The Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan is a $20.2 million program aimed at enhancing park and recreation opportunities in Oakland County using $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds matched with an additional $5.2 million in funding from OCP. There is one of these projects in the works in Royal Oak Township:

• Mack-Rowe Park

Mack-Rowe Park

Mack-Rowe Park is a 5-acre park owned and operated by the Charter Township of Royal Oak.  

Summary Project Scope

The Charter Township of Royal Oak was allocated $300,000 from Oakland County Parks for a new accessible playground with associated access routes, amenities and manufacturer’s warranty for play equipment. With the partnership of Township staff and elected officials, OCP completed the project for the Royal Oak Township.

• A License Agreement was signed on May 11, 2023

Outreach and Engagement

• Planning Open Houses were held on June 17 and July 26, 2023
• A Grand Opening was held on May 18, 2024

Status: Complete

The playground replacement project removed outdated equipment and expanded the playground area from 2,450 square feet to approximately 5,250 square feet. The new playground has an urban nature theme, is appropriate for children ages 2 to 12, and offers the following features: 

• Six swings, including two infant swings and one accessible swing
• Four slides of varying heights
• Two musical play elements
• Two spring riders
• Three climbing structures
• Two bench seats with backs and shade structures around exterior of play area
• Several activity panels that promote sensory experience and imaginative play
• Poured-in place rubber surfacing to enhance access to main playground features

Additional Improvements

With the remaining grant funds, OCP is assisting Royal Oak Township with various other projects at Mack-Rowe Park. OCP staff organized and participated in a community clean-up at Mack-Rowe that included trash removal, concrete removal and native and perennial plantings. OCP staff also managed contractors for tree removals, asphalt repairs and fencing replacement. Furthermore, OCP staff have identified contractors to add park rules signs, add sport court surfacing at the basketball court and convert the tennis court into a roller skating rink.  

Contact Information

• Donna Folland, Chief - Planning
  • 248-736-9087
  • follandd@oakgov.com