Contact Info
Parks & Recreation
Administrative Office
2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328
Programs & Services
Adaptive Recreation
All Abilities Welcome!
Inclusion services are offered so that individuals with disabilities can participate in any program or event hosted by Oakland County Parks.
A certified therapeutic recreation specialist coordinates programs for individuals with disabilities and provides training to staff and volunteers to assist individuals during general recreation programs. Partnerships with more than 30 non-profit agencies, schools and disabled sports organizations enable Oakland County Parks to cooperatively provide unique recreational options.
The Quiet Zone is sensory inclusive space where sensory regulation tools, such as noise reducing headphones and fidget tools, are available.
For additional information, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oaklandcountymi.gov.
Therapeutic/Adaptive Recreation Resource Guide
The RIM Foundation, Oakland County Parks and Disability Network Eastern Michigan have developedthe Therapeutic/Adaptive Recreation Resource Guide to share knowledge and resources related to recreational therapy throughout Michigan. 
Information will be updated quarterly as organizations are added, removed or changed.
We welcome your feedback! To share your ideas or updates, please complete the Suggestion Form in the guide.
Upcoming Events
There is always something happening at Oakland County Parks! Be sure to register for the programs below as quickly as possible since they do tend to fill up quickly.
Fallin' Into Fun
Make the most of the season by joining us for an afternoon of fall fun, friends and festive activities during Fallin’ Into Fun. The day includes an accessible wagon ride, cider, donuts and crafts for individuals of all ages and abilities. It will be held from 1-3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at Addison Oaks County Park’s Trails Edge Pavilion.
Come ready to play, laugh and enjoy the best autumn has to offer!
Cost is $3/person (participants and caregivers). Preregistration with payment required. To register, call 248-858-0916 or visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
Have questions about the program? Call 248-221-8040.
- Printable Fallin' Into Fun Flyer
Adaptive Pickleball
Ready to grab a paddle and have some fun? Seems like everyone is playing pickleball and with some simple modifications, everyone can get in on the fun! Adaptive Pickleball is a free event where players can learn basic skills of the game. It will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Jack and Patti Salter Community Center, 1545 East Lincoln Ave. in Royal Oak.
Whether you’re new to pickleball or just want to brush up on your skills, this class is a great opportunity to learn a new skill, stay active and meet others with similar interests. Come ready to learn, laugh and have a great time in a supportive environment.
Get the game started by completing the registration form.
For additional information or questions, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPRecreation@oakgov.com.
- Printable Adaptive Pickleball Flyer
Special Olympics Young Athletes
There’s big fun to be had for little athletes during Special Olympics Young Athletes™, a free sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 4 to 7 years old. This six-week program will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and 39 and Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Pleasant Ridge Community Center, 23925 Woodward Avenue in Pleasant Ridge.
Participants will be active, make friends and have a blast while learning foundational sports skills like running, kicking and throwing. Along the way they’ll practice teamwork, build confidence and develop essential skills for learning and play.
A caregiver must attend with their child.
Ready to get in the game? Register by completing the Special Olympics Young Athletes registration form.
For additional information or questions, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPRecreation@oakgov.com.
- Printable Special Olympics Young Athletes Flyer
Adaptive Cycling
Enjoy a 1-hour bike ride throughout Independence Oaks County Park during monthly Adaptive Cycling sessions. Choose a bike, date and one-hour time slot between 2-6 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 and 8. All riders must wear a helmet. Bring your own or wear one available at the event.
Other adaptive cycling opportunities are available from 2-6 p.m. Aug. 3 at McIntyre Park in Fort Gratiot and Aug. 11 at Rowden Park in Lapeer.
The program is held in partnership with Rec-Connect: Adaptive Recreation & Wellness and Oakland County Parks. Scan the QR code on the Adaptive Cycling flyer or visit https://DNEM.RecDesk.com to register. All abilities are welcome. For more information, call 586-268-4160 or email REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org.
- Printable Adaptive Cycling Flyer
Disability Dirt Days
Experience off-roading at Holly Oaks ORV Park during Disability Dirt Days from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. An off-roading ride will be provided for a rider and one guest (must be at least 10 years old) during this special event, which is presented by Wheels in Motion, Rehab Without Walls, Disability Network Eastern Michigan and Oakland County Parks.
Registration is required by scanning the QR code on the flyer below or clicking here. Those who register will be sent a confirmation email with additional details prior to the event date. For program questions, text or call 248-221-8040.
- Printable Disability Dirt Days Flyer
Halloween Happiness
Halloween Happiness gets everyone into the holiday spirit with music, dancing, trick or treating, carnival games and pizza. This family-friendly evening is a fun, festive event for individuals of ages 16 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Southfield Civic Center, 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield.
Cost is $8/person (participants and caregivers). Preregistration with payment required by Friday, Oct. 16. To register, call 248-858-0916 or visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
Have questions? Call 248-221-8040.
- Printable Halloween Happiness Flyer
Mark Your Calendar
Watch for more information on these events coming soon and keep the 2026 Adaptive Recreation Calendar and the 2026 Events for Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities calendar close by for reference:
- Dec. 10 - Jingle Bell Ball, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Waterford Oaks Event Center
- Jan. 15 - Kick Start 2027, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 15, 2027 at Royal Oak Community Center
Additional Resources
Call 248-221-8040 or email OCPrecreation@oaklandcountymi.gov for more information.
Quiet Zone Events
Look for the Quiet Zone trailer soon!
Equipment & Services
A variety of adaptive equipment and services are available:
Red Oaks and Wint nature centers have American Sign Language interpreters available during specific programs as noted on the Nature Education Program Schedule. Please call Red Oaks Nature Center at 248-585-0100 or Wint Nature Center at 248-625-6473 for more information.
Braille is included on the animal displays at Red Oaks Nature Center.
Campsites, cabins and yurts with accessible features are available.
Single rider carts are available for individuals with spinal cord injuries, amputees and other physical impairments. Some carts feature a swivel seat that moves to a standing position and also pivots left and right, for maximum activity. Contact the course 72 hours prior to tee time to arrange cart availability.
Kayak launches at Addison Oaks and Independence Oaks county parks aid in the transfer from wheelchair to a kayak and back into the chair for individuals with disabilities or those who need assistance or are learning to kayak. The kayak launches are located near the boathouse at each park.
Hand-operated boats are available at Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks county parks.
Wheelchair accessible tables are available at all facilities.
Red Oaks Waterpark and Waterford Oaks Wave Pool are equipped with water transfer chairs which enable individuals to transfer from a wheelchair and easily access the water.
The Quiet Zone is an Oakland County sensory inclusive initiative that ensures all event participants feel welcomed and supported at large scale events. It includes a sensory inclusive space where sensory regulation equipment like fidget tools and noise reducing headphones are available.
Paved trails are available at Addison Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks and Waterford Oaks county parks.
Accessibility
The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission makes reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship is an excellent way to support Oakland County Parks. Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available through OCP's Adaptive Recreation programming. Please review the options below and contact Recreation Supervisor Sandy Dorey at 248-343-6287 or doreys@oaklandcountymi.gov with any questions. Sponsorship packages can be tailored to specific needs and budgets.
- Printable 2026 Adaptive Recreation Sponsorship Guide
- Printable 2026 Adaptive ORV Sponsorship Guide
The original award-winning event series returns for its sixth year in 2026 at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Holly. Dates are May 17, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. Paired safely with a volunteer driver, individuals with disabilities can experience what it's like to zip through the dirt, bounce over rocks and splash in the water on the ORV course. This free program is open to individuals with any type of disability and their families. Individuals ages 10 and older can participate. The event is expected to attract 90 riders, 200 friends and family and 30 volunteers.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Bronze - $200
- Logo on sign at event
- Recognition in post-event email marketing
- Silver - $1,750
- Logo on sign at event
- Recognition in post-event email marketing
- Logo featured on event flyer
- Sponsor mention with website link in post-event email marketing
- Banner displayed at event (banner and ties provided by sponsor)
- Opportunity to host an information tent at event (tent provided by sponsor)
- Verbal recognition during volunteer orientation
- Gold - $5,000
- Logo on sign at event
- Recognition in post-event email marketing
- Logo featured on event flyer
- Sponsor mention with website link in post-event email marketing
- Banner displayed at event (banner and ties provided by sponsor)
- Opportunity to host an information tent at event (tent provided by sponsor)
- Verbal recognition during volunteer orientation
- Sponsor-provided 4’ x 8’ sign displayed at Holly Oaks ORV Park for one year
- Opportunity to showcase vehicles at all Dirt Day events
Adult participants with developmental disabilities enjoy an evening of music, dancing and dinner during this series of five themed events scheduled throughout the year. This series offers opportunities to celebrate with old friends and make new ones. The events also provide a few hours of free time for parents of these young adults. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who ensure everyone has fun and feels welcome. Attendance is approximately 100 participants per event. Locations vary and include Farmington Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield and Waterford.
In 2024, Oakland County Parks introduced the Quiet Zone at select large-scale events to promote sensory inclusivity. The Quiet Zone is a dedicated space where individuals can recharge in a calm, accommodating environment.
Designed to be free from sensory triggers like food, drinks and perfumes, the Quiet Zone provides a range of supportive tools, including auditory, visual and tactile sensory aids. Features such as noise-buffering headphones, weighted mats, padded floors and floor chairs help attendees regulate their sensory experiences.
By offering these resources, the Quiet Zone empowers participants to regain balance and return to the event feeling refreshed and ready to engage.
The Quiet Zone is scheduled for many large, signature events throughout the year.
Adaptive recreation equipment plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in recreational activities by accommodating individuals with diverse physical abilities. By providing adaptive equipment, we create opportunities for engagement in sports, outdoor adventures and other recreational activities, fostering a sense of empowerment, social integration and overall well-being. The importance of adaptive recreation equipment lies in its ability to break down barriers, enabling people of all abilities to share in the joys of leisure and recreation.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Standard Wheelchair - $500/wheelchair (Three standard wheelchairs needed)
- Logo on wheelchair
- Logo on website
- Transfer Equipment - $1,500 (Covers cost of Hoyer lift, gait belts and transfer board)
- Logo on sign
- Logo on website
- Cross-Country Sit Ski - $4,000
- Logo on handcycle
- Logo on website
- Mention in email marketing message
- Information table at three events (to be approved by OCP)
- Handcycle - $5,000/handcycle (Two handcycles needed)
- Logo on handcycle
- Logo on website
- Mention in email marketing message
- Information table at three events (to be approved by OCP)
- All-Terrain Wheelchair - $5,000/wheelchair (Two all-terrain wheelchairs needed)
- Logo on wheelchair
- Logo on website
- Mention in Facebook post
- Information table at three events (to be approved by OCP)
Events
Special Olympics Young Athletes
Date:
09/22/2026 4:30 PM - 5:30 PMBuild skills and confidence at sport and play program geared toward young athletes
There’s big fun to be had for little athletes during Special Olympics Young Athletes™, a free sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 4 to 7 years old. This six-week program will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and 39 and Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the Waterford Oaks Event Center in Waterford.
Participants will be active, make friends and have a blast while learning foundational sports skills like running, kicking and throwing. Along the way they’ll practice teamwork, build confidence and develop essential skills for learning and play.
A caregiver must attend with their child.
Ready to get in the game? Register by completing the Special Olympics Young Athletes registration form.
For additional information or questions, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPRecreation@oakgov.com.
Details:
- This is a free program.
- A caregiver must attend with their child.
- Register at OaklandCountyParks.com or by calling 248-858-0916.
- For additional information or questions, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPRecreation@oakgov.com.