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Parks & Recreation

Administrative Office

248-858-0906

2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328

Programs & Services

248-858-0916

Oakland County Parks Blogs

Wilder Side banner with Jonathan Schechter

People fishing from a dock

small wooden dock over cement path in wooded area

Pontiac Oaks Park

 

I’ve only been to Pontiac Oaks Park twice. The first time was to attend the grand reopening ribbon cutting event on July 12 that welcomed the former Hawthorne Park to the Oakland County Parks family with its new name, Pontiac Oaks Park.   

That first visit was a fun day at a well-attended dedication event with an assortment of events including food trucks, fishing and disc golf demonstrations and a wealth of family-friendly activities. I returned earlier this week and was surprised to have the park almost to myself except for plentiful birds, scampering squirrels and the music of shoreline frogs. It was the perfect day to wander the trails and see what nature was doing. (a) 

I regretted not having my cell phone in my hand as I walked down to the dock and because of that lack of preparedness I missed capturing a great blue heron taking flight just a few dozen feet from me and fly even closer as it banked slightly and turned. That close encounter also told me the heron was unaware of my close approach.  That scenario all but repeated with a Great Egret a few minutes later. I felt remorseful for interrupting their shoreline fishing ventures. 

As most local residents know, and I did not know, the park was previously known as Hawthorne Park managed by the City of Pontiac. Their website explains the current management this way: “Pontiac Oaks Park is located at 1400 Telegraph Road in Pontiac. The City of Pontiac retains ownership of the park property and collaborates with Oakland County Parks regarding the future of the park. Oakland County Parks manages daily operations. The park, which is open from 8 a.m. until dusk, was originally 77 acres, but the Pontiac School District partnership and acquisition of lakefront property on Walton Boulevard in 2025 resulted in an expansion to its current 113 acres.” (b, c) 

 

beaver
The park is beautiful and surprisingly lush blogwith impressively large hardwood trees and an eye-catching array of wildflowers. Some of the trees obviously provide homes for mammals and one that caught my attention had a bit of fur near the base and a muddy area not far from that tree also revealed clear raccoon tracks. (d) 

During my most recent exploration I took in views of the shorelines of Creger Lake and Upper Silver Lake during my intentionally slow-paced meandering.

A sunrise kayaking adventure using the easily accessible kayak launch on Upper Silver Lake might be in store for me. (e) 

blogAlthough the primary goal for my most recent visit was just for a nature-embracing hike, I took note of the fact the park has an 18-hole disc golf course, modern restrooms and a sheltered pavilion.  The park has both paved and primitive hiking paths, trailside benches and excellent maps located at trail junctions. 

The park is open from sunrise to sunset and has excellent information signage including rules, one of which is dogs must be kept on six-foot leash.  Glass containers and smoking are also prohibited at the playgrounds, a rule which helps keep the park attractive, safe and family friendly, especially on a busy day. The park would be a great place for a family picnic. I was pleased to see a new sheltered area complete with a picnic table shelter and a raised barbecue area.  (f, g) 

One of my unexpected sightings as I wandered on a primitive trail was an old rusted fire hydrant in the woods making me wonder about earlier land usage. 

If you want an easy park to access Pontiac Oaks might just be the place. My advice  would be to walk the trails slowly and I suspect you will notice something new every day; whether it be a curious chipmunk, the pounding of a woodpecker, a slithering garter snake or migrating monarch butterflies flitting about the wildflowers. (h) 

After two hours of slow placed trekking with numerous stops to watch birds and the occasional boisterous squirrel I sat on a mowed hillside to just take in the scenery and watch fluffy cumulus clouds drift overheard. I plan on returning soon just after sunrise with these words of Henry David Thoureau in my mind, “I wonder what the world is doing today.”

 

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.

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