In this render of the planned redesign of Red Oaks Park, one can see the north end of the park with its large gathering plaza, playscape, winding paths, tot garden, front porch, restroom facilities and new parking lot.

In this render of the planned redesign of Red Oaks Park, one can see the north end of the park with its large gathering plaza, playscape, winding paths, tot garden, front porch, restroom facilities and new parking lot.

Photo provided by Jess Whatley


Oakland County Parks ready for renovations at Red Oaks Park

By: Andy Kozlowski | Madison-Park News | Published January 30, 2025

MADISON HEIGHTS — Following an extensive public feedback process last year, officials at Oakland County Parks have unveiled the renovations planned for Red Oaks Park — the space once known as Ambassador Park, leased from the city of Madison Heights.

“I think it’s great,” said Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein. “The more good parks that we have, the better it will be for our community.”

The 7-acre property is located on 13 Mile Road just west of the Red Oaks Nature Center between Interstate 75 and Dequindre Road. It represents the latest addition to the Red Oaks Parks maintained by the county. Other facilities in the system include the Red Oaks Waterpark, Red Oaks Golf Course, Red Oaks Dog Park, and Suarez Friendship Woods, home of the nature center.

The public feedback process included three public events and an online survey. The results identified four top community priorities, such as restrooms that are clean and functional; native plants including trees, flowers and pollinators; paths and walking trails; and open spaces for play.

Those priorities informed the design of the reimagined Red Oaks Park, which residents were able to evaluate during an open house event at the park last August.

“Community feedback regarding the design was very positive,” said Jess Whatley, associate planner for Oakland County Parks, in an email.

Construction is expected to begin in early spring, with major elements expected to be finished by this fall, and a grand reopening planned for the spring or summer of 2026.

Whatley explained that the design prioritizes universal accessibility throughout the park, including accessible walking paths that access new areas of the park and pass a variety of stops along the way. Some of these spaces will be for play, while others will be for rest or quiet reflection.

The northernmost portion will see its parking lot revamped to increase capacity and improve traffic flow. To its south will be the McGillivray Play Garden — named in honor of Gary McGillivray, the late Oakland County commissioner and Madison Heights resident.

The McGillivray Play Garden will be an accessible space with a new restroom building and an oversized “front porch” overlooking the lawn area, as well as a sprawling playground with natural elements alongside a “tot garden” for the park’s youngest visitors.

The entire undertaking will cost $7 million, which includes $2.75 million in federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Red Oaks Park project is part of a larger county initiative called the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan. While the project was originally planned to span two consecutive phases, the work will now be done simultaneously thanks to the passage of the recent park millage, fast-tracking its completion.

The construction management company is DeMaria, following a design by Wade Trim and Living Lab. The county’s involvement in Red Oaks Park began in 2023, when the county began operating the space in an interlocal partnership with Madison Heights. The city of Madison Heights remains the owner of the park.

“The vision for (Red Oaks Park) was intergenerational play, meaning folks of different ages can find ways to spend time together and engage with each other in meaningful ways,” Whatley said. “The park is walkable from many surrounding neighborhoods, and will continue to be free for anyone to enter, with amenities for all ages and abilities.”

Madison Heights Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss said that the revamped park will greatly benefit residents in the area.

“(Red Oaks Park) is right across the street from Meijer, so there are two major neighborhoods that would be accessing that park,” Bliss said. “I think residents will be pretty excited by the plan here. This is decades of hard work paying off. And all the credit in the world goes to Gary McGillivray for his work in kicking that off, because it wouldn’t have happened without him.”

Melissa Marsh, the city manager of Madison Heights, said in an email that she is thrilled to see the project getting underway.

“I’m a passionate advocate for parks and green spaces, as I believe that nature, physical activity and connecting with our environment can significantly enhance everyone’s life,” Marsh said. “If I had to choose one feature I’m most excited about, it would be the porch garden, which will include front porch swings, Adirondack chairs, bike racks, charging stations, and even a bathroom.”

The mayor also said the wellness component cannot be overstated.

“Just straight up the mental health aspect of being able to enjoy yourself outside in a safe sound environment, for kids as well as adults, and also the physical element, being able to run around, play or work out,” Grafstein said. “And when you have good parks, it’s going to increase the property values around us, attract good businesses, and draw in visitors for events and such that then visit our businesses afterward, which is also important. And the trees and plants they’re putting in will help the environment, the diversity of all that. This project is all those things coming together.”