Parks Department

Must I be a resident to use the Rochester Hills parks?

No.  Rochester Hills parks are open to all visitors.  

Can I reserve a shelter in your parks and is there a charge?

Yes.  Residents and nonresidents may reserve a shelter or tent at either Spencer Park or Bloomer Park by calling 248.656.4673 during normal business hours (Mondays-Fridays, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm).  Prices vary by shelter.  Click Shelter Reservations for shelter descriptions and Park Fees for a listing of current shelter reservation and vehicle entry fees. 

Does the shelter rental fee include the vehicle fee?

No.  The vehicle fee is in addition to the shelter reservation fee. (Park Fees)

Can I bring in my own tent or canopy to the parks?

Canopies 10' x 10' or smaller can be used at city park locations but a Ranger must approve of the location before it is set up.  Canopies larger than 10' x 10' cannot be used at Spencer Park but may be permitted at other park locations as long as they meet the requirements and the location is pre-approved by a Park Ranger prior to setup. 

Can I bring my own grill to the park?

Yes, gas grills may be brought in for use at the parks but their locations must be approved by a Park Ranger.

Is there electricity available in the shelters?

An electrical outlet is provided in the Spencer Shelter, Stone Shelter, Hilltop Shelter, and Pine Grove Shelter.  There is no electricity to the Mtn. Ash Shelter or the tents and extension cords cannot be run to another facility or to a generator. 

Can I decorate the shelter for my event?

Banners, balloons, and/or other decorations can be set up on the day of your event but must be removed completely at least one hour prior to the park closing.  Do not use nails, glue, or other fasteners that would damage or leave permanent marks on the shelters or surrounding trees. 

Can I reserve a shelter or tent on a weekday?

Weekday shelter and tent reservations can be made from May through October when day camps are not using the facilities or after 4:00 pm at Spencer Park and after 6:00 pm at Bloomer Park when day camps end.  Weekday shelter reservations must be approved by the Park Ranger to ensure adequate staffing.  There is no discounted reservation fee if you rent for only a portion of the day.   

If not rented, are shelters and tents available to use on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost?

No.  If shelters or tents are not rented, they must be shared and remain available to anyone who wishes to use them. 

Are alcoholic beverages permitted at City of Rochester Hills' parks?

No.  Alcoholic beverages of any type are not permitted on any park property.

Is the vehicle fee discounted for a company or a large group?

No.  The city offers no discounts for companies or large groups. (Park Fees)

Can I reserve the pavilion in the downtown park?

That pavilion is located in the City of Rochester Municipal Park.  Their phone number is 248.651.9061. 

How much is the vehicle entry fee and which parks require them?

Spencer Park, Bloomer Park, and Yates Park require vehicle entry fees.  Annual and Daily Permits are affixed to the car windshield and can only be purchased at the park locations.   

 

Senior Citizen or Handicap Annual Passes may be purchased either at the park directly or at the Treasury Office in the Rochester Hills Municipal Building during regular business hours.  Click on Park Fees for current rates.  Note: Vehicle registration is the only acceptable proof of residency. 

 

The Annual City Park Permit is honored at all three parks, while the Bloomer/Yates Park Pass is only accepted at those two facilities.  If you purchase a daily permit and decide you would prefer an annual permit instead, your daily permit can be turned in by the end of the day and the fee you paid will be deducted from the cost of an annual permit. 

How do I sign up for a sports league, recreation program, or enrichment class?

Click on Recreation for a listing of local sports, fitness, enrichment classes, and recreation providers.   

How can I reserve a sports field for baseball, softball, or soccer?

All field reservations for city park facilities are made through Borden Park (248.656.4797).  Go to Sports Field Reservations for further information. 

Are pets allowed in Rochester Hills parks?

No pets are permitted at Spencer Park or the Avon Nature Area.  Pets are allowed at all other Rochester Hills parks, but they must be kept on a 6' leash and under direct owner control.  Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.