New pier opens in Pontiac

PONTIAC — The City of Pontiac and Oakland County Parks announced on Dec. 7 the opening of the new fishing pier at Pontiac Oaks Park, formally known as Hawthorne Park. 

Pontiac and Oakland County Parks entered a partnership agreement for the county to manage and maintain the park land starting Oct. 1. Oakland County Parks and City of Pontiac officials said the fishing dock was built to add additional appeal to the park and a fun resource for licensed fishing enthusiasts to enjoy.

“We are very excited about our partnership with the Oakland County Parks Commission," Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel said in a press release. “The new pier is a great amenity for our community and is already being used by residents to fish despite the cool temperatures. We encourage people to come out and enjoy the new and improved Pontiac Oaks park!”

Oakland County Park’s $1.5 million investment to improve the park began with renovations of facilities and grounds, but reconstruction of the fishing pier is the largest to date. The new dock is approximately 1,500 square feet — more than double the size of the former pier which measured about 700 square feet and was installed in 2011. The new pier also features a floating boardwalk that extends 100 feet out into Creger Lake.

The new pier has lower railings, giving visitors better opportunities to catch a variety of species like sunfish, bass, and bluegill. Other enhancements are planned, including restoring new shore and site lines and making an accessible kayak launch available in the future.

“I’m delighted to see the continued progress that’s being made to Pontiac Oaks Park, and I think it’s a testament to the partnership between Oakland County Parks and the City of Pontiac,” Pontiac Councilwoman Kathalee James said in a press release. “I want to thank everyone who worked on this pier and did the planning. It brings me joy to see this park become a thriving space for Pontiac residents and continue to improve their quality of life.”

Pontiac Oaks Park is open every day to the public from 7 a.m. until 30 minutes after sunset. Visitors are asked to adhere to all signage, including an alert that no swimming is allowed from the dock.