West Bloomfield Trail network offers popular escape

West Bloomfield boasts an extensive trail network taking hikers through picturesque woodlands. The West Bloomfield Trail is a 28-acre linear park running for 4.25 miles through West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake. Walking, cross country skiing and cycling are permissible.

West Bloomfield’s Bloomer Park offers 36 acres of fun with numerous locations to enjoy a picnic lunch in a wooded setting and hiking trails for those looking to get a little exercise. Bloomfield Knolls Park offers those looking to squeeze in some one-on-one basketball time, while Marshbank Park rents out its Maple Ridge Shelter on Cass Lake to those looking for a pavilion for hosting a picnic.   

Shain Park in Birmingham offers a downtown attraction

With warm weather upon us, escaping to the outdoors is top of mind for many. Birmingham’s many parks offer unlimited fresh air, scenic landscapes, people-watching opportunities and many a park bench from which to take it all in.

Extensive renovations to Birmingham’s Shain Park have resulted in a downtown attraction appealing to families, professionals and shoppers alike. The park’s decorative water fountain is pleasing to the eyes and ears, and the performance stage area attracts community members for summer concerts. Those looking to escape the office can enjoy a lunchtime stroll through the park or set up camp on one of the park’s many benches to dine surrounded by all of spring’s trappings.

Birmingham’s award-winning Booth Park features native plantings and a trail connecting to the Rouge River Trail. Crestview Park offers open space for a pickup game of football and two tennis courts open to Birmingham residents who hold leisure passes. The city’s Linden Park offers a woodchip trail that winds its way along scenic woodland.

Farmington Hills parks beckon

Farmington and Farmington Hills have plenty of wide open spaces. Heritage Park offers 4.5 miles of hiking trails. For some post-hiking revelry, take advantage of the large picnic area at the park’s north end. It includes a picnic shelter, two sand volleyball courts, an inline hockey rink, splash pad and six horseshoe pits.

Woodland Hills is another Farmington Hills park not to miss when looking for a chance to take in some of Mother Nature’s finer handiwork. The park features a primitive walking trail that winds through 74 acres of pristine wooded property. Observe birds and animals in a variety of habitats.

Farmington Hills’ Olde Town Park is situated on 3.7 acres of land and offers a picnic shelter, grills and two tennis courts. More information on Farmington Hills parks can be found on the Farmington Hills Parks and Recreation website.

In Farmington, Shiawassee Park offers a walking trail that winds through the park and along the Rouge River branch that runs through it. Be sure to stop on one of the bridges to watch the water – you may even spot a duck or two floating along.