Oakland County Seeks Input on Parks and Recreation Services

The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is conducting a series of public workshops next week to gather input on park and recreation services.

The commission is in the process of developing a Cost Recovery Model and Philosophy and wants feedback from Oakland County residents, business owners and others who are interested.

All are welcome to attend the free workshops, which will be conducted by parks staff and recreation consulting firm GreenPlay LLC on April 16 and 17.

"We’ll be talking really about what the community values in terms of parks and recreation services," said Melissa Prowse, Oakland County Business Development Representative. "Essentially we want some help in determining how our tax-payer dollars should be spent – what are the priorities of the community for parks and recreation?"

For example, she said, everyone benefits from having parks and open space in the county but not everyone benefits from an individual buying a soda from a park concession stand.

"So how much taxpayer money should go to support that service, if any? It’s a very philosophical discussion, but one we’re really excited to have with our tax-payers," Prowse said. "It will help us prioritize and be even more fiscally responsible going forward."

The results of the public workshops will be incorporated into management strategies and budgetary decisions.

Workshop times and dates

• April 16 from 1:30-4 p.m. at Lyon Oaks Golf Course Banquet Center in Wixom
• April 16 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Glen Oaks Golf Course Banquet Center in Farmington Hills
• April 17 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Addison Oaks Conference Center in Leonard
• April 17 from 1:30-4 p.m. at Waterford Oaks Lookout Lodge in Waterford
• April 17 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Troy Community Center in Troy.

Participants need only to attend one session. All workshops are free; breakfast, refreshments or dinner are provided depending on workshop time.

Interested participants are asked to pre-register by calling 1-888-627-2757 by Friday, April 12. You can contact Prowse for more information at prowsem@oakgov.com.

See here for more information on the Cost Recovery Project.