Oakland Township Park Guide: Lost Lake Nature Park

Over 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. Lost Lake Nature Park is the third park to be profiled for this project; and the have also been profiled.

Size: 57.88
Year acquired: 2004 and 2008
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Interesting fact: The township recently received a $154,900 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to make several significant improvements to Lost Lake Nature Park in the coming year, including adding an ADA-accessible dock, fishing pier and a nature center in what is now the caretaker’s residence. 
Terrain: Woodlands, wetlands, meadows and a lake
Wildlife: Water fowl, birds, reptiles, amphibians
Trail types: Dirt
Entrances: The park entrance is off of Lost Lake Trail, just south of Predmore Road between Kline and Rochester roads.
Playground: No
Picnic facilities: Picnic tables by lake and sledding hills
Bathrooms: Yes
Attractions: A beautiful lake with a shelter, two sledding hills (including one for young children), a warming house for winter use, beautiful views

Sled Hill Rules:

• No snowboarding or skiing
• Maxiumum 2 persons per sled
• Use designated trail to return to top of hill
• Children must be supervised by an adult
• Glass bottles prohibited
• Be sure hill is clear before proceeding.
• No pets.
• Sled at your own risk. Area is unsupervised, and the hill is steep.

Sled Hill Conditions Hotline: 248-651-4440 ext. 299.

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.