The Recreation Activities Center is located in the southwest corner of the West Bloomfield Civic Center. It houses the Nature Nook, a one-room nature center, as well as many of the senior programs and the administrative offices for Parks and Recreation. The 70-acre civic center site also has nature trails used for walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Behind Town Hall is the Snow Gulch Sledding Hill. The 99-acre civic center site is also home to a variety of wild life, including deer, fox, rabbits and geese.
The newly-renovated Marshbank Park reopened in late 2010 after a $5 million improvement project. Marshbank Park is now universally assessable including a new year-round shelter with restrooms, a seasonal restroom, a paved walking path around the park, new playscapes and picnic shelters. Also included is a fishing pier and canoe/kayak launch along the shore of Cass Lake (which will be installed in the spring of 2011). A new sledding hill was also contoured into the landscape for winter enthusiasts. The ball fields have new backstops. The park also has a new entrance, new roadways and additional parking.
Schulak Farm was first purchased in 1831 from the U.S. government and developed into an orchard in 1845, when the land was purchased by Theron Murray. The land changed hands several times over the years, with the Schulak Family purchasing it in 1975. The Parks Commission purchased the property in 1998. The farmhouse was renovated in 2002 for public use and the first phase of restoring the barn was done in 2005. Today, the farmhouse is available for rentals for meetings, showers, small weddings, and Parks and Recreation programs and events.
The Karner Farm is home to the Community Garden and the Off Leash Dog Area (OLDA). Over 60 gardeners each summer till the soil and plant their vegetables for their families and friends to enjoy. The farm also has the OLDA where our four-legged friends romp and run within a three-acre, fenced area. West Bloomfield residents who wish to use the OLDA must register at the Recreation Activities Center.
Drake Sports Park is the premiere sports park in West Bloomfield. Three lighted ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, skateboard park, a community building, picnic shelter and a .7 mile walking trail with eight different exercise stations along the way make Drake Sports Park a very popular destination. The picnic shelter is available for rentals during the summer and the community building is available for event rentals upon request.
Bloomer Park sits on the shore of Middle Straits Lake. Although there is no swimming allowed at this park, there is public boat launch. The park is connected by bike paths to the area’s subdivisions, and there are walking trails through the woods on park property. Within the park there is a picnic shelter, seasonal restrooms, basketball court and play structure. Pathways leading to the picnic shelter, restroom, basketball court, the play structure area and the trail are accessible. There are also park benches that overlook the lake.
This 162-acre site was the first in Michigan to receive recognition as an Urban Wildlife Sanctuary from the National Institute for Urban Wildlife. The preserve is frequented by more than 100 bird species, white-tail deer, red fox, coyote, weasel, mink and salamanders. Each spring, great carpets of white trillium and yellow trout lilies thrive under the mature oak and hickory trees. Large black walnut and wild dogwoods can also be found.
Planterra Conservatory is designed to resemble a greenhouse, plant nursery and indoor garden. Customers can browse the impressive array of plant life and interior landscape design while shopping for gardening products that include plants, pots and garden equipment. The conservatory also hosts events that include art exhibits, lunches and private parties.
Community Sports Park is located on the west side of Keith Rd., between Commerce and Willow roads. Keith Elementary School is its neighbor to the south. The park features three ball fields, the Jeff Raben Soccer Field, and tennis courts. There is also a picnic shelter and restroom building. Each summer, Community Sports Park serves as the home of the West Bloomfield Senior Softball teams that play in the Oakland County Senior League. Adult softball teams also play at the park during the summer.
The West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation Transportation Program provides local transportation to senior citizens, ages 55 and above, as well as people with disabilities. The program serves all of West Bloomfield Township as well as many areas outside it. Medical and nonmedical transports are available; medical transports are used for doctor, dental, optical, hospital or therapy appointments, while nonmedical transports will take passengers to a number of businesses around town. Seniors may call the program to schedule a ride.
Sylvan Manor Park was the first park that came under the newly created West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission in 1972 in a consent agreement with the township. In 1993, the park became the east trailhead for the West Bloomfield Trail. Over the years, the park has been improved to include ball fields with fencing, a basketball court, play structure, picnic area and paved parking lot.
Bloomfield Knolls Park was the first land that the newly formed West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission purchased in 1972. It is located within the Bloomfield Subdivision located off Lochaven Road, and was designed to be a “pocket park” for the local residents to use. This 2-acre park includes a play structure, swings, basketball court, picnic tables and a grill, as well as plenty of shaded green areas for relaxing. Visit the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation website for more information about this and other area parks.