The Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan is a $20.2 million program aimed at enhancing park and recreation opportunities in Oakland County using $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds matched with an additional $5.2 million in funding from OCP. There are two of these projects in the works in Pontiac:

• Pontiac Oaks Park
• Crystal Lake Park Revitalization

Pontiac Oaks Park

Pontiac Oaks, formerly known as Hawthorne Park, is a 77-acre park in Pontiac. The park is operated by Oakland County Parks and owned by the City of Pontiac.

Summary Project Scope

OCP assisted the City with acquisition of additional parkland to increase park acreage and invested a minimum of $1.5 million from the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan in Pontiac Oaks.

Pontiac Oaks - Status: Complete

A ribbon cutting and community event to mark the major renovations at Pontiac Oaks Park was held on July 12, 2026. The free public event included a DJ, food trucks, disc golf demonstrations, fishing demonstrations and family activities. Oakland County Parks gave away free youth fishing poles to the first 50 children. 

The final construction phase included accessible pathways, nature play pockets, improved lake views, a new pavilion and accessible kayak launch.

Crystal Lake Park Revitalization

Crystal Lake Park is a 43-acre park along the north side of Crystal Lake in the southwest portion of the City of Pontiac. It is owned and operated by Pontiac.

Summary Project Scope

The City of Pontiac received a $500,000 grant from the OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan to reclaim and revitalize Crystal Lake Park so that its abundant environmental, recreation and historic resources may be enjoyed by residents.

• A Grant Agreement was signed on Aug. 8, 2023

Contact Information

Simon Rivers
Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives
248-421-9033
riverss@oakgov.com