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Innovation Hills Rochester Hills

Innovation Hills Rochester Hills review, pics, news, and info for the 110 plus acre park which includes a 3-acre playground, extensive trail system, ponds & waterfall, and more.

Innovation Hills Rochester Hills Pics

The concept of Innovation Hills was born in 2013 with a donated 70-acre parcel of land to be, at the time, named River Bend Park. After realizing there are several parks in Metro Detroit named “River Bend”, the project was renamed “Innovation Hills”.

Innovation Hills Rochester Hills Features

  • 110 acres (62 south of Clinton River plus 48 acres of Green Space north of river)
  • Paved Parking Lot
  • 1-mile handicap accessible boardwalk
  • 3-acre inclusive playground (Officially Opening 8/25/21 but you can explore aspects of it now while it is being expanded and growing every day)
  • Solar lighting and glow pavement
  • Indoor restrooms
  • Kayak launch and landing
  • Fishing on the Clinton River (DNR regulations apply)

BEST PLAYGROUNDS & PLAYPLACES IN OAKLAND COUNTY

FULL DISCLOSURE, Oakland County Moms (and many RH citizens) initially frowned upon the entire park idea due to 1 – cost of the intricate project & 2 – the deteriorating conditions of other City of Rochester Hills Parks. Fast-forward a half dozen years, OCM and other citizens are beginning to realize the vision of IH but our cost concerns remain. Cost aside, the park is extremely impressive. We are also optimistic to learn that much of the project has been funded by government grants and not all taxpayers dollars.

Innovation Hills now totals 110 acres, 48 of which are dedicated Green Space. After carefully considering numerous ideas about the theme and features of the park, the City of Rochester Hills seems to have settled on a (VERY) modern nature park with a giant, inclusive playground as a central component to their theme. Every detail, from the ponds & waterfall, to the boardwalk, to the trails, to the solar lighting & glowing payment, is well-planned and meticulously thought-out.

We’ve reviewed a lot of parks, Innovation Hills definitely sticks out… not just as a convenient area park to visit, but a park that’s a destination. Other area nature parks are simply vast, underdeveloped land areas. Innovation Hills was designed with inclusivity in mind – to bring the nature to everyone, regardless of physical ability.

Pets are allowed at the park provided they are on a 6 foot leash. No alcohol is allowed in the park. Ice fishing is prohibited.

Innovation Hills is open daily from 8a-10p (summer hours).

Innovation Hills
2800 W Hamlin Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
248-656-4673

See our Oakland County Parks Tab for more Oakland County and Metro Detroit, Michigan park reviews and pics.

PHOTO CREDITS – Oakland County Moms via Lisa LaGrou & Maysoon Nasharty

For more info on Innovation Hills Rochester Hills, visit rochesterhills.org.

1 thought on “Innovation Hills Rochester Hills”

  1. This park has a dangerous point. When parents are down on the lower level it is difficult getting to the kids on the large tree structure. No quick access, perhaps steps. there are too many bushes or obstructions to see the exit/entrance to the structure and the entrance/exit to the park is directly across from the structure. With parents down below it is not easy or comfortable. I do not let my kids play on this unless I am at the top.

    Reply

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