Innovation Park Receives Brooksie Way $30K Grant

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A section of the trail at Innovation Hills Park in Rochester Hills will now be known as the Brooksie Way. The city recently received a $30,000 grant from the organization, which held its annual half-marathon and other racing events in Rochester Hills last weekend.

"The Brooksie Way has always been one of our community's biggest events and this investment will allow us to provide additional recreational opportunities for thousands of people in the region," Mayor Bryan K. Barnett said in a statement. "We're so honored that they have chosen to help us make this park the best place to walk, run, or bike in the region."

The Brooksie Way will run immediately adjacent to the pristine, winding Clinton River. This path will highlight the natural beauty of over 113 acres of wetlands and woods.

(For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Rochester Patch, click here to find your local Michigan Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson created The Brooksie Way Mini-grant program to use proceeds from The Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5K to promote healthy, active lifestyles for Oakland County residents.

The city park is located on Hamlin Road, east of Adams Road. It’s currently under the first phase of its development, but already features hiking, walking and fishing in the Clinton River. Innovation Hills — formerly known as Riverbend Park — is just more than 62 acres in size.

Funding for park improvements will rely on grants and fundraising efforts, Barnett said. Innovation Hills has already received a private $1 million donation from the Steve and Vivian Stolaruk Foundation.

The park was purchased by the city in the 1990s and includes two small lakes in addition to the Clinton River. Future amenities could include a water feature, illuminated solar glow path pavers, a universal play area.
The park will also likely feature a kayak landing pad on the river along with shelters, overlooks and observation points.

Photo courtesy of the city of Rochester Hills