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Thelma G. Spencer Park
Phone: 248-656-4657 Fax: 248-656-4627 Hours: 10 am - dusk
Shelter/Tent Reservations:
248-656-4673 - Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm Sports Field Reservations:
248-656-4797
3701 John R Road Rochester Hills, Michigan (east side of John R, between Auburn and South Blvd.)
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No Alcoholic Beverages
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No Flotation Devices of any kind
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No Pets permitted
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Vehicle Entry Permit Required
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38-acre Lake with Guarded Swimming Area
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Map to Spencer Park
Park Services Map
Spencer Park Informational Flyer Sports Field Rental Fees Park Fees Parks Calendar of Events Michigan Lifeguard Competition*
*Please Note: This Competition Scheduled for Monday, July 12th has been CANCELLED.
Amenities
This 113-acre park with a 38-acre lake offers a beach area, swimming, fishing, picnic areas, row boat and pedal boat rentals, 2 tennis courts, playground equipment, sports fields, concession stand, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, hiking and cross-country ski paths, shelter and tent rentals, and an accessible fishing pier.
Summer Offerings
- Guarded beach
- Picnic areas with tables and grills
- Row boat and pedal boat rentals
- Nature paths (3 miles, wooded)
- Concession Stand (full-service)
- Fishing (DNR regulations apply)
- Fishing Pier (handicap-accessible)
- 2 Tennis courts
- Sand Volleyball
- Horseshoe pits
- Multi-purpose sports field
- Shelter and Tent rentals
- Bass Tournament
- Michigan Lifeguard Competition
The guarded beach, concession stand, and boat rentals are open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Winter Offerings
- Ice skating (separate areas for hockey and open skating) no equipment rentals
- Ice fishing (DNR regulations apply)
- Cross-country skiing (3 miles, non-groomed trails no equipment rentals)
- Heated shelter with fireplace
- Heated restrooms
- Table games
- Concession area
- Vending machines
Vehicle Entry Permits
Vehicle entry permits are required year-round. The Park Fees listing provides the current charges
for vehicle entry fees and shelter reservations.
- Bicyclists and walk-ins admitted free of charge.
- Annual Bloomer/Yates Park Passes and Daily Bloomer/Yates Park Permits are not honored at Spencer Park. However, Annual Bloomer/Yates passes and current day Bloomer/Yates permits may be traded in, at face value, toward the purchase of an Annual or Daily Rochester Hills City Park Permit that is honored at all three city park locations (Spencer, Bloomer, and Yates).
- Gift Certificates toward the purchase of a park permit are available at the Rochester Hills City Hall - Treasury/Cashier.
- Annual Senior Citizen and Handicap Park Passes are available at the Rochester Hills City Hall - Treasury/Cashier on the Upper Level and at the park entry booths at Spencer and Bloomer parks.
- Vehicle registration determines residency status for Resident Discount Rate.
Annual Spencer Park Bass Tournament 
An annual Bass Tournament is held at Spencer Park in conjunction with the State of Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend - meaning no fishing license is required . The tournament is open to contestants of all ages and skill levels. There is a casting contest for contestants ages 12 and under. Prizes are available for various categories. Contestants ages 12 and under compete for multiple prize categories! Bring your own fishing pole and lures. Tournament participation is free. However, there is a vehicle entry fee to the park. The 2010 Bass Tournament was held on Sunday, June 13th.

25th Annual 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.
*Please Note: This competition originally scheduled for Monday, July 12th has been CANCELLED.
Shelter / Tent Rental Fees
There is one open-air shelter next to the fishing pier that can be reserved on weekends from May through October, and during the week when there are no scheduled day camps. When day camps are not using the facilities, they may be reserved for public use beginning at 4:00 pm. Two 20' x 30' tents are available for weekend rentals from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Shelter and tent rental costs do not include vehicle entry fees. Shelters and tents must be vacated one hour before the park closes for cleaning. Restrooms are open to the general public and must be kept accessible. Pull wagons are available to help transport your supplies from your car. Click on Park Fees for current rates. Unreserved facilities are not available on a first-come, first-served basis, but must be shared by all who want to use them.
Go to Shelter Reservations for more information. Call 248-656-4673 for shelter availability.
Shelter / Tent Description s
Spencer Shelter
Open-air facility (windows are removed from mid-May through mid-September) with fireplace, electrical outlet, and public restrooms. Handicap accessible. Includes six 8-ft. cafeteria tables and a 4-ft. charcoal grill. A play structure is nearby. Additional picnic tables are nearby but cannot be brought into the shelter. Reservable area is 32' x 30' and can accommodate approximately 60 people.
 

Tents
Two 20' x 30' tents without walls can be rented from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
The Spencer Park North Tent is located near the playscape; the Spencer Park South Tent is located between the parking lot and beach area. Each tent includes eight 6' tables (or equivalent). Grills are required to be 30' from the tents. A concession stand, drinking fountain, and restrooms are within walking distance. Tents can accommodate approximately 50 people.
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North Tent by playground |

South Tent between parking lot and beach
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Fishing
Fishing is permitted along the shoreline and from the handicap-accessible fishing pier. DNR fishing regulations apply and a fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Fishing licenses can usually be obtained at sporting goods stores.
Fishing Pier
A large handicap-accessible fishing pier is adjacent to the Spencer Shelter. It offers seating and a canopy. Anglers can catch an assortment of fresh-water game fish, primarily large-mouth bass, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, and northern pike.
Swimming
(Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day)
There is a guarded swimming beach during the summer months and all persons must abide by the posted swim rules. Floatation devices of any kind (water wings, inner tubes, etc.) are prohibited in the lake. Children under the age of 12 must be attended by a parent or guardian when in the swimming area.
Tennis Courts
There are two tennis courts available for use on a first-come, first-served basis when RARA is not using them for classes.
Boat Rentals
(Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day)
Rowboats and pedal boats can be rented during the summer when lifeguards are on duty. Rowboats with electric trolling motors are also available. Life vests are recommended for adults and required for children 16 and under in rowboats. All
persons in pedal boats must wear life vests. 
Horseshoe Pits
Horseshoe pits are located near the Spencer Park Shelter and south of the main picnic area. They can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. Horseshoes are available at the Concession Stand at no charge - a driver's license is held as a deposit.

Volleyball Court
There is a sand volleyball court near the beach area that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Volleyballs are available at the Concession Stand at no charge - a driver's license is held as a deposit.
Beach House / Concession Area
The Beach House constructed in 2005 is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. This new facility contains restrooms, changing areas, and a full-service concession area. The concession area provides hot food, snacks, beverages, and ice cream .
 

Picnic Areas
There are a number of picnic tables and charcoal grills available in the park on a first-come, first-served basis. Charcoal is not provided.
Hiking / Biking Paths
There are over 3 miles of wooded hiking/biking paths throughout the park as well as a path around the lake.
Bicycles
Bicycles are permitted on the nature paths (3 miles, wooded) and on the path around the lake (1.1 mile). Bicycle racks are available and bicycle locks recommended.
Sports Fields
The sports fields can be reserved for a rental fee. All reservations are governed by the Sports Facilities Use Policy (Administrative Policy #405-1999) and Insurance Requirements must be met. Click on Insurance Certificate for a sample insurance form. Sports Field Rental Fees are based on residency / non-residency status, age, field size, field use (game or practice), and requested setups. Special rates are available for tournaments. Resident teams qualify for the resident rate based on Team Rosters and Resident Discount Criteria. Go to Sports Field Reservations or call Borden Park at 248-656-4797 for further information.
Pets
All pets are prohibited within the park year-round.
Playground
A handicap-accessible play structure is located between the Spencer Shelter and Beach House Facility.
Restrooms
Modern restrooms are available year-round at the Spencer Shelter and during the summer at the Beach House. A portable toilet is provided during peak sports league use time.
Rules and Regulations. Click on Park Ordinance (Chapter 74) for complete listing.
- Alcoholic beverages of any kind are prohibited within the park.
- A City of Rochester Hills Vehicle Entry Permit is required for entry of all motor-driven vehicles. Annual park permits must be permanently attached to the windshield. Vehicle registration must read "Rochester Hills" to qualify for the Resident discount. Permits are nontransferable.
- Floatation devices of any kind are prohibited in the lake.
- Pets are prohibited everywhere within the Park, 365 days a year.
- Children under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must be attended while in the swimming area.
- Persons must abide by posted swim rules.
- No trailers, boats, or snowmobiles are allowed in the park.
- Ground fires are prohibited.
- Destruction of property, natural surroundings, or wildlife within the park is strictly forbidden.
- Disorderly conduct tending to create a breach of the peace, or disturb or annoy others within the park is prohibited.
- The speed limit within the park is 15 miles per hour.
- It is prohibited to bring in, have, or use any firearm or any other weapon within the park.
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