Chocolate Dripped Strawberries, Salt Caves, and Wellness: Oak Park small businesses have something for everyone this holiday season
Oak Park’s partnerships with local businesses help create opportunities for unique gifts and experiences.
From the beloved Ernie’s Market to new breweries and restaurants, the scene at Oak Park is rapidly growing. Previously a quiet contender next to its popular neighbors Royal Oak and Ferndale, this Oakland County city of over 30,000 has become the place to go for those in the know. We’re here to share its fascinating story.
Oak Park’s partnerships with local businesses help create opportunities for unique gifts and experiences.
Oak Park’s pool has one last dip as it closes and prepares for a new expansion. Residents share their memories and concerns about the pool’s past and future.
The city of Oak Park has received a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is estimated to double the capacity of their Thursday farmers market.
Oak Park officials recently broke ground on a community event hub. The new facility, part of a parks and recreation plan dubbed Elevate Oak Park, is slated to include a band shell, a farmers' market space, a commercial kitchen, and room for year-round events.
"These 11 projects show both the need our region has for high-quality, well-maintained walking and biking infrastructure as well as the commitment our communities have to ensuring quality of life for residents and visitors," says Amy O'Leary, executive director of SEMCOG.
In an industrialized area like Metro Detroit, connecting communities to nature can be challenging. Friends of the Rouge are working on strategies to engage people with their local watershed and keep the river healthy for future generations.
"This is a great example of transforming a purely functional space into a piece of public art,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.
On March 31, the first K-9 officer and handler in Oak Park retired from the city's Department of Public Safety after eight years of tail-wagging dedication. Named after an Oak Park officer who died while on duty in 2008, K-9 Mase is renowned for his outstanding tracking abilities.
“This strategic plan will help us build on our county’s strengths and ensure Oakland County remains an inviting destination for visitors,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “It also gives us a chance to support and promote our local businesses, cultural institutions and outdoor recreation.”
The city of Oak Park is cultivating a fresh vision for their community, and Michigan restauranteurs are taking notice.
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