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Oak Park Woods

248-858-0906 (General)

248-691-7555 (Pavilion rental)

24198 Church St.
Oak Park, MI 48237

Expected to open in 2026

Oak Park Woods

 

The north 17 acres of David H. Shepherd Park in the City of Oak Park are becoming Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park with improvements funded by the Oakland County Parks Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan. Construction is planned for 2026. The anticipated investment of $3.25M includes $2.5M from the American Recovery Plan Act and $750,000 from Oakland County Parks’ capital improvement funding was later added for a total investment of $6,210,168.

A ribbon cutting to mark the Grand Opening of Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park was held on June 22. It featured comments from local officials and the official ribbon cutting followed by refreshments served from the new warming kitchen. Guests explored the nature-themed playground,  accessible trails, seating and gathering areas and updated pavilions. 

 

Upcoming Event

Dusk to Dark Forest Therapy Walk

Nurture your well-being as you experience the physical and mental health benefits of forest bathing from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Oak Park Woods. During this nature wellness series, participants will enjoy the benefits of forest therapy, a slow restorative walk in a natural setting that follows a standard sequence of elements.

Other sessions in this series include:

  • June 26, 7-9 p.m. – Summer Sunset Forest Therapy Walk at Rose Oaks County Park Nature Area
  • July 16, 10 a.m.-noon – Refresh and Renew Forest Therapy Walk at Highland Oaks County Park Nature Area

    Cost is $15/person/session. Online registration with payment required.

    Register Today!

    Construction Update

    What we heard from you

    The preliminary design for Oak Park Woods has been developed with guidance from the public engagement conducted in 2023. The most important priorities identified by Oak Park residents were: 

    • Preserving nature
    • Walking paths
    • Maintaining a clean, safe park with working amenities
    • Spaces where everyone is welcome to gather, relax and play

    What to expect at your park

    • Pavilion and warming kitchen updates
    • New restroom building
    • Gathering and seating areas
    • New play area

    Schematic Design and Concept Renderings for Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park

    The schematic designs and concept renderings below have an overall emphasis on peaceful, natural spaces and nurturing the excitement to explore:

    Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park schematic designOak Park Woods at Shepherd Park schematic design closeupComing soon to Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park in 2025 & 2026Aerial view of the Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park 3D rendering.Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park 3D rendering of people and new playground.3D rendering of Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park with people and the new park walking trail.

    Aerial view of Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park 3D rendering of people and new park

    About

    Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park is a 17-acre area located within David H. Shepherd Park in the City of Oak Park. It is jointly operated by OCP and City of Oak Park and is owned by the City of Oak Park. It is being developed into an open space gateway that will feature accessible trails, seating and gathering areas, a nature-themed playground and updated pavilions and restrooms.