Pontiac Oaks
Pontiac Oaks, formerly known as Hawthorne Park, is a 77-acre park in Pontiac. The park is operated by Oakland County Parks (OCP) and owned by the City of Pontiac.
The project to develop Pontiac Oaks is part of the OCP Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan.
The Pontiac Oaks Improvement project provides a safe and welcoming environment for families with a renovated restroom, new picnic shelters, and enhanced playground with several new pieces of play equipment.
Additionally, ongoing management of shoreline vegetation and invasive species provides clear views of Creger Lake and Upper Silver Lake. Visitors can fish of the new accessible floating dock and launch a kayak off the accessible kayak launch. An existing boat ramp remains available for traditional non-motorized watercraft.
Furthermore, ongoing trail improvements, natural area restoration and forest management provide quality experiences in nature. An accessible pathway loop provides a shaded route through the woods and views of the lake.
To date, and in combination with federal grant funding through the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, OCP has committed more than $3 million to Pontiac Oaks, with additional improvements and developments planned for the near future. Pontiac Oaks will be expanding to a total of over 113 acres through the purchase of several parcels by Oakland County Parks and a partnership with Pontiac School District. This will expand the park around the lake to increase overall acreage and broaden the park’s reach around Creger Lake.
New pavilion overlooking Creger Lake
Accessible pathway connecting Telegraph Road to Creger Lake
1 day left
Phases
Construction
A construction management contract with DeMaria was executed on December 10, 2024. The design process identified the following items to be included in the initial construction phase:
· New pavilion overlooking Creger Lake
· Accessible pathways from Telegraph Road, past the playground and restroom area, and to the new accessible fishing pier
· Accessible kayak launch
· Accessible looping trails through the mature wooded lot, with emphasis on nature-engagement and playful pathways
· Shoreline restoration and sightline improvements
For the most part, most of the park was able to remain open during construction outside of a few weeks in July 2025, when it was closed entirely to complete certain components of the project, and a brief period in October, when it again closed entirely to allow for concrete work to be finalized.
After some additional funding was approved in September, 2025, the construction timeline has been extended to incorporate the additional amenities. The park is expected to open in Summer 2026.
Upcoming and ongoing events
Event date: July 12th, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
1400 Telegraph Road
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