Oakland County and Pontiac officials mark reopening of Pontiac Oak park

Officials from Oakland County and the city of Pontiac celebrated the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of Pontiac Oak, the site formerly known as Hawthorne Park.

A commissioner speaking on behalf of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission opened the event and welcomed attendees, saying, "On behalf of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, I wanna welcome you all to the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of Pontiac Oak formerly Hawthorne Park." The commissioner described the ceremony as "a celebration of what happens when great partners come together."

The commissioner credited the city of Pontiac and Oakland County for a partnership that "has transformed this park into an incredible destination," and highlighted the role of the county parks division in supporting the city. "Our Oakland County Parks and Rec Division has been there for the city of Pontiac," the commissioner said, adding, "As your commissioner, I strive on partnership."

An agency official at the event emphasized access and the county's commitment to the site. The speaker said, "Access matters," and noted that "for the first time, we have our own county park," adding that "more amazing partnerships" are expected. The official said county leadership wants to "protect that, preserve that, clean that, but also enhance it," calling the reopening "a beautiful example" of the cooperation.

Organizers framed the ceremony as both a milestone in local collaboration and a signal of future work to maintain and improve park access and amenities. No formal votes or policy actions were recorded in the remarks at the ceremony.

The event underscored the county's role in park management and pointed to additional partnerships and investments to come; organizers did not provide a schedule or details for specific enhancement projects at the ceremony.