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 are three of these projects in the works in Southfield:

• Catalpa Oaks County Park
• Southfield Oaks County Park within Beech Woods Park
• Beech Woods Park Playground

Catalpa Oaks County Park

Catalpa Oaks is a 24-acre Oakland County Park located in the City of Southfield.

Summary Project Scope

Improve the parking lot with new pavement and stormwater management. An accessible plaza with shaded gathering and seating areas will welcome visitors to the park.

Outreach and Engagement

• A Stakeholder Engagement/Parks Improvement Planning Report was released on Sept. 1, 2022

Catalpa Oaks - Status: In Process

OCP has contracted with PEA for design and engineering services. The project is in the schematic design phase. Cost estimates generated through the design process will help identify which scope items will be funded by ARPA, which items will be funded by OCP capital improvement funds, and which items are part of a larger master plan scope to be funded in future years.

Southfield Oaks County Park within Beech Woods Park

Southfield Oaks is a 39-acre area located within Beech Woods Park in the City of Southfield. The area is operated by OCP and owned by the City of Southfield.

Summary Project Scope

Natural resources management and park development of the former 9-hole golf course will provide quality experiences in nature with accessible trails, boardwalks and access to the Rouge River in a restored grassland and forest habitat. Gathering and seating areas will provide opportunities to socialize and relax in a natural setting. OCP is committed to investing a minimum of $2 million from the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan in Southfield Oaks.

• An Interlocal Partnership Agreement was signed on Nov. 29, 2023
• The Park Action Plan was signed on March 28, 2024

Outreach and Engagement

• A survey  was conducted from Nov. 16-Dec. 8, 2023
• A Planning Open House was held Dec. 5, 2023

Southfield Oaks - Status: In Process

OCP management commenced April 1, 2024. The park is not yet open to the public.   

OCP has contracted with Stantec for design and engineering services. The project is in the design phase. Cost estimates generated through the design process will help identify which scope items will be funded by ARPA, which items will be funded by OCP capital improvement funds and which items are part of a larger master plan scope to be funded in future years.  

Beech Woods Park Playground Project

Beech Woods Park is an 82-acre park owned and operated by the City of Southfield. 

Summary Project Scope

The City of Southfield was awarded a $500,000 grant for the construction of an inclusive playground designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for children of all abilities. This inclusive approach promotes social interaction and enables children to develop valuable friendships while playing together.

• A Grant Agreement was signed on Nov. 29, 2023

Beech Woods - Status: In Process

Southfield has received 50 percent of the grant funds and is expected to start construction soon. 

Contact Information

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