Oakland Township Park Guide: Bear Creek Nature Park

During the next several weeks, Oakland Township Patch will be creating and compiling a comprehensive, interactive multimedia package to serve as an in-depth guide to Oakland Township's Parks. Bear Creek Nature Park is the first to be profiled for this project.

Size: 107 acres
Year acquired: 1977
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Interesting fact: Bear Creek Nature Park was the first park acquired by Oakland Township.
Terrain: Fields, marshland, oak-hardwood forest, woodland ponds
Wildlife: Reptiles, amphibians, small rodents, woodpeckers, squirrels, owls, birds, deer
Trees: Black walnut, sugar maple, elm, hickory, black and white oak, dogwood
Trail types: ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible 8-foot limestone trails, 5-foot limestone trails, mowed grass, dirt
Entrances: The main entrance is on Snell Road, east of Orion Road; vehicles may park here. Additional parking is available at the township offices on Collins Road north of Orion Road; a pedestrian-only entrance is available off of Gunn Road.
Playground: Yes, for ages 5 to 12 years old.
Picnic facilities: Picnic tables are available; a picnic pavilion with large grill may be reserved (permit required for amplified sound or parties of more than 50 people).
Bathrooms: Yes; portable toilet.
Attractions: Observation decks, skating pond, playground, picnic area. 

Park Rules and Regulations (from Oakland Township Ordinance 38A-1):

1. Only visit during daylight hours when the parks are open.
2. Only use motorized vehicles in authorized areas, such as driveways or parking lots.
3. Keep pets on a maximum 6-foot-long leash and always under control.
4. Clean up after pets.
5. Respect the plants and animals and do not disturb them.
6. No discharge of weapons or projectiles (including paintball guns).
7. No hunting or trapping.
8. No alcoholic beverages.
9. No open fires.

Permits are required for:

• Camping in designated areas.
• Exclusive use of a facility.
• Geocaching in the parks.
• Group functions for 50 or more people.
• Use of loudspeaker, public address system or sound equipment.

For more information, visit the Charter Township of Oakland Parks and Recreation Department in the Paint Creek Cider Mill, or call 248-651-7810.