Park News

Spencer Park Bass Tournament

The 26th Annual Spencer Park Bass Tournament will be held on June 8th from 11am until 3pm, with registration beginning at 10am.  The Bass Tournament is a family fishing event taking place on Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend, so fishing licenses are not required.  The event is open to all ages and there is no registration fee to participate.  Prizes will be awarded for various categories. Spencer Park does require a vehicle entry fee.  For further information, call Spencer Park at 248.656.4657.

2008 Bass Tournament

Park Memberships No Longer Available in 2008

The good news is that the fees for annual city park permits for vehicle entry into Rochester Hills parks will remain unchanged this year, as they have since 2000.  However, family membership cards allowing free admissions and other coupons will no longer be offered in 2008.

Michigan Lifeguard Competition

The Michigan Lifeguard Competition is held annually at Spencer Park.  This is a one-day event that requires lifeguards representing agencies throughout the state to compete in each of the following events: 350-meter swim across the lake; 700-meter rescue board; deep dive and recovery (to 13'); CPR; and a 1-mile run.  Prizes are awarded to the agencies sponsoring the winning 2-person teams.   This year's competition will be held on Monday, July 14. Prizes are awarded to the agencies sponsoring the winning teams.

LG Competition Flyer

2008 Registration Form (fill in info and print copy)

General Information

Map to Spencer Park

John R Road Paving Project

Spencer Park will remain open while John R Road is under construction from Auburn Road to South Boulevard this year.  Click on updates for the most current information on this project.  Detour signs may be posted while the construction is underway.  In conjunction with the John R Road project, improvements will also take place inside the park before Memorial Day or after Labor Day and will not affect the park activities through the summer months.  These park enhancements will include paving a portion of the parking lot to accommodate handicap parking stalls and surfacing the trail around the lake.  For other road construction work within the city, please click here.

Seasonal Jobs

Looking for an outdoor job this summer? 

The Parks & Forestry Department needs Park Attendants, Lifeguards, and Seasonal Laborers.  Work up to 40 hours per week, weather permitting.  Weekend, evening, and holiday hours are mandatory.  

For more information, contact Human Resources at 248.656.4708.  Click to download a Seasonal Employment Application form.

River Overlook on Clinton River Trail

This is the latest enhancement to the Clinton River Trail ... from sketch to completion.  Thanks to a donation from the Rochester Rotary group, there is now a beautiful loop off the Clinton River Trail that overlooks the river and provides a restful and scenic turnoff.  This wooded refuge offers benches for viewing the Clinton River, quiet reflection, and just a place to relax.  It is located at Mile Marker #4, north of the Hamlin Road entrance.

Clinton River Trail Surfacing Completed

We are pleased to announce that crews have completed the surfacing of the 4.5-mile segment of the Clinton River Trail in Rochester Hills and it is open to the public.   The trail now has a smooth 10' wide riding surface and 2' wide shoulders to accommodate walkers, joggers, and bicyclists.    

By using salvaged asphalt from the Shadow Woods paving project, the city was able to save $300,000 over the original estimate for surfacing this length of the trail.   The used asphalt was ground up, pulverized, placed 4 inches deep on the trail, and rolled to make a smooth surface.  This final phase completes the project that began with new bridges over the Clinton River and behind City Hall, intersection improvements at all the road crossings, pedestrian islands constructed to make the road crossings safer, and a vault toilet facility installed by Veterans Memorial Pointe just east of Livernois.

The Clinton River Trail is part of a community-wide trail system with links to the West Bloomfield Trail to the west, the Paint Creek Trail to the north, and the Macomb Orchard Trail to the east.   Click for a Clinton River Trail Map. 

While the surfacing is completed and the trail is open, final cleanup is taking place.  Additional amenities, including signage, benches, and trash cans, will be added later this summer.  The public is invited to give this new surface a try and to send all comments to email.

Veterans Memorial Pointe - 10th Anniversary 1997-2007

Veterans Memorial Pointe - Background
Veterans Memorial Pointe - Pictorial 

Shelter Reservations

 2008 Park Shelter / Tent Reservation Requests

Shelter and tent reservation requests for 2008 can be processed beginning in January.  Go to Shelter Reservations for more information.  

Award-Winning Parks

Awards have been given to three of your city parks in 2006.

Veterans Memorial Pointe was awarded the "President's Plaque" from Keep Michigan Beautiful, inc. on May 20, 2006.  This is their highest award and is given for an exceptional person, program or project furthering the ideals of Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc.

Pine Trace Park and Golf Course was awarded the "Michigan Plaque" from Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. on May 20, 2006.  This is their next highest award and is given for outstanding effort in beautification by a group or individual.

The Velodrome at Bloomer Park was awarded the "Daniel Flaherty Award" for excellence in park facilities and programs from the Great Lakes Park Training Institute on June 7, 2006

Become a Museum Member

Click here for information on the new Museum Membership program.

Programs

The Environmental Education Center (EEC) offers a variety of educational programs on nature and wildlife.  You must pre-register for all EEC programs by calling (248) 656-4775.  Please visit EEC Programs or call for information on other available group programs for scouts, church or school groups, etc.

The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm also offers programs, day camps, lectures, tours, and exhibits.  Click here for offerings or call 248-656-4663. 

Sports Field Reservations

Go to Sports Field Reservations for sports field availability and reservation information.