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Parks & Recreation

Administrative Office

248-858-0906

2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328

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248-858-0916

Oakland County Parks Blogs

Wilder Side banner with Jonathan Schechter

Central Park  -  12 Acres of Nature Embracing Enjoyment  

Earlier this week I headed to Central Park; not the well-known 843-acre Central Park in New York City, but the 12-acre Central Park that’s just a short distance from the downtown area of the Village of Milford. My plan was to explore for just an hour, but it was such a delightful treat I stayed for almost three hours and am already thinking about a return visit! 

Everything about the park was a pleasure, from the welcoming entrance sign to colorful interpretive signage along the short trail. Perhaps calling the trail a walking path is more accurate; it’s flat and easy to navigate. One of the first things I noticed was everyone I encountered was smiling and a few were having picnic lunches. (a) 

To start my exploration I meandered over to a chair near the shoreline of the small lake and just sat there taking in the views and watching overflights of geese. That was hour number one; and a very good hour at that. Sometimes sitting and looking and listening to nature’s way is the way to go. I noticed a lone Wood Duck as well, but it was well out of range for a clear photo. Apparently, this one has skipped its usual southern migration time. (b) 

I then followed the creek, which is part of the Huron River Watershed, a few hundred feet back upstream to the restored powerhouse and listened to the music of flowing water which in a word was delightful. Signage at that location shared the story of an old saw mill and distillery that used to be there. Next it was back to the edge of the pond where I meandered along a small boardwalk taking in the eye-catching autumn views. (c) 

The Central Park Wildflower Restoration Project sign at the water’s edge caught my attention. That location gave me my second sighting of a colorful Wood Duck at the water’s edge; perhaps the same one I saw earlier.  

I chatted with a few people I encountered during my trek and most were local and told me they come several times a week just to sit and relax and they also came for summer concerts. They also brought to my attention a circular area of chairs set up around a fire pit, a favorite place to socialize with their friends. (d) 

I found a bench to sit and stayed there for about half an hour to get a better feel of the place and take in the autumn colors of the maple trees and watch a flurry of bird activity. I fully agree with this statement from their website that mentions the scenic backdrop. “Central Park is a 12-acre site in the heart of the community, within easy walking distance of the downtown district. The Huron River and Pettibone Creek provide a scenic backdrop enjoyed by the many visitors to the park, whether they come for the summer concert series, to play a game of tennis, or merely to bring a picnic basket and relax for the day.” (e) 

A small foot bridge was scenic in itself and gave access to the rest of this enticing tiny park. I stayed on the bridge for about 10 minutes just taking in the sights, watching milkweed seeds  floating in the wind and trying to identify a few small fish swimming under the bridge. (e) 

Although the park was not busy during my visit, the ample benches and chairs told me that some days may be very different.  Of note the hard surfaced walking paths that lead from the parking area to benches facing the water give easy access to people of all abilities. (f) 

As I walked back to the parking area I made note of the small playground with attractive features that emitted sounds of happy children playing. I can certainly see why these 12 acres add to the quality in the Village of Milford. Go visit!    

More information on Central Park can be found at:  https://www.villageofmilford.org/discover/parks/Central-Park/index.php

Oakland County Parks staffer Jonathan Schechter is an avid “nature-embracing” hiker who follows phenology - the study of natural cycles of nature’s way - to inspire his blogs.

Fall foliage at Central Park in Milford.An empty chair in front of a small lake at Milford's Central Park.The edge of a pond at Central Park in Milford with autumn views.A circular area of chairs set up around a fire pit at Central Park in Milford.A bench in front of the autumn colors of maple trees.A small scenic foot bridge at Central Park in Milford.A boardwalk at Central Park in Milford.

Past The Wilder Side Blog Posts 

Oakland County Parks Blog Posts

Fresh Air, Fun Adventures: Outdoor Activities for Beginners part events

Spending time outdoors is a great way to reduce stress, clear your mind and work on your physical fitness goals. Even a short while outside can have a positive impact on your day. 

Oakland County Parks offers numerous ways to help you stay active during all four seasons, including walking, jogging, cycling, archery, disc golf, fishing, playgrounds, pickleball, swimming, golf and kayaking. There’s something for everyone, and you don’t need advanced skills or expensive equipment to explore all the beginner-friendly options.

Read the Beginner Activities blog post

National Pollinator Month flower

June is National Pollinator Month! We often think only about the beneficial relationships of pollinators, which receive food while plants get their pollen transferred for reproduction.

Evolution is an unthinking natural process that doesn’t care about fairness, though, which has led many species to evolve cheats or tricks — some downright amazing! 

Read the Pollinator Month blog post




 

Summer without limits: Your guide to accessible recreation in Oakland County archery event

When the summer sun starts to shine and temperatures heat up, everyone naturally wants to head outside for fun activities and special memories. Accessible parks and adaptive recreation programming make the Oakland County Parks (OCP) welcoming for all guests.

Read the Summer Adaptive Recreation blog post



 

Spring is salamander season! salamander

If you’re hiking the parks this time of year on a rainy day, look for salamanders crossing the trails. Oakland County Parks boasts at least eight species of these amazing amphibians. They will range in size and color, including spotted. 

Read the Salamander blog post

 

Rooted in History, Growing for the Future: Celebrating 60 years of Oakland County Parks

For 60 years, Oakland County Parks (OCP) has been providing recreation experiences for residents.

group gathered with Oakie in the OC Commission room

Before we knew it, six decades passed and OCP’s 17 parks emerged as essential resources for health and community connection across all corners of the county. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, OCP will host several special events for the public to enjoy, including Oakie’s Birthday Bash from 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 24 at Independence Oaks County Park.

Read the 60th Anniversary Proclamation blog post.



Something to Tweet About! Oakland County receives Michigan Bird City recognition

blog

Michigan Audubon designated Oakland County as the first Bird City Michigan Community of Natural Resources in 2026! By focusing on bird habitat restoration and protection, engaging the public, and ensuring these efforts are as sustainable as possible, the county is restoring much of its 7,000 acres of parkland into natural sanctuaries that benefit more than the health and well-being of residents – they also provide thriving habitats for local bird species!

Read the full Michigan Bird City recognition blog post

Discover Adaptive Recreation around Oakland County

adaptive recreation

Beat your cabin fever with an outdoor adventure! Oakland County Parks (OCP) offers a variety of Adaptive Recreation programs for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Read the full Adaptive Recreation blog post

Chill out at Fireworks and Flannels!

waterford oaks

Enjoy two days of wintery fun during this year’s Fireworks and Flannels celebration at Waterford Oaks County Park. Kick off the weekend’s festivities with the Light the Night Flannel 5K Friday, Feb. 13 and return Saturday, Feb. 14 for Cozy Night Out, an evening filled with winter activities.

Read the full Fireworks and Flannels blog post

The Beaver Brief

natural resources

A critter that cuts down trees with its teeth sounds like a fantastical, made-up creature, but beavers really are native animals that make their home in Michigan. They are the third-largest rodent in the world, averaging about 40 pounds but occasionally weighing more than 100 pounds!

Read the full Beaver Brief blog post

Two Oakland County Parks earn Old-Growth Forest Recognition

independence oaks

Parts of the forest at Independence Oaks and Addison Oaks county parks have received an Old-Growth Forest Recognition from The Old-Growth Forest Network.

Read the full Old-Growth Forest Network blog post

Older Blog Posts

Contact Info
Parks & Recreation

Administrative Office

248-858-0906

2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328

Programs & Services

248-858-0916