If you’re looking for a new playground to add to your Metro Detroit summer bucket list, this one deserves a spot at the TOP!.
Nestled within Shepherd Park, the newly unveiled Oak Park Woods Playground is the centerpiece of a $6.2 million park transformation that’s turned the area into one of Metro Detroit’s newest outdoor destinations. With nature-inspired play, scenic walking trails, a peaceful boardwalk and plenty of room to picnic and explore, it’s the kind of place where one quick stop can easily turn into an afternoon adventure.
Explore the New Oak Park Woods Playground
The star of the renovation is the brand-new Oak Park Woods Playground, a nature-inspired play space designed to encourage kids to climb, explore and stay active outdoors.
Rather than a traditional playground tucked into a neighborhood park, this space feels like part of the surrounding landscape. Kids can climb towering play structures, race down slides, test their balance on interactive play elements and let their imaginations take over as they explore. The playground’s natural design blends beautifully with the wooded setting, creating an experience that feels a little more adventurous than your average trip to the park.
Parents will appreciate the accessible pathways, nearby seating and open sightlines that make it easy to keep an eye on little explorers while they play. With plenty of room to move, the playground is well-suited for everything from toddler adventures to older kids looking for a new challenge.Families can expect:
- Large climbing structures
- Multiple super cool slides
- Nature-inspired play elements
- Accessible pathways connecting park amenities
- Nearby seating for parents and caregivers
- Plenty of open space for kids to run and play
Surrounded by mature trees and natural scenery, it’s the kind of playground that encourages kids to stay active while enjoying the outdoors.
More Than Just a Playground
While the playground will likely be the biggest draw, Oak Park Woods has become much more than a place to climb and slide.
The park’s transformation includes several new amenities designed to help families spend an entire afternoon outdoors.
Visitors can enjoy:
- 🚶 Scenic walking trails
- 🌿 A peaceful boardwalk through the wooded area
- ⚽ Large open lawn for games and community events
- 🧺 Renovated picnic shelters
- 🍽️ A new warming kitchen for rentals and gatherings
- 🚻 Two new restroom buildings
- 🚗 Improved parking
- 🌲 Tree trimming and landscape improvements throughout the park
One feature longtime visitors will especially appreciate is the park’s historic signature train, which was carefully preserved and refurbished during the renovation. It’s a thoughtful nod to Shepherd Park’s history while giving today’s families an entirely new place to explore.
A Major Investment in Oak Park
The $6.2 million renovation was made possible through a partnership between the City of Oak Park and Oakland County Parks, with funding from Oakland County’s Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, American Rescue Plan Act funds and additional county capital improvements.
Community feedback helped shape the redesign, creating a more accessible, welcoming and family-friendly destination for residents and visitors alike.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park
24198 Church Street
Oak Park, MI 48237
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to dusk
Admission: Free
Amenities
- Oak Park Woods Playground
- Walking trails
- Scenic boardwalk
- Open lawn
- Picnic shelters
- Restrooms
- Free parking
Why Metro Detroit Families Should Visit
Every summer, a few places quickly become favorites for local families, and Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park has all the makings of one of them.
With its brand-new playground, scenic wooded setting, accessible trails, peaceful boardwalk and upgraded amenities, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours unplugged and outdoors. Whether you’re meeting friends for a playdate, packing a picnic or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, this reimagined park is well worth adding to your Metro Detroit bucket list!
If your family loves outdoor adventures, be sure to bookmark our Metro Detroit Splash Pads Guide for even more summer fun.
Brittany is a proud mom to two fun loving kiddos, Grayson and Audrey. With a passion for health and fitness, she’s a certified personal trainer and nutritionist who enjoys helping others lead active, enjoyable lives. When she’s not coaching clients, you can find Brittany, her husband, and her kids exploring Michigan’s vibrant scene of indoor play centers, parks, eateries, and events. Whether they’re discovering new hiking trails, celebrating local restaurant openings, or spending the afternoon at the cider mill, they’re always on the lookout for their next adventure. Brittany is passionate about sharing her family’s experiences to help other parents create lasting memories in Metro Detroit. You can follow along with her and her crew here @brittmilesxo.