Contact Info
Parks & Recreation
Administrative Office
2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328
Programs & Services
Active Adults
Oakland County Parks offers a variety of programming for active adults. Explore our parks, try a new activity, learn about Oakland County history and enjoy socializing with others in a welcoming, friendly environment. Check back often as programs are added to the calendar and feel free to email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com or call 248-221-8040 with your questions, comments and suggestions.
Register online for Active Adults programming
Upcoming Events
Oakland County Parks offers many programs for Active Adults throughout the year that focus on fitness, wellness, historical education and fun in the parks.
Check back soon for the 2026 Active Adults Programming Calendar of Events to see what we have planned for the whole year at a glance!
Trailside Chats Series
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oakland County Parks by joining Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo for the new Trailside Chats Series to hear stories about the parks. Each session will be held in-person at a different location.
The next topic in the series will be "A Polar Bear, a Hypnotist and a Ghost River: A Slightly Unconventional Look at the History of Woodward Avenue." It will be held from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center, 4 Ridge Road in Pleasant Ridge. Woodward Avenue is jam-packed with history! Even a short section of it can lead a historian to discover amazing stories about fascinating people.
Upcoming Trailside Chat presentations will be held from 7-8 p.m. Topics and locations include:
- Tuesday, June 2 at Independence Oaks Twin Chimneys Picnic Shelter - "A River Runs Through it: A look at the Clinton River Over Time"
- Thursday, July 16 at Addison Oaks Buhl Estate - "Growing Great Parks: Celebrating 60 years of Oakland County Parks"
- Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Springfield Oaks Ellis Barn - "Digging into the Past: Archaeology and Oakland County Parks"
While there is no charge to attend, preregistration is requested. Register online or by scanning the QR code on the Trailside Chats Flyer.
For more information, email OCPRecreation@oakgov.com or call 248-221-8040.
- Printable Trailside Chats Flyer
Cruisin' Crooked Lake
Join us while we cruise around Crooked Lake enjoying the sights and sounds of Independence Oaks County Park from 5-7 p.m. June 10, July 8 and Aug. 6. Pontoon boat cruises are 45-minutes long and will be offered hourly. Meet at the boathouse.
Cost is $5/person (Limited to 10 guests per trip). Registration is required and is now available online or by calling 248-858-0916.
For more information, email OCPrecreation@oakgov.com or call 248-221-8040
- Printable Cruisin' Crooked Lake Flyer
After Hours 50+ Swim Party
Join us for the After Hours 50+ Swim Party at Red Oaks Waterpark. Those ages 50 and older can swim in the wave pool, float in the River Ride and zip down the waterslides from 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, June 29 and Tuesdays, July 21 and Aug. 11.
Gather your friends for this popular event and enjoy some fun in the sun together. Registration is required and is now available online.
Please remember that appropriate swimwear (no street clothes) must be worn. This program is not included with River Walk cards. Cost is $10/person if preregistered. Day-of-the-event registration is $15/person.
- Printable After Hours 50+ Swim Party Flyer
Celebrate America's 250th
Enjoy children’s activities, tours, entertainment, history talks and local vendors during a celebration of America’s 250th birthday from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at the Oakland County History Center, 405 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in Pontiac.
Be a part of this community experience as we mark this special historical milestone by bringing history to life and learning more about the people and events that shaped the nation and Oakland County.
This event, hosted by Oakland History Center, Oakland County Board of Commissioners, City of Pontiac and Oakland County Parks, features free admission and ice cream.
For more information, visit OCPHS.org, call 248-338-6732 or email office@ocphs.org.
Fireside Chats Series
Join us on Zoom as Oakland County Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo shares fascinating history connected to Oakland County Parks during her Fireside Chat from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. The topic will be “Growing Great Parks: Celebrating 60 years of Oakland County Parks.” Learn the amazing history of our park system from acquiring land to dealing with troublesome beavers
Fireside Chats is a free program series. Join online by clicking on this Zoom link. There is no need to preregister.
This year's Fireside Chats series will focus on celebrating the 60th anniversary of Oakland County Parks. Discover stories you never knew about the parks system, learn about how the park's natural assets shaped the region and gain an appreciation for those who cared for the land before we became stewards of it.
Upcoming Fireside Chat presentations include:
- Wednesday, Oct. 28 - "A River Runs Through Them: Waterways and our Parks"
- Thursday, Nov. 19 - "Those Who First Belonged: Indigenous Connections to
our Oakland County Parks"
All presentations run from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom. For more information and individual program links, view the Fireside Chats Flyer.
Other events
- July 11 - Adult Only Archery Shoot. Learn archery basics and perfect shooting technique from 1-3 p.m. at the Independence Oaks County Park Archery Range. Each session is limited to 16 guests. Cost: $15/person. Register by calling 248-858-0916.
- Sept. 12 - Adult Only Archery Shoot. Learn archery basics and perfect shooting technique from 1-3 p.m. at the Independence Oaks County Park Archery Range. Each session is limited to 16 guests. Cost: $15/person. Register by calling 248-858-0916.
- Oct. 6 - Fall Into History from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Buhl Estate on the grounds of Addison Oaks County Park & Campground. Enjoy a buffet prepared by Oaks Management and learn about the parks’ storied past with Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo. Tour the Buhl Estate mansion and take a wagon ride through the grounds. Cider and donuts will be served. Registration fee: $45/person.
Michigan Senior Olympics
Oakland County Parks is a proud sponsor of the Michigan Senior Olympics. To learn more about registration for the winter or summer games, visit the Michigan Senior Olympics website.