Auburn Hills Invests in Recreational Amenities Auburn Hills, MI —June 27, 2022— Auburn Hills has announced two investments in its park system that will provide additional recreational opportunities and protect an important waterway. Hawk Woods Park and Campground, located on the north side of the city on Bald Mountain Road and home to nature trails, nature education programs, cabin camping, and the unique and beautiful Hawk Woods Lodge, will soon have a nature-themed playground, constructed of sustainable materials, added to its many amenities. With the help of a generous $100,000 grant from Oakland County Parks and Recreation Park Improvements Grant Program, Auburn Hills will begin construction on the playground sometime this fall. The playground is designed for children ages 2 – 12 and will be handicapped accessible. Land preparation will be completed by the Auburn Hills Department of Public Works, while the playground installation will be completed by the vendor, Midstates Recreation.



“Providing active playgrounds for the youth of our community is a priority,” said Auburn Hills’ Recreation Director, Sage Hegdal. “This particular installation not only increases the offerings at Hawk Woods Park but is also strategically located to more conveniently serve our many residents in the northern part of the city. We are most appreciative of the grant awarded to us by Oakland County Parks and Recreation,” she added.

Just completed is the long-awaited riverbank stabilization project at Riverside Park in downtown Auburn Hills. Over the past several years, the currents of the branch of the Clinton River that is within Riverside Park have been eroding the riverbanks and reducing the land contained within the park. But rather than simply stacking boulders to protect the riverbank, Auburn Hills opted for a design using ledge rock that is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but also provides a step-down to a ledge at the water for easy loading or unloading of a kayak or canoe, or for fishing. The value of this new addition was most recently proven at the city’s annual Paddlepalooza event held at Riverside Park. “As a participant in Paddlepalooza, I have a great appreciation for the riverbank stabilization project that was just completed,” said Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “Not only will the installation protect our park, but it will also provide an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to make the most of one of our greatest natural resources, the Clinton River.”



For more information about the many amenities and program offerings of the Auburn Hills Recreation Department, visit our website at www.auburnhills.org.