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Recreation

Rochester and its surrounding communities are bursting with opportunities for both active and passive recreation. Part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit network, the modern North Oakland Family YMCA is teeming with active programming for residents of all ages. Built in 2003, the 72,000-square-foot YMCA is located in Auburn Hills and houses an Aquatic Center, full-court gymnasium, running track, fitness equipment, group exercise studio, a wellness center, locker rooms and a teaching kitchen. On-site babysitting services, personal training, fitness classes and an assortment of programming round out the offerings at the YMCA.

The City of Rochester’s Parks Department maintains seven municipal parks totaling 82 acres—the largest of which is the multi-use Rochester Municipal Park. Here, patrons can access sand volleyball and lighted tennis courts, along with open-air shelters, a pond, two tot lots and paved walkways. Paint Creek winds throughout the entire park, which is also home to the Rochester Community House. The downtown Rochester River Walk connects Paint Creek Trail with the Clinton River Trail, which runs through the heart of Rochester. Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, a private environmental education organization in the center of Rochester, offers exceptional opportunities to more than 30,000 people each year who are interested in learning more about the natural wonders of the area.

The City of Rochester Hills’ Parks Division oversees 14 park sites encompassing more than 900 acres of recreation. Over 900,000 visitors enjoy the activities and relaxing atmosphere of these parks annually. Among some of these sites are:

• Spencer Park, equipped with a 38-acre lake, beach, fishing pier, tennis courts and trails;

• Borden Park sports complex, home to the annual Festival of the Hills event and featuring lighted ball fields, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and roller hockey rinks;

• Bloomer Park, the site of the state’s only velodrome, offers nature trails and picnic areas;

• The Environmental Education Center (EEC), providing outdoor exploration, nature discovery day camps, interactive exhibits and programs;

• Veterans Memorial Pointe, showcasing a gazebo, memorial pathway and a monument dedicated to all who have served in the U.S. armed forces;

• Pine Trace Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole public course with a driving range, restaurant and pro shop on-site as well.

Oakland Township is distinguished by its natural beauty, and encompasses over 900 acres of parkland and miles of multi-use trails. The Township’s Parks and Recreation Commission also maintains portions of the Bald Mountain Recreation Area and Stony Creek Metro Park. Stony Creek is ideal for outdoor summer fun, as visitors can participate in such pastimes as swimming, mountain biking, picnicking, golfing and boating. The site is also great for winter recreation, featuring activities including ice fishing, skating, sledding, tobogganing and cross-country skiing.

Linking the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland and Orion Townships and the Village of Lake Orion, the Paint Creek Trail is an 8.9-mile trail that weaves through fields, woodlands, prairies and marshes. Paint Creek Trail is a vital part of the recreational environment in Oakland County, and is utilized by hikers, cyclists, joggers, equestrians, nature observers and photographers throughout the year.

The Clinton River Trail is another recreational trail, which follows 15 miles of abandoned rail line through the center of the county. Communities including Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester, plus Sylvan Lake and Pontiac are all located along the developing trail system. The majority of the Clinton River Trail is complete, with a connection to the existing West Bloomfield Trail to the west and the developing Macomb Orchard Trail to the east. The Polly Ann Trail is an additional route traveling along the abandoned P.O. & N. railroad line. The 12-plus-mile trail will ultimately connect to the Paint Creek, Clinton River and Macomb Orchard trails.