Oakland Township Park Guide: Cranberry Lake Park

Over the past few weeks, Oakland Township Patch has been creating and compiling a comprehensive, interactive multimedia package to serve as an in-depth guide to Oakland Township's Parks. Cranberry Lake Park is the fifth park to be profiled in this series; , , and the have also been profiled.

Size: 213 acres
Year acquired: 1996 and 2003
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Interesting fact: The park includes a historic district with two historic homes and the historic .
Terrain: Fields, marshland, oak-hardwood forest, lake, 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:  Mowed grass
Entrances: 388 West Predmore Road (west of Rochester Road); Romeo Road (west of Rochester Road). Both entrances have parking.
Playground: No.
Picnic facilities: Picnic tables and a large grill are located by the Predmore Road parking lot.
Bathrooms: Yes; portable toilet by the Predmore Road parking lot.
Attractions: Historic District, woodland ponds, bog, forest and lake.

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.