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A mother and daughter fishing off of the new fishing pier at Pontiac Oaks

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 aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for families by renovating the existing restroom, providing new picnic shelters, and enhancing the existing playground with several new pieces of play equipment.

Additionally, ongoing management of shoreline vegetation and invasive species will eventually provide clear views of Creger Lake and Upper Silver Lake. Visitors can currently fish launch kyaks via our brand new accessible floating dock and kayak launch. An existing boat ramp remains available for traditional watercraft.

Furthermore, ongoing trail improvements, natural area restoration and forest management will provide quality experiences in nature.

In even more exciting news for the future of Pontiac Oaks, OCP has purchased additional parcels around the lake to increase overall acreage and broaden the park’s reach around Creger 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.

Phases

Phases overview

Grand Opening

July 1, 2026 4:00 AM - July 2, 2026 4:00 AM

A grand opening for the park will be planned for summer 2026. Check back in or follow this project to stay up to date on the details.