Oak Park, MI – The City of Oak Park and Oakland County Parks (OCP) officially cut the ribbon yesterday on a transformative $6.2 million investment at Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park (located in David H. Shepherd Park).

The grand opening celebration drew hundreds of community members who enjoyed a live DJ, free ice cream, giveaways, and inflatables. Alongside sweeping modern upgrades, families were delighted to find that the park's historic signature train was fully preserved and beautifully refurbished.

The 17-acre property, owned by Oak Park and jointly operated with OCP, now features a massive nature-themed playground, a modern warming kitchen, year-round restrooms, enhanced trails and boardwalks, parking lot improvements, and native landscaping.

"This investment demonstrates what can be accomplished when local and county partners work together to improve quality of life for residents," said Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan. "Oak Park Woods will provide families, children, and visitors with a welcoming space to play, explore nature, and build community for years to come."

The project marks a pivotal milestone in Oak Park's broader, city-wide infrastructure renaissance totaling over $55 million, which includes a new event hub, bandshell and community center among other improvements.

"Today, we celebrate another new gathering place where families can grow closer, neighbors can connect, and memories can take root," said Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate. "This park represents a shared investment in health, joy, and belonging, while serving as a magnet for local prosperity. I want to thank Chris Ward, Simon Rivers, and the entire OCP team for their leadership, our dedicated city staff, and—most importantly—the children of Oak Park who patiently watched from the fences. Your wait is over; it's time to let the fun begin."

The project was funded through a combination of the Healthy Communities Plan (including $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds) and OCP capital improvement allocations, totaling $6,210,168.

"This project reflects our commitment to ensuring every resident has access to high-quality parks close to home," said Oakland County Parks Commissioner Lola Banks. "The new amenities create opportunities for healthy outdoor activity, family connection, and community engagement."

Visitor Information:

• Location: 24198 Church Street, Oak Park, MI

• Admission & Hours: Free entry; open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

• Pet Policy: Dogs permitted on a 6-foot leash; owners must clean up after pets and follow all applicable state and local laws.

For more information, visit Oakparkmi.gov or OaklandCountyParks.com.

About the City of Oak Park

The City of Oak Park was founded in 1945 as a commuter community and remains an integral inner-ring suburb of Metro Detroit. Oak Park is known for its tight-knit neighborhoods, tree-lined streets and wooded parks. Today, the city offers a quaint, yet vibrant atmosphere rich with history, culture, diversity and opportunity. The city continues to build upon a strong tradition of attainable housing options, safe and stable neighborhoods, recreational amenities and close proximity to Metropolitan Detroit. Oak Park has experienced a recent wave of reinvestment, new development, events, eateries and more. To learn more about all things Oak Park, visit www.oakparkmi.gov and follow the city on social media.

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