Plans For Troy's First County Park Move Forward

TROY, MI — Oakland County officials are moving forward with a plan to construct a county park in Troy.

Oakland County Parks (OCP) announced Monday that it has finalized the purchase of Turtle Woods, which is located on the north side of Square Lake Road between John R and Dequindre roads.

Officials are planning to turn the 70-acre natural area into an area with accessible trails and boardwalks, a trailhead, parking, restrooms, wayfinding and educational features.

The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission approved the park's concept plan.

The next steps include submitting a final design, followed by a competitive bidding process. Park construction could then begin next spring.

They are planning to open the park sometime in fall 2027.

"Troy's first Oakland County park is moving from vision to implementation," Oakland County Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault (D-Troy) said. "Turtle Woods will bring county park access closer to residents while protecting a place that has long been valued by Troy families and schools."

The land was owned by the Troy School District, which purchased it more than 50 years ago for possible expansion. However, the district never developed the land and it later became a place for informal recreation, nature education and ecology lessons.

The district contributed nearly $1.9 million in property value toward the sale to OCP. Another $2.2 million came from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to support the project.

"The Troy School District is thankful that we could bring this project to conclusion," Troy School District Superintendent Richard Machesky said. "Many individuals, including current and previous board members, have worked diligently to provide green/park space for citizens in Troy and across Oakland County to utilize into the future. We recognize the significance of this land, and we are excited that the entire community will benefit from this cooperative agreement in perpetuity."