Bloomer Park is Steeped in History

Bloomer Park, located at the north end of John R Road in Rochester Hills, is the city’s oldest park. The centennial of its founding will occur in 2022. Long before anyone thought of dedicating the land for recreational purposes, the location was part of a pioneer-era transportation project called the Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal. The Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal was begun under Michigan’s first governor, Stevens T. Mason, who broke ground for the waterway near Mount Clemens in 1838. State leaders … [Read more...]

Visit Borden Park with Mayor Barnett

Rochester Hills Mayor's Video Log Entry Now how many of you have driven past this sign hundreds of times, but have never been inside? Come check it out.   Hi, I’m Bryan Barnett, Mayor of the City of Rochester Hills, and thanks for watching. You know, it’s not easy to dunk on these ten foot rims out here, but if you come out enough, to beautiful Borden Park, I bet you can do it too. Hey, we’re on our park expedition throughout the summer, and just encouraging our residents to find … [Read more...]

Hills awarded grant to rehab Velodrome

The International Velodrome at Bloomer Park  in Rochester Hills is about to get a much-needed facelift, thanks to a $45,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to resurface the aging track surface. The velodrome was funded entirely by donations and built by volunteers in 2001. It was designed by Olympic track designer Dale Hughes, a lifelong Rochester Hills resident. “After 13  years the wood panels began to decompose, causing a rough ride for cyclists,” Hughes … [Read more...]