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 at either Spencer Park or Bloomer Park. For a weekend reservation, call (248) 656-4673. Prices are as follows:

Spencer Park
$150 Boathouse Shelter
$ 75 North Tent (near playground)
$ 75 South Tent (between parking lot and beach)

Bloomer Park
$200 Stone Shelter
$150 Pine Grove Shelter
$150 Hilltop Shelter
$ 75 Mountain Ash Shelter
$ 75 Tent (near brick restroom facility)

Can I reserve a shelter on a weekday?

Yes, but only when they are not being used by summer day camps (usually mid-June through the end of August). Day camps end by 4:00pm at Spencer and 6:00pm at Bloomer, and the shelters may be reserved from that time on. Since there are four shelters available at Bloomer, there are usually two available during the week that are not used by day camps and that can be rented out for the full day. Shelters are otherwise available to rent from May until Thanksgiving at Spencer and May through October at Bloomer.  Tents can only be reserved between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

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.

Can I reserve the pavilion in the downtown park?

That pavilion is located in the City of Rochester Municipal Park and can only be reserved by Rochester residents. The phone number is (248) 651- 9061. 

Does the shelter rental fee include the vehicle entry fee?

No. The vehicle entry fee is in addition to the shelter reservation fee.

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 available for purchase only at the park locations. Senior Citizen or Handicap Annual Park Passes may be purchased either at the park directly or at the Treasury/Cashier Office in the Rochester Hills Municipal Building during regular business hours.

Daily vehicle entry fees are:
Spencer Park:  $10; Resident Discount: $5
Bloomer Park:  $5 per vehicle

Annual vehicle entry fees are for the calendar year and cost:
Rochester Hills City Park Permit:  $50; Resident Discount: $25 (accepted at all three city parks)
Bloomer Park Annual Park Pass: $25 (honored only at Bloomer Park and Yates Park)
Senior Citizen Park Pass:  $10; Resident Discount: $5 (accepted at all three city parks)
Handicap Park Pass:  $10; Resident Discount: $5 (accepted at all three city parks)
Bus Rate: twice the regular fee (applies to vehicles with 11-passenger or greater capacity)

(NOTE: Vehicle registration determines residency status for Resident Discount Rate.)

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

Sports, fitness, dance, and recreational programs are handled through the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority (RARA). Call (248) 651-8308 for information.

Swimming and enrichment classes are offered by the Rochester Community Schools (248) 650-5747; art classes are offered by the Paint Creek Center for the Arts (248) 651-4110.

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

All field reservations are made through Borden Park (248) 656-4797.

Can I get a trap or cage from the city to get rid of raccoons, etc.?

No. The city does not provide animal traps or cages. You can call an animal control company listed in the phone book. The Environmental Education Center (EEC) at (248) 656-4775 can provide advice on nuisance wildlife.