Recreation Plan 2023-2027

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The Oakland County Parks (OCP) 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2023-2027 ("Recreation Plan") was approved by the Parks Commission on Jan. 4, 2023 and adopted by the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 26, 2023. The Recreation Plan will guide OCP staff and the Parks Commission in their efforts to provide high-quality recreational opportunities to Oakland County residents over the next five years. It follows the Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans provided by the Grants Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The Recreation Plan is built on input from the public, local communities, regional agencies and non-profits. One key component of the Recreation Plan update is the Oakland County Community Needs Assessment that is conducted every five years. This randomized survey asks Oakland County residents the types of parks, facilities and programs they use and need and their satisfaction with the current selection in the county. The results will guide the Parks Commission on investment in existing and new recreational opportunities in the OCP park system, as well as priorities as we partner with local communities who are delivering park and recreation services to their residents.

The Recreation Plan updates OCPR's strategic plan Vision and Mission, as well as adding four Core Values that interact to build a sustainable and resilient future for Oakland County Parks: Equity and social justice, environmental sustainability, health and wellness and the way we fund and manage our organization. Becoming equitable, sustainable and resilient is at the very core of the way we operate our parks, manage our assets and interact with people. The opportunity is now to build this future for our organization and parklands.

  • Vision: Our vision inspires us; it is aspirational and declares our intent and direction and states the long-term outcome of our work.
    • Everyone in Oakland County has access to a park, public space or recreational opportunity to relax, be active, socialize and connect with nature.
  • Mission: Our mission is a concise explanation of what we do and who we do it for.
    • We create and operate accessible, welcoming and sustainable parks and public spaces, provide recreational and educational programs and opportunities, preserve open space and steward the environment to help all people be healthier and build resilient, connected communities in Oakland County.
  • Core Values: The core values are our highest priorities, deeply held beliefs and fundamental driving forces. They are the lenses through which we plan and evaluate our work as a parks and recreation agency. They are our cultural cornerstones.
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Ground all actions and decisions in equity and justice and provide parks and recreation services that feel safe and welcoming to everyone.
    • Health and Wellness - Increase access to the spaces and experiences that promote physical, mental and social health for all.
    • Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resources Stewardship - Plan, build and operate our parks and services in a sustainable manner while collaborating with local communities. Care for the natural environment, preserve land and open space for future generations, meet current recreation needs without compromising the future and build community resilience to climate change.
    • Fiscal Responsibility and Organizational Excellence - Implement our mission with a robust, innovative and diverse parks and recreation organization and ground our decisions in sound fiscal policy.

We are looking forward to continued input from and collaboration with Oakland County residents and community partners. Please contact Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives Simon Rivers at 248-421-9033 or riverss@oakgov.com for more information or further discussion.