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Huron Clinton Metroparks brief Oakland County commissioners on trails, habitat stewardship and swim-safety programs
Summary
Officials from the Huron Clinton Metroparks updated the board on regional trail connections, habitat management including controlled burns and invasive-species work, and an expanded swim-safety program that provides free lessons through local partners.
Representatives of the Huron Clinton Metroparks told the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on May 1 that the regional park system is focusing on trail connections, habitat stewardship and expanded water-safety programming across its 13 parks in five counties.
At the presentation, Jay Quadrosi — Oakland County’s appointed representative to the Metroparks board — introduced Amy McMillan, CEO of Huron Clinton Metroparks, who described systemwide goals and current projects affecting Oakland County parks including Indian Springs, Kensington and Stony Creek.
Why it matters: Metroparks stewardship and programming touch thousands of Oakland County residents each year and involve county funding, partnerships and land-management decisions that affect environment, recreation and public safety.
McMillan said the Metroparks manages nearly 25,000 acres across 13 parks and derives about 60% of its revenue from a property-tax levy across five counties; the balance comes from earned income (golf, permits, daily fees) and grants. She described a set of stewardship actions being used across Oakland County parks: controlled burns to restore habitat and reduce invasive species, an aggressive Phragmites control program, shoreline and stormwater management projects, and early detection systems for invasive plants and animals.
The presentation highlighted new and ongoing projects in Oakland County: a newly opened barrier-free playground at Indian Springs, updates to playgrounds at Stony Creek and Ridgewood, an inflatable waterslide at Stony Creek for Memorial Day weekend, and testing of electric mowers and EV equipment for golf-course maintenance. McMillan also said the Metroparks is piloting “no mow” or “let-it-grow” zones to improve stormwater capture, habitat value and carbon reduction.
On swim safety, McMillan described a program to fund swim lessons in partnership with local pools and community organizations; the Metroparks reported working with 177 community organizations in 2024 and serving more than 21,000 participants in education and outreach programs. She noted that 79% of children in households earning $50,000 or less do not know how to swim and said the Metroparks has expanded free or subsidized swim lessons to improve safety and access.
Quadrosi and McMillan also discussed recreational programming that generates regional visitation — disc golf events and a world-level disc-golf competition planned for next year at Kensington, a growing mountain-bike festival at Sheldon, and regattas at Kensington.
Ending: Commissioners thanked Metroparks staff for the update and several raised questions about coordination with county parks and distinctions between county, state and Metropark operations. Metroparks officials said they will continue coordinating with county staff on projects, grants and shared programming.
