Waterfall Will Be Focal Point At Innovation Hills

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — The development of Innovation Hills Park recently received a boost that will one day benefit the entire community. A series of waterfalls will be built as the focal point of the park’s entrance, thanks to a financial donation from longtime Rochester Hills’ champions John and Mary Modetz.

A series of six ponds and waterfalls, flowing under two walkways, will serve as a bioswale and recreational experience at the same time, allowing people to watch, listen and touch the moving water as they enter Innovation Hills. The waterfalls will guide visitors toward a central pond.

“This donation for Innovation Hills is an investment in our community’s future,” Mary Modetz said. “People from all over Southeast Michigan will enjoy a recreational experience unlike any other and our family wanted to be a part of this legacy.”

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As active members of the community, the Modetz family have given their time, talent, and financial support to many different programs in the Rochester Hills. The Boy Scouts, Rochester College, and Ascension Crittenton Hospital are among those beneficiaries.

“We are so grateful for community leaders like the Modetz family who have so generously supported this new park,” said Mayor Bryan K. Barnett.

Located at 2800 W Hamlin Road, Innovation Hills contains over 100 acres of undeveloped woodlands, wetland, and prairie habitat. Users discover high overlooks providing spectacular views of the Clinton River. As the largest outdoor classroom in the region, Innovations Hills will provide a wide variety of hands-on educational opportunities that promote experiential learning and a long term appreciation for nature.

The park has received several donations in recent months. In September, a section of the trail at Innovation Hills had its named changed to the Brooksie Way. The city recently received a $30,000 grant from the organization, which honors the late son of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and promotes health and fitness.

A $31,000 donation from Hamlin Tool & Machine was made in August. Funds will help develop the park and pay for programing.

Image courtesy of the city of Rochester Hills