PARKS AND GROUNDS

FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FY 2023-2024 TO FY 2028-2029

Parks and Grounds

Quality of life initiatives, such as those represented by parks, open space, and trails projects, are an important component of the Capital Improvement Program. The City of Royal Oak Divisions of Parks, Forestry and Recreation offers lighted ball fields, extensive picnic grounds, shaded playgrounds, and much, much more. Neighborhood parks provide recreational amenities close to home, while the city’s ever‐growing network of trails accommodates walkers, joggers, strollers, and bicyclists. Recent and ongoing tree replacement programs improve and enhance the city’s canopy providing a wide array of community benefits.

Funding for parks and forestry is primarily from the Parks, Forestry, Recreation, Playgrounds & Animal Shelter dedicated millage that was established in 2022 for improvements at parks and facilities, as informed by the recently adopted 5‐year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. In addition, $500,000 annually will be dedicated to making improvements to existing playscapes, athletic fields, landscaping, and sustainability features. The millage will be used to assist with the operations and staffing needs of the Royal Oak Animal Shelter. The dedicated millage is expected to generate approximately $2.175 million annually for a period of 5 years through 2026.