OAKLAND COUNTY – Oakland County Parks and Recreation encourages families to celebrate July is National Park and Recreation Month by participating in events at Oakland County Parks that promote active lifestyles.

“I welcome residents to take advantage of our facilities, services and equipment and encourage individuals, families and groups to visit the 13 Oakland County Parks to explore the great outdoors and all we have to offer,” Executive Officer Dan Stencil said.

Market fresh

Meet local growers and artisans and buy fresh produce, flowers and crafts at the Oakland County Market in Waterford. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. from May – December and Saturdays year round. July crops include: beans, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, radishes, spinach, apricots, cherries, raspberries and more. Produce subject to availability.

Family fun

The extended 10-day Oakland County Fair at Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg from July 6 – 15 features exhibits, carnival rides, food, farm animals, pig racing and more. July 12 is Oakland County Parks and Recreation Day with free parking for guests with a valid 2012 OCPR Annual Vehicle Permit.

Experience catch-and-release fishing at Upper Bushman Lake at Independence Oaks-North or fish at 10 public-access lakes within Oakland County Parks.

Cool off with the family at Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights or Waterford Oaks Waterpark for a splashing good time. Both parks offer wave-action pools, interactive water features, picnic areas and concessions.

Golf

Choose from five well-conditioned golf courses to play a round with friends, perfect your game with a lesson, and introduce the game to a junior family member. Sign up for a four-person scramble; the series is offered on the first Tuesday of every month from May – October including July 3.

Camping

Embark on a new adventure or celebrate family traditions at two campgrounds. Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks county parks offer individual or group tent sites and comfy cabins. Campers can
take it easy on a sandy beach; rent a bike or a boat; fish; hike or mountain bike on the trails; disc golf at Addison Oaks; and enjoy mini golf and a skate park at Groveland Oaks. Each weekend in July offers themes and activities at both campgrounds including Luau, Sweet Retreat, Campground Carnival and more.

Trails and Dog Parks

Hike, ride a horse or mountain bike on paved and natural trails that total more than 67 miles within the parks system. Bring a furry friend to any of the three dog parks at Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks and Red Oaks county parks. Yappy Day at Red Oaks Dog Park on July 28 features pet adoptions; games and activities for dogs; informational pet clinics; and demonstrations.

Playgrounds

The universally accessible Paradise Peninsula Playscape at Waterford Oaks County Park is open from dawn to dusk during the summer and features a log cabin play house, tree fort, slides and sand box in a setting that simulates Michigan’s water, rock and fossil features. Paradise Peninsula is one of 13 playgrounds in the parks system.

For individuals with disabilities

Individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities can choose from a variety of options including adaptive golf for $17/person on July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 8:30 a.m. at Red Oaks Golf Course where adaptive equipment and support volunteers are also available. Attend the Oakland County Fair Special Needs Day on July 12 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. where individuals with disabilities and a caregiver will enjoy free carnival rides. The Summer Sizzler picnic at Independence Oaks County Park on July 27 features an evening of music, games, dinner, and a pontoon boat ride for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Visit www.DestinationOakland.com for details on all parks and events or find Oakland County Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

Note: This announcement was received and posted by Oakland Township-Lake Orion Patch.