The City’s newest park, Innovation Hills, officially opened to the public on Wednesday night. Located at 2800 W Hamlin, the park has been long anticipated since it was closed for construction over the summer.
Community Comes Together for First Look at Innovation Hills
Nestled on the corner of Hamlin and Adams, Innovation Hills is a park intended to be unlike any other. The park design was developed through several community conversations with residents, parent groups, nonprofits, and business leaders led by Mayor Bryan K. Barnett.
Residents made it clear they wanted something that was reflective of their innovative spirit while embracing the natural features of the property. As designs were shared with the community, the city received strong community support. To date, the city has received over $2.4 million in donations, grants, and sponsorships.
Community Comes Together for First Look at Innovation Hills
Guests were shuttled in golf carts throughout the 74 acre park to explore the new boardwalks and water features. Because of the park’s focus on nature, attendees witnessed a variety of wildlife including white tailed deer and small box turtles.
As the sun went down the pathways began to emit a soft glow, creating a surreal nighttime environment. Mayor Barnett stood beside the ambient light of a collection of stones in the shape of the City’s champion Bebb Oak as he addressed the crowd.
“This is unique because this isn’t a ribbon cutting or a grand opening. It is the end of phase one and two,” states Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. “We have six phases that, once completed, will create a one of a kind outdoor experience. We are so excited to share our progress.”
Signage placed around the park highlighted upcoming projects including a Universal Play Area designed to allow children of all abilities to engage in outdoor play.
At the conclusion of remarks glowing light orbs were lit across the lake. As colors illuminated the lake, guests enjoyed walking on the glow pathways.
The event left a lasting impression on families. “The pathways were unlike anything we expected,” stated Rochester Hills resident Lindsay Wood. “My kids can’t wait to go back tomorrow.”
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Don’t think Innovation park is “nestled at the corner of Hamilin and Adams”. A rather huge apartment complex is being built there.
It’s “nestled” right next to the Legacy Apartment Complex.
Got to love you Lee … How many years is the Legacy Apartment Complex getting a tax break… 10 as I remember.
How much again; how many dollars they will not be paying to support our Oakland County Sheriff Department and the Rochester Hills Fire Department. We the City will have to pay to support their Apartment Complex. They get to pay property tax as undeveloped property… hundreds of thousands lost to the City if they paid full value as a developed apartment complex. 🙁
Got to love the sweet tax brakes Mayor Bryan K. Barnett hands out, like Halloween candy, to out of town, out of State of Michigan developers building apartment complexes.
Please never talk about this park again with out mentioning the longtime residents, the late Steve Stolaruk and Darlene Stolaruk. The Stolaruk Foundation jumpstarted the first phase of construction with a $700,000 donation. This parkland would still be undeveloped if it was not for Steve and Darlene. The City should name the park after them!
P.S. the apartment complex property was zoned single family residential… as a council person Bryan K. Barnett rezoned it commercial strip mall, and the residents get a “A rather huge apartment complex.”
P.S. the apartment complex property was zoned single family residential… as a council person Bryan K. Barnett rezoned it commercial strip mall, and the residents get a “A rather huge apartment complex.”
good post