AMI 9 were identified.
The Final Rule also identifies Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) as an indicator of areas disproportionately impacted
by COVID-19.10 These census tracts are identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) as having lower income and a higher rate of poverty. The table below identifies geographic areas that
were selected by identifying communities and/or census tracts with Low AMI, Moderate AMI, or identification of
QCTs.
Potential priority areas identified by economic status: Low- to moderate Area Median Income (AMI) and communities with Qualified
Census Tracts (QCTs)
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 4
Communities
with Low AMI
<$32,792
Number of
Census Tracts
with Low AMI
<$32,792
Communities
with
Moderate
AMI
<$53,288
Number of
Census Tracts
with
Moderate
AMI
<$53,288
Number of
QCTs
Total Number
of Census
Tracts in
Community
Oakland County $81,981 $81,981 16
Hazel Park $38,751 4 2 4
Keego Harbor $45,480 1 1
Madison Heights $52,586 3 7
Oak Park 1 $52,544 2 1 8
Pontiac 7 $34,502 10 12 18
Royal Oak Twp $29,620 1 1 1
Southfield 9 21
Waterford 3 21
Wixom 1 4
Park Improvement Project Sites/Local Partnerships
Using the guidance provided by the Final Rule and in consultation with local government leadership, we
identified the following three categories for selection of project sites:
1. Location in a community with Low AMI or Moderate AMI for the entire community or communities with
QCTs
Ambassador Park in Madison Heights (Moderate AMI community)
Green Acres, in Hazel Park (Moderate AMI community)
Hawthorne Park in Pontiac (Moderate AMI community)
Mack-Rowe Park in Royal Oak Township (Low AMI community and QCT)
Shepherd Park in Oak Park (Moderate AMI community)
2. Location in a census tract with Low AMI or Moderate AMI or identified as a QCT
Beech Woods Park in Southfield (Moderate AMI census tract)
3. Location in a park that has a service area containing census tracts that are Low AMI, Moderate AMI or QCT
Catalpa Oaks County Park (serves Southfield, Oak Park, and Royal Oak Township)
Lyon Oaks County Park (serves Wixom)
Red Oaks County Park (serves Madison Heights and Hazel Park)
Waterford Oaks County Park (serves Waterford Township, Pontiac, and Keego Harbor)
Park improvement sites and projects were developed following extensive consultation with local government
leadership to identify opportunities to maximize the impact of the investment of ARPA funding to address
community needs and improve health outcomes.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 5
American Rescue Plan Act Funds/OCPR Matching Expenditures
The Parks and Recreation Commission requests an appropriation of $15 million in funds to support the projects
and park improvement plans outlined in this document in accordance with the provisions of MR# 22-84, which
was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners on March 24, 2022. We request that the Board
authorize the release of funds to complete projects listed below, following review by Oakland County’s ARPA
eligibility/compliance process. Estimated costs/budgets have been developed with the assistance of internal
planning staff, external planning consultants, and our staff of facility management engineers. Budget amounts
are subject to change due to final design and construction costs, the terms of intergovernmental agreements,
leveraging additional funding sources, and approval of revisions to OCPR’s 5-year Recreation Master/Strategic
Plans (if necessary) by the Parks Commission and Board of Commissioners in December. Projects will be scaled
up or scaled back depending final costs and funding availability.
OCPR will commit and expend a minimum of $5.2 million to support capital improvement projects identified in
park improvement plans prior to December 31, 2026, and will phase in additional unfunded projects into our
Asset Management Plan for development in future years.
Forecasted Plan Budget and Park Improvement Projects
OVERALL BUDGET - ARPA FUNDS: $15,000,000 / OCPR CIP FUNDS: $5,200,000 = $20,200,000 PLANNED
EXPENDITURES
LONG-TERM PARK PARTNERSHIPS SUSTAINED BY EXPANDING OCPR PARK SYSTEM
ARPA: $4,600,000 / OCPR: $2,750,000 = $7,350,000 PLANNED EXPENDITURES
Beech Woods/Southfield Oaks Park Improvement Plan – Total Planned Expenditures: $3,000,000
Estimated ARPA Funded Expenditures - $1,500,000
CIP ARPA Project List: Upland, lowland and riverbank restoration, floodplain boardwalk and
viewing platform, walking trail construction, pavilion(s)
Projected OCPR CIP Expenditures - $1,500,000 (includes shared entryway/parking lot with City)
Hawthorne Park/Pontiac Improvement Plan – Total Projected Budget: $1,800,000
Estimated ARPA Funded Project Budget - $1,300,000
CIP ARPA Project List: restoration of forested area, native gardens, disc golf course
improvements, trail & shared-use pathways construction and improvements, invasive species
control, playground improvements, fishing dock repair/replacement, pavilion(s)
Projected OCPR CIP Expenditures - $500,000 (includes demolition and replacement of restroom
facilities)
Shepherd Park/Oak Park Improvement Plan – Total Projected Budget: $2,550,000
Estimated ARPA Funded Project Budget - $1,800,000
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 6
CIP ARPA Project List: Trail construction/improvements, removal of defunct tennis courts,
universally accessible playground repair/replace/construct, pavilion(s) and other gathering space
amenities, restoration of forested area, native tree/plants
Projected OCPR CIP Expenditures - $750,000 (includes renovation of building to serve as nature
education and outreach facility)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARK IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
ARPA/TOTAL BUDGET = $2.2 MILLION
City of Hazel Park - $400,000
Construct universally accessible playground at Green Acres Park and develop standards and
wayfinding for pocket parks throughout the city
Royal Oak Township - $300,000
Construct universally accessible playground at Mack-Rowe Park
City of Oak Park - $500,000
Remove existing putt-putt course and construct splash pad aquatic play feature
City of Pontiac -$500,000
Municipal park improvement projects
City of Southfield - $500,000
Construct splash pad aquatic play feature and universally accessible playground
OAKLAND COUNTY PARK IMPROVEMENTS
ARPA: $8.2 MILLION / OCPR: $2.45 MILLION = TOTAL PLANNED EXPENDITURES: $10.65 MILLION
Catalpa Oaks Park Improvement Plan – Total Projected Budget: $1,000,000
Estimated ARPA Funded Project Budget - $750,000
CIP ARPA Project List: Construct pickle ball court, basketball court, exercise/activity equipment,
pavilion and gathering space amenities, rain garden/bioswales, tree planting, seating
Projected OCPR CIP Expenditures - $250,000 (includes parking/trail improvements and signage)
Lyon Oaks Park Improvement Plan – Total Projected Budget: $400,000
Estimated ARPA Funded Project Budget - $200,000
CIP ARPA Project List: regional trail connection construction, construct universally accessible
playground, construct pickleball court, pavilion/gatherings space
Projected OCPR CIP Expenditures - $200,000 (shared expense for projects)
Red Oaks Park Improvement Plan – Total Projected Budget: $4.75 million
Estimated ARPA Funded Project Budget - $3,750,000*
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 7
CIP ARPA Project List: native gardens, tree planting, trailway/walking path construction,
construction of pickleball courts, construct green restroom, play structures, seating, pavilion(s)
Projected OCPR CIP Expenditures - $1,000,000 (shared costs, parking improvements, dog park
improvements)
Waterford Oaks Park Improvement Plan – Total Projected Budget: $4.5 million
Estimated ARPA Funded Project Budget - $3,500,000*
CIP ARPA Project List: native garden, invasive species removal, pavilions, trail
construction/improvements, splash pad, ice rink, sledding hill improvements/resurfacing,
construct pickleball courts
Projected OCPR CIP Expenditures - $1,000,000 (shared costs, parking improvements)
Project Guiding Principles
Engage the Community and Residents
Use a variety of methods to engage diverse community members, community groups, and local government
to identify projects and actions that meet the needs of the community
Identify and Remove Barriers
Make it easy to participate – no physical, skill, or cost barriers to entry
Connect with diverse communities and do what is needed to help them feel welcome and that they
belong
Connect Parks to the Community Through Pathways, Programs, and Events
Celebrate the uniqueness of the community and its residents
Create Opportunities to Be Healthier
Being more active
Gathering with other people
Relaxing and recharging
Connecting with nature
Accessing healthy food and food from the local cultures
Design Welcoming and Safe Spaces
Effective lighting and clear lines of vision for users
Clearly identified and visible access points and boundaries
People and activities in the park make it feel safer and part of the community
Maintain a clean and well-run park – we care for this space and we care about you
Remove or repair deteriorated or closed assets and infrastructure
Advance Environmental Sustainability
Integrate green infrastructure, conservation practices, and alternative energy
Measure Outcomes
Establish baselines and key performance indicators
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 8
Review results and plan adjustments to improve outcomes
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 9
Measuring Outcomes
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to measure the outcomes of our investments. KPIs should answer
three basic questions: How much did we do? How well did we do it? Is anyone better off? And, finally, to
address the issue of equity: is everyone better off? We will look at KPIs on the park level, the service area level,
and the county level.
Park KPIs
Park visits – determine the baseline and optimal capacity for the park and track visits monthly and annually
Visitor satisfaction – do visitors expression satisfaction or dissatisfaction with park services and facilities?
Cost recovery – do recreation services that charge a fee meet their cost recovery targets?
Service Area KPIs
Community use – do the people visiting the park reflect the demographic profile of the service area?
Oakland County KPIs
Health outcomes – link with Oakland County strategic plan KPIs
Sustainability outcomes – link with Oakland County strategic plan KPIs
Park access outcomes – link with Oakland County strategic plan KPIs
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 10
Park Improvement Plans – Local Park Partnerships
Beech Woods / Southfield Oaks Park
Community Statistics (2021)
City of Southfield
Area: 26.28 square miles
Population: 74,120
Area Median Income: NA
Qualified Census Tracts: no
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 22 %
o Black/African American: 71%
o Hispanic: 2%
o Asian: 3%
o American Indian: 0.19%
o Two or more races: 3%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
City of Southfield Census Tract 26125162500
Population: 3,441
Area Median Income: $44,472 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: no
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 33%
o Black/African American: 61%
o Hispanic: 3%
o Asian: 2%
o American Indian: 0.41%
o Two or more races: 4%
Park Description
Location: 22200 Beech Rd, Southfield, MI 48033
Acres: 81.86 acres
Features: Driving range, community center, golf course ceased operation in 2019
OCPR area of interest: 40 - 55 acres
Vision
Increase opportunities for
outdoor recreation and quality
of facilities to benefit the
health and wellness of people
living in an area that has been
disproportionately impacted by
COVID. Focus investment on
providing quality experiences
in nature with accessible trails,
boardwalks, and access to the
Rouge River in a restored
grassland and forest habitat.
Gathering and seating areas
will provide opportunities to
socialize and relax in a natural
setting.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 11
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 12
Hawthorne Park / Pontiac
Pontiac Community Statistics (2021)
Area: 20.29 square miles
Population: 60,867
Area Median Income: $34,502 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: 12 out of 17 census tracts are identified as QCTs
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 32.51%
o Black/African American: 50.67%
o Hispanic: 20.13%
o Asian: 3.46%
o American Indian: 0.58%
o Two or more races: 5.22%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
Park Description
Location: 1400 Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48340
Acres: 77.33
Features: disc golf course, three horseshoe pits, a playground, picnic area, pavilions, a boat launch, and
fishing area.
Vision
Increase opportunities for
outdoor recreation and quality
of facilities to benefit the health
and wellness of people living in
an area that has been
disproportionately impacted by
COVID. Focus investment on
improving and replacing
deteriorated buildings and
amenities and increasing
accessibility to provide a safe
and welcoming environment.
Management of shoreline
vegetation and invasive species
will provide clear views of Silver
Lake and visitors will be able to
fish and launch canoes and
kayaks off a new accessible
dock. The already popular disc
golf course will be updated with signage and maps. Trail improvements and forest management will provide
quality experiences in nature.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 13
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 14
David H. Shepherd Park / Oak Park
Oak Park Community Statistics (2021)
Area: 5.18 square miles
Population: 29,880
Area Median Income: $52,544 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: 1 out of 8 census tracts is identified as QCTs
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 35.12%
o Black/African American: 58.09%:
o Hispanic: 1.86%
o Asian: 2.30%
o American Indian: 0.22%
o Two or more races: 3.71%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
Park Description
Location: 24198 Church St, Oak Park, MI 48237
Acres: 43.39
Features: pavilions, basketball courts, play structures, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, nature trails.
OCPR Area of Interest: approximately 20 acres
Vision
Increase opportunities for
outdoor recreation and
quality of facilities to benefit
the health and wellness of
people living in an area that
has been disproportionately
impacted by COVID. Focus
investment on developing a
welcoming gateway to a
valuable urban woodland by
removing unused tennis
courts and outdated
playground and developing
an open space gateway with
accessible trails, seating and
gathering areas. Conversion
of the existing cable building
to a nature center will
create a hub for nature
education and outreach in
southeast Oakland County.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 15
SHEPHERD PARK PROPOSED OCPR-MANAGED AREA
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 16
SHEPHERD PARK DETAIL: FOREST GATEWAY
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 17
Park Improvement Plans -Oakland County Parks
Catalpa Oaks County Park / Southfield
Community Statistics (2021)
10-minute drive time service area includes several census tracts with Low or Moderate Area Median Income in
Southfield, Oak Park, and Royal Oak Township
Oak Park Community Statistics (2021)
Area: 5.18 square miles
Population: 29,880
Area Median Income: $52,544 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: 1 out of 8 census tracts
is identified as QCTs
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 35.12%
o Black/African American: 58.09%:
o Hispanic: 1.86%
o Asian: 2.30%
o American Indian: 0.22%
o Two or more races: 3.71%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
Charter Township of Royal Oak
Area: 0.56 square miles
Population: 2,398
Area Median Income: $29,620 (Low AMI)
Qualified Census Tracts: entire township
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 1.25%
o Black/African American: 95.08%
o Hispanic: 1.50%
o Asian: 0.04%
o American Indian: 0.13%
o Two or more races: 3.17%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: no
City of Southfield Census Tracts 26125162200 26125162100 26125161400 26125161600
Population: 1,377 3,569 3,714 2.902
Area Median Income: $42,282
(Moderate)
$39,526
(Moderate)
$50,858
(Moderate)
$52,381
(Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: No No No No
Race and Ethnicity
o White 6% 3% 41% 17%
o Black/African
American
89% 93% 55% 74%
o Hispanic 2% 2% 1% 2%
o Asian 4% 1% 2% 7%
o American Indian 0.07% 0.03% 0.19% 0.07%
o Two or more races 1% 3% 2% 3%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
Park Description
Location: Adjacent to the South Oakland Health Department at 27705 Greenfield Rd, Southfield, MI
48076
Acres: 24
Features: four soccer fields, two baseball fields, playgrounds that are universally accessible, a large
pavilion, and a .6-mile loop for walking or running
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 18
Vision
Increase opportunities for outdoor recreation and quality of facilities to benefit the health and wellness of
people living in an area that has been disproportionately impacted by COVID. Focus investment on increasing
opportunities for active outdoor recreation with pickle ball and basketball courts and flexible open space for
exercise. An accessible plaza with shaded gathering and seating areas will welcome visitors to the park and
provide opportunities to socialize and relax. Added trail connectors to city sidewalks will increase pedestrian
access to the park.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 19
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 20
Lyon Oaks County Park / Lyon Township and Wixom
Community Statistics (2021)
10-minute drive time service area includes Lyon Township and the City of Wixom. The park is in both
communities. The east half of the park is in a moderate Area Median Income census tract in Wixom.
Wixom Census Tract 261251331 – Moderate Area Median Income
Population: 4,080
Area Median Income: $36,034 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: 0
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 51%
o Black/African American: 31%
o Hispanic: 13%
o Asian: 9%
o American Indian: 0.39%
o Two or more races: 4%
Park Description
Location: 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393
Acres: 1,040
Features: Golf course, dog park, soccer complex, cricket pitch, picnic pavilion with restroom and
playground, paved trails and rustic trails, natural areas
Vision
Increase opportunities for
outdoor recreation and
quality of facilities to
benefit the health and
wellness of people living in
an area that has been
disproportionately
impacted by COVID. Focus
investment on increasing
opportunities for active
outdoor recreation with
pickle ball and a destination
playground, as well as
flexible open space for
exercise. A new trail that
connects with the Huron
Valley Trail will provide new
pedestrian access to the
park.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 21
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 22
Red Oaks County Park and Ambassador Park / Madison Heights
Community Statistics (2021)
10-minute drive time service area includes the City of Madison Heights and the northern half of the City of
Hazel Park which both have moderate Area Median Income.
City of Madison Heights
Population: 30,053
Area Median Income: $52,586 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: none
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 79.28%
o Black/African American: 6.64%
o Hispanic: 3.45%
o Asian: 9.26%
o American Indian: 0.45%
o Two or more races: 3.38%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
City of Hazel Park
Population: 16,945
Area Median Income: $38,751 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: 2 out of 4 census tracts
are identified as QCTs
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 79.65%
o Black/African American: 10.56%:
o Hispanic: 3.77%
o Asian: 2.47%
o American Indian: 0.86%
o Two or more races: 5.87%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
Park Description – Red Oaks County Park
Location: Golf course - 29600 John R Rd,
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Nature Center - 30300 Hales St, Madison
Heights, MI 48071
Acres: 163
Features: Dog park, waterpark, golf course,
nature center, and youth soccer complex.
Park Description – Ambassador Park/ Madison
Heights
Location: 600 E 13 Mile Rd, Madison Heights,
MI 48071
Features: a track, play structure, picnic tables,
small sled hill, soccer field, tennis courts
Acres: 7
OCPR Area of Interest: incorporate entire
park into Red Oaks with a long-term lease
Vision
Increase opportunities for outdoor recreation and quality of facilities to benefit the health and wellness of
people living in an area that has been disproportionately impacted by COVID. Incorporate Ambassador Park into
the Red Oaks and increase connectivity. The health and social benefits include open park access for everyone,
increased opportunities for outdoor recreation, group gatherings, and trail connectivity.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 23
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 24
Waterford Oaks County Park / Waterford Township
Community Statistics (2021)
10-minute drive time service area includes several census tracts with Low or Moderate Area Median Income in
Pontiac, Waterford Township, and Keego Harbor.
City of Pontiac
Population: 60,867
Area Median Income: $34,502 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: 12 out of 17 census
tracts are identified as QCTs
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 32.51%
o Black/African American: 50.67%
o Hispanic: 20.13%
o Asian: 3.46%
o American Indian: 0.58%
o Two or more races: 5.22%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
City of Keego Harbor
Population: 2,949
Area Median Income: $45,480 (Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts: 0
Race and Ethnicity
o White: 80.30%
o Black/African American: 6.48%
o Hispanic: 14.55%
o Asian: 3.63%
o American Indian: 0.37%
o Two or more races: 3.93%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: no
Waterford Township Census Tracts 261251447 261251449 161251459
Population: 3,559 3,789 2,845
Area Median Income: $44,600
(Moderate)
$42,362
(Moderate)
$38,722
(Moderate)
Qualified Census Tracts:
Race and Ethnicity
o White 65% 85% 71%
o Black/African American 16% 6% 15%
o Hispanic 21% 10% 13%
o Asian 3% 3% 5%
o American Indian 0.42% 0.34% 0.53%
o Two or more races 5% 3% 4%
Adopted 5-Year Recreation Plan: yes
Park Description
Location: 1702 Scott Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328
Acres: 199
Features: Waterpark, Bicycle motocross (BMX) track, hiking trails, playscape, two platform tennis courts,
a sledding hill, and outdoor fitness equipment.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 25
Vision
Increase opportunities for outdoor recreation and quality of facilities to benefit the health and wellness of
people living in an area that has been disproportionately impacted by COVID. Focus investment on increasing
opportunities for wintertime active outdoor recreation with sledding hill improvements (synthetic surface) and
an ice rink. A spray park will extend the season for water play. Pickle ball courts and flexible open space for
exercise will further increase outdoor recreation activities. An accessible plaza with shaded gathering and
seating areas will welcome visitors to the park and provide opportunities to socialize and relax. A new trail and
additional connectors to township sidewalks will increase overall trail mileage and access in the park.
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 26
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 27
Notes
1 https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/about.html
2 Social and community context: The connection between characteristics of the contexts within which people live, learn,
work, and play, and their health and well-being. This includes topics like cohesion with a community, civic participation,
discrimination, conditions in the workplace, and incarceration.
3 Neighborhood and built environment: The connection between where a person lives – housing, neighborhood, and
environment – and their health and well-being. This includes topics like quality of housing, access to transportation,
availability of healthy foods, air and water quality, and neighborhood crime and violence.
4 CDC: Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death by Race/Ethnicity – accessed 3/3/2022. Data is adjusted by
age because risk of infection, hospitalization, and death is different by age and age distribution differs by racial and ethnic
group.
Rate ratios compared
to White, Non-
Hispanic persons
American Indian or
Alaska Native, Non-
Hispanic persons
Asian, Non-Hispanic
persons
Black or African
American, Non-
Hispanic persons
Hispanic or Latino
persons
Cases 1.6x 0.7x 1.1x 1.5x
Hospitalizations 3.0x 0.8x 2.3x 2.2x
Death 2.1x 0.8x 1.7x 1.8x
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/investigations-discovery/hospitalization-death-by-race-
ethnicity.html
5 https://health.gov/healthypeople
6 The National Parks and Recreation Associations’ Three Pillars are:
Health and Wellness – Advance community health and well-being through parks and recreation
Equity at the Center – Strive for a future where everyone has fair and just access to quality parks and recreation
Conservation – creating a nation of resilient and climate-ready communities through parks and recreation
https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/role-of-parks-and-recreation-on-health-and-wellness/
7 “Recipients may determine whether to measure income levels for specific households or for a geographic area based on
the type of service to be provided. For example, recipients developing a program that services specific households (e.g., a
subsidy for internet access, a childcare program) may measure income at the recipient level. Recipients providing a service
that reaches a general geographic area (e.g., a park) may measure median income of that area.” (CSLFRP final rule, p 31)
8 “The final rule defines a household as low income if it has (i) income at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty
Guidelines (FPG) for the size of its household based on the most recently published poverty guidelines by the Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS) or (ii) income at or below 40 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for its county
and size of household based on the most recently published data by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).” (CSLFRF final rule, p 30)
Our analysis used the most recent American Community Survey data (2021). Oakland County’s 2021 AMI ($81,981) was
used for this comparison with low-income areas being at or below 40% county AMI ($32,792).
9 “The final rule defines a household as moderate income if it has (i) income at or below 300 percent of the FPG for the size
of its household based on the most recently publish poverty guidelines by HHS or (ii) income at or below 65 percent of the
AMI for its county and size of household based on the most recently published data by HUD.” (CSLFRP final rule, pp 30-31)
Our analysis used the most recent American Community Survey data (2021). Oakland County’s 2021 AMI ($81,981) was
used for this comparison with moderate-income areas at or below 65% ($53,288).
Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan 28
10An additional method of identifying disproportionately impacted households is the Qualified Census Tracts identified
annually by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These are census tracts with 50% of households
with incomes below 60% AMI or which have a poverty rate of 25% or more.
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/qct.html
2020 Imagery / Created 7/29/2022
Exhibit A: Ambassador Park
City of Madison Heights, Michigan Parcel ID: 25-12-128-031 Acres: 7.07
Ambassador
Park
Red Oaks
County Park
13-Mile Road
City of Oak Park-County of Oakland
LETTER OF INTENT (“Letter”)
By and Between:
The City of Oak Park,a Michigan Municipal Corporation and the County of Oakland,a
Municipal and Constitutional Corporation,by and through its statutory agent,the
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (“OCPRC’).
The City of Oak Park and Oakland County,desire to negotiate a mutually acceptable
Interlocal Agreement for the operation,planning,and maintenance of19.37 acres of
Shepherd Park,lots 251-001/002/003/004 and a portion of 251-005,excluding the
baseball fields,pool,and splash pad (“Park”)and depicted in the diagram attached and
incorporated into this Letter as Exhibit A.
NOW THEREFORE,the CITY OF OAK PARK and the COUNTY OF OAKLAND
acknowledge the following mutual understandings:
1.The City of Oak Park and Oakland County will work together in good faith to
negotiate an interlocal agreement that will govern the operation,planning,and
maintenance of the Park.The Interlocal agreement will address the following:
a.
b.
The term of the Interlocal Agreement,desired to be 25 to 30 years;
The application for and/or receipt of grants,donations,and other monetary
contributions by the Parties for the Park;
The creation and implementation of a Park Capital Improvement Plan and
a Park Operation and Maintenance Plan;
A provision that the Park name,i.e.,“Shepherd Park,”shall be retained
throughout the duration of the interlocal agreement;
A provision that the City of Oak Park shall retain legal title to the Park;and
A provision that the Park will be included in the OCPRC system and
subject to OCPRC Rules and Regulations.
2.OCPRC will request an allocation of American Rescue Plan of 2021 (“ARPA”)
funds and an appropriation of Oakland County Parks and Recreation funds from
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to make improvements at the Park
and for projects associated with the interlocal agreement,,including the Park
Capital Improvement Plan authorized by the Interlocal Agreement,provided that
this Letter does not guarantee an allocation of ARPA funds or Oakland County
Parks and Recreation funds by the Oakland County Commissioners.
The Parties acknowledge and agree that the ARPA funds will be administered by
Oakland County.The City of Oak Park will make all reasonable efforts to support
Oakland County’s administration of the funds.Oakland County will administer
and allocate the funds at its own expense and will not impose any fee for its
administration of the funds upon the City of Oak Park.
This Letter authorizes the Parties to attempt to negotiate an Interlocal Agreement
meeting the objectives set forth herein and to request ARPA funds.
This Letter does not constitute an “interlocal agreement”as established by Article
VII,Section 28 of the Michigan Constitution and the Urban Corporation Act of
1967,P.A.7 of 1967,being MCL 124.501,et seq.as amended,and thus is not
subject to the requirements set forth therein.
The Parties have taken all actions and secured the approvals necessary to
authorize and complete this Letter.The individuals signing this Letter on behalf of
each party have legal authority to sign and bind the Parties to the terms and
conditions contained herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the City of Oak Park and Oakland County have executed
this letter of intent as of the date shown below.
CITY OF OAK PARK OAKLAND COUNTY
A Michigan municipal corporation A Michigan municipal and Constitutional
Eni Tuwgate Corporation
Erik Tungate me 2022 11:08 EDT)By:By:
7 Gary McGillivray,Chairperson
Name:Erik Tungate Oakland County Parks and Recreation
.Commissionits.City Manager
Date:pate:AUg 2,2022
Exhibit A:Shepherd Park
City of Oak Park,Michigan Parcel ID:4 parcels Acres:43.39
OCPR Area of Interest:approximately 20 acres
2020 Imagery /Created 7/29/2022
Approximate location
of OCPR Area of
Interest (excluding
ball fields)
City of Pontiac -County of Oakland
LETTER OF INTENT (“Letter”)
By and Between:
The City of Pontiac (“City”)and the County of Oakland (“County”),a Municipal and
Constitutional Corporation,by and through its statutory agent,the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission (“OCPRC’).
The City and the County desire to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement for the operation,
planning,and maintenance of approximately 77.33 acres of real property commonly known as
Hawthorne Park,which is specifically described and depicted in the diagram attached and
incorporated into this Letter as Exhibit A (hereinafter “Park”).
Now Therefore,the City and the County acknowledge the following mutual understandings:
1.The City and the County will work together in good faith to negotiate an agreementthat
will govern the operation,planning,and maintenanceof the Park.The agreement must
address the following:
a.The term of the agreement,desired to be for a length oftime to be determined by
the parties,but somewherein the range of 15 to 30 years;
The application for and/or receipt of grants,donations,and other monetary
contributions by the Parties for the Park;
The creation and implementation of a Park Capital Improvement Plan and a Park
Operation and Maintenance Plan;
A provision that the Park name,i.e.,“Hawthorne Park,”shall be retained
throughout the duration of the agreement;
A provision that the City shall retain legal title to the Park;
The Park shall be open to residents free of charge;and
A provision that the Park will be included in the OCPRC system and subject to
OCPRC Rules and Regulations,except as otherwise expressly stated.
2.OCPRC will requestan allocation of American Rescue Plan of 2021 (“ARPA”)fundsfromtheOaklandCountyBoardofCommissionersandanappropriationofOaklandCountyParksandRecreationfundstomakeimprovementsattheParkandfortheprojectsassociatedwiththeagreement,including the Park Capital Improvement Planauthorizedbytheagreement,provided that this Letter does not guarantee an allocationofARPAfundsorOaklandCountyParkandRecreationfundsbytheOaklandCountyBoardofCommissioners.The City shall not be required to contribute any monies
toward improvements,made at the Park,paid for with ARPAfunds.
3.The Parties acknowledge and agree that the ARPA funds will be administered by the
County.The City will make all reasonable efforts to support the County's administration
of the funds.The County will administer and allocate the funds at its own expense and
will not impose any fee for its administration of the funds upon the City.
4.Itis the intent of the Parties that the agreement will have a provision that the County
shall be responsible to pay for capital improvements made pursuant to the Park Capital
Improvement Plan and to pay for maintenance pursuant to the Park Operation and
Maintenance Plan,except as otherwise agreed bythe Parties.
5.This Letter authorizes the Parties to attempt to negotiate an agreement meeting the
objectives set forth herein and to request ARPAfunds.
6.This Letter does not constitute or guarantee that the Parties will negotiate an agreement,
lease, or contract for the operation,planning,and maintenanceof the Park.
7.The Parties have taken all actions and secured the approvals necessary to authorize
and complete this Letter.The individuals signing this Letter on behalf of each party have
legal authority to sign and bind the Parties to the terms and conditions contained herein.
In Witness Whereof,the City and the County have executed this letter of intent as of the
date,last in time,shown below.
CITY OF PONTIAC
A Michigan municipal corporation
By:iaee
Name:Tim Greimel
Its:Mayor,City of Pontiac
paeA ua,3,RO2Rd
ae
By:‘
Name:Mike McGuinness
Its:City Council President,City of Pontiac
bate.Aug 4,2022
OAKLAND COUNTY
A Michigan municipal and Constitutional
Corporation
By:
Gary McGillivray,Chairperson
Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission
Date:
2020 Imagery / Created 7/29/2022
Exhibit A: Hawthorne Park
City of Pontiac, Michigan Parcel ID: 14-18-100-006 Acres: 7 7.33
Hawthorne
Park
13-13-226-008 not included
in Hawthorne Park
2020 Imagery / Created 7/29/2022
Exhibit A: Beech Woods Park
City of Southfield, Michigan Parcel ID: 4 parcels Acres: 81.86
OCPR Area of Interest: approximately 55 acres
Beech Woods Park
9-Mile Road Beech Road 24-32-151-014
46.37 acres
24-32-151-005
10.38 acres
24-32-151-004
1.50 acres
24-32-301-001
23.61 acres
Approximate location
of OCPR Area of
Interest (excluding
buildings and
developed areas)
Parks & Recreation Commission – HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PARK AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PLAN - RECOMMENDATION AND SUBMITTAL TO THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson and Members of the Board:
WHEREAS the United States Treasury allocated Oakland County $244,270,949 of Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds (LFRF) established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021; and
WHEREAS COVID-19 and the resulting mitigation measures have highlighted the essential role that parks,
trails, and natural spaces play in supporting the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Parks have
been a lifeline for many during the pandemic – a place of safety, comfort, exercise, reflection, enjoyment,
and therapy for individuals often isolated and lonely; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved MR# 22-84 inviting the
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to submit project proposals utilizing American Rescue
Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to make investments in parks and outdoor recreation
infrastructure in an amount not to exceed $10 million for Oakland County Parks and $5 million for
communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; and
WHEREAS the Board of Commissioners strongly encouraged the Parks and Recreation Commission to
identify additional funding sources and partnerships to leverage the investment of ARPA funding for
maximum impact; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has developed the Healthy Communities
Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan (Attachment B), a comprehensive proposal to utilize ARPA
funding leveraged with funding from Oakland County Parks and Recreation and long-term partnership
agreements with local governments to make major investments to rejuvenate and enhance parks that
serve residents disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has worked closely with local
government leaders to develop project proposals that have strong potential to have lasting and
transformational impacts in improving the health and wellbeing of residents and building stronger, more
resilient communities; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has engaged the public through surveys
and focus groups to assist in the development of project proposals that will be responsive to community
needs; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has reached conceptual agreements
with the cities of Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pontiac, and Southfield to rejuvenate underutilized
municipal parks, and sustain the one-time investment with long-term intergovernmental agreements
transferring management of parkland to Oakland County Parks and Recreation to operate as Oakland
County Parks; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is proposing long-term partnership
agreements with the City of Madison Heights to incorporate Ambassador Park into Red Oaks County Park;
the City of Pontiac for the operation of Hawthorne Park; the City of Southfield for the operation of a
portion of Beech Woods Park; and the City of Oak Park for the operation of a portion of Shepherd Park;
and
WHEREAS the local government leadership of the cities of Madison Heights, Pontiac, Oak Park, and
Southfield have approved and executed non-binding Letters of Intent formalizing their agreement and
support of proposed long-term partnership agreements that have been forwarded to the Economic
Development and Infrastructure Committee in accordance with Oakland County’s policy regarding sale,
lease, or purchase of real property; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending grant funding be
authorized for local priority park improvement and outdoor recreation projects in disproportionately
impacted communities in amounts not to exceed:
a. $300,000 to the City of Hazel Park
b. $300,000 to the Township of Royal Oak
c. $500,000 to City of Oak Park
d. $500,000 to the City of Southfield
e. $500,000 to the City of Pontiac; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending approval of funding to
make park improvements in four Oakland County Parks that service residents of disproportionately
impacted areas as designated in the U.S. Department of Treasury Final Rule for expenditure of State and
Local Fiscal Recovery Funds:
a. Catalpa Oaks County Park (serving residents of the cities of Southfield and Oak Park, Royal
Oak Township)
b. Lyon Oaks County Park (serving residents of the City of Wixom)
c. Red Oaks County Park (serving residents of the cities of Madison Heights and Hazel Park)
d. Waterford Oaks County Park (serving residents of Waterford Township, and the cities of
Pontiac and Keego Harbor; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission shall expend not less than $5.2 million
to support capital improvement projects and park improvement plans detailed in the proposal prior to
December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission shall seek additional funding through
partnership and grant opportunities to support park improvement plans and projects; and
WHEREAS a summary detailing park improvement plans and project proposals with estimated budgets is
detailed in Attachment A. Completion of project proposals shall be contingent upon final construction
cost estimates, the terms of intergovernmental agreements and funding availability.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission
recommends the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Investment Plan as
detailed in Attachment B and requests that the Board of Commissioners appropriate $15 million in
American Rescue Plan Act State and Fiscal Recovery Funds to support the park improvement plans and
projects detailed in Attachment A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission requests that the
appropriation of funding be contingent upon submittal and review of individual projects listed in
Attachment for ARPA SLFRF eligibility/compliance review as required by county procedures.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission requests that the
Board of Commissioners authorize Oakland County Parks and Recreation to work with Corporation
Counsel to develop interlocal agreements to facilitate the distribution of grant funds to the cities of
Hazel Park, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, and Royal Oak Township to support ARPA eligible park
improvement projects as detailed in Attachment B.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED pending approval of the appropriation of funding by the Board of
Commissioners, the Parks and Recreation shall commit to expend not less than $5.2 million to support
to completion of capital improvement projects detailed in Attachments A and B prior to December 31,
2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Commission agrees to provide periodic updates
as required by the Board of Commissioners regarding the expenditure of ARPA funds and the status of
park improvement projects.
September 7th, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Stokes moved and Quarles seconded to approve the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor
Recreation Investment Plan (ARPA) Resolution and Letters of Intent: Madison Heights, Pak Park,
Pontiac & Southfield, as presented.
MOTION CARRIED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE.