Oakland County Parks and Farmington Hills Announce Plan for Increased Investment, Improvements at Heritage Park
The City of Farmington Hills and Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC) have taken an important first step forward on a multi-million dollar plan to maintain and enhance Heritage Park, a beloved 211-acre park known for its hiking trails, nature center, splash pad, historic buildings, and more.
A preliminary agreement, unanimously approved by Farmington Hills City Council and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, outlines a framework for long-term collaboration focused on the improvement, operation and maintenance of one of the largest and most popular recreation destinations in south Oakland County. The preliminary agreement provides for an investment of Oakland County Parks millage revenues back into Farmington Hills, including:
● An initial payment of $4 million to recognize prior investments made by city taxpayers in the park
● Financial support for park capital improvement projects, park operation and maintenance costs during a 30-year period
● Increased county park services and programming at the park
City and county leaders will work together toward a mutually agreeable final plan following Farmington Hills public engagement opportunities. City and Oakland County Parks representatives will be on site to gather input and address questions during the following key events:
● September 19 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Heritage Celebration & Hayrides at Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Rd.
● October 4 - Noon - 3 p.m., Citywide Open House, Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Rd.
● October 7 - 5 - 8 p.m., Hay Day/Fly & Fry, Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Rd.
“Heritage Park is a treasured oasis in our city — a true gem offering trails, green spaces, and recreational opportunities for people of all ages, interests, and abilities,” said Farmington Hills City Manager, Gary Mekjian. “Through this proposed interlocal agreement with the county, we intend to polish this gem so it will shine more brightly to benefit the community for generations to come.”
What the Interlocal Agreement Could Mean for Park Users
The agreement calls for improved trails, upgraded facilities, activity and gathering areas, and greater environmental preservation, such as habitat restoration, and sustainable infrastructure. Admission and parking will be free of charge.
The agreement is part of OCPRC’s long-term investment aimed at expanding access, improving facilities, and providing high-quality experiences for residents across Oakland County. Last year alone, an estimated 750,000 people visited Heritage Park.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to better serve the residents of Farmington Hills and surrounding areas,” said Oakland County Parks Director, Chris Ward. “OCPRC is committed to preserving what residents already love about the park while bringing additional resources that will allow even more people to enjoy it.”
“This is exactly the kind of project where county funding makes a visible, lasting impact,” said Oakland County Commissioner William Miller. “By investing in Heritage Park, we’re not just upgrading facilities — we’re preserving the trails, open spaces, and experiences residents already cherish.”
“Heritage Park is one of our community’s treasures,” added Oakland County Commissioner Gwen Markham. “This interlocal agreement ensures we protect what people love about the park while expanding opportunities for recreation and education. It’s about bringing county investment home to benefit the people who live here.”
The transition will take place gradually, with expected full operational agreement beginning March 31, 2026, following public engagement sessions.
To learn more, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
● Heritage Park is a 211-acre park with 4.5 miles of trails for hiking and nature study.
● The park is located at 24915 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills.
● Heritage Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in southern Oakland County. In 2024, an estimated 750,000 people visited Heritage Park.
● The park is known for its hiking trails, nature center, splash pad, historic buildings, and more.
● The City of Farmington Hills and Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC) are developing a 30-year agreement to operate, manage, plan, and maintain Heritage Park for conservation and public recreation.
● Farmington Hills maintains ownership of the park.
● The county will pay the City of Farmington Hills $4 million as part of the agreement in recognition of significant investments the city made to the park’s facilities and features.
● Access to the park and all new and existing amenities will be available free of charge.
● The agreement is part of OCPRC’s long-term investment aimed at expanding access, improving facilities, and providing high-quality experiences for residents across Oakland County.
● OCPRC’s investment in the park means residents will be able to enjoy the park’s current services and offerings while maintaining and improving the park for generations to come.
● The preliminary agreement provides for an investment of Oakland County Parks millage revenues back into Farmington Hills. In addition to the initial $4 million investment, this funding will support park capital improvement projects, park operation and maintenance costs, as well as increased county park services and programming.
● 30 years — with an automatic 30-year renewal unless OCPRC or the Farmington Hills gives 180 days’ written notice.
● The transition will take place gradually, with expected full operational agreement beginning March 31, 2026, following public engagement sessions.
● This agreement will provide park users with added benefits, including:
○ Free entry and parking.
○ Updated programs and amenities, including improved trails, facilities, activity and gathering areas, and expanded community events.
○ Greater environmental preservation, such as habitat restoration, and sustainable infrastructure.
● Public engagement sessions will be held on Sept. 19, Oct. 4 and Oct. 7, coinciding with planned community events at Heritage Park.
● City and OCPRC representatives will be on site to hear residents share their experiences and provide input on future programs and improvements planned for Heritage Park.
● September 19 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Heritage Celebration & Hayrides at Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Rd.
● October 4 - Noon - 3 p.m., Citywide Open House, Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Rd.
● October 7 - 5 - 8 p.m., Hay Day/Fly & Fry, Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Rd.
● To learn more, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.