Discover Innovation Hills, a one-of-a-kind nature park in Rochester Hills, Michigan that blends sustainable design, immersive landscapes, and inclusive recreation. Covering over 110 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and trails, this park is a model for ecological preservation and community-centered innovation. Whether you're seeking a serene walk, an inclusive playground, or educational experiences, Innovation Hills offers something for everyone.
Innovation Hills Park stands out as one of Michigan’s most environmentally immersive public spaces, offering a rare blend of urban convenience and untouched natural beauty. Spanning over 110 acres in Rochester Hills, the park is defined by its diverse ecosystems, which include restored wetlands, dense woodlands, and winding creeks. The site was carefully developed with ecological preservation in mind, ensuring that native flora and fauna could thrive alongside human visitors.
The park is home to the Clinton River, which meanders through the terrain and provides a natural corridor for wildlife and a scenic backdrop for recreational activities. Boardwalks and observation areas strategically placed along the river allow visitors to explore without disturbing the delicate environment. Numerous educational interpretive signs detail the region’s ecological significance, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Wetland areas within the park serve as a natural filtration system and are essential for maintaining biodiversity. These wetlands are home to a variety of amphibians, birds, and aquatic plants. The park's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of native plants in landscaping and its emphasis on habitat restoration.
Innovation Hills is designed to offer a broad range of recreational and educational features while preserving the natural landscape. Highlights include:
The park features more than 2 miles of accessible trails, including elevated boardwalks that wind through wetlands and forested zones. These trails are designed with minimal environmental impact and provide a serene walking experience surrounded by nature. The trail system includes both paved and natural-surface paths, accommodating walkers, joggers, and families with strollers.
One of the park’s standout features is its universally accessible, nature-themed playground. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment, the playground includes wood-based structures, climbing features, and sensory activities that encourage exploration and imaginative play. It is one of the largest inclusive playgrounds in the region, aimed at children of all abilities.
Innovation Hills incorporates sustainable design elements throughout the park. Solar-powered lighting, permeable pavement, and eco-friendly construction materials are used in shelters and facilities. A striking architectural feature is the modern pavilion, which serves as a gathering space and hosts community events. Its design includes green roofing and rainwater collection systems to support the park’s sustainability goals.
The open-air amphitheater, nestled within the natural landscape, hosts seasonal programming such as concerts, movie nights, and educational talks. Surrounded by grass seating and shaded by trees, the amphitheater enhances the park’s role as a community hub while respecting the existing terrain.
A series of interconnected ponds and reflection areas offer peaceful spots for relaxation and quiet observation of wildlife. These water features not only add to the park’s aesthetic appeal but also support its ecological mission by attracting native species and supporting local biodiversity.
One of Innovation Hills’ unique features is its illuminated trails, which allow for safe evening access. The LED lighting is designed to reduce light pollution and protect nocturnal wildlife, offering a rare opportunity for nighttime walks in a natural setting.
Innovation Hills Park combines thoughtful design with environmental stewardship, offering a destination where nature and innovation coexist. Its features are purpose-built to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the ecological integrity of the land.
Innovation Hills Park is located at 2800 W. Hamlin Road in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Conveniently situated just east of Adams Road, the park is easily accessible by car and is a short drive from major highways such as I-75 and M-59. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, offering ample opportunity for both early morning walks and afternoon adventures.
Visitors can enter Innovation Hills via the main entrance on Hamlin Road. Clear signage and well-maintained roads lead directly to the park’s primary parking area and welcome center. Accessible trails and wheelchair-friendly paths ensure that guests of all mobility levels can enjoy the park’s offerings.
As of 2024, Innovation Hills has implemented a new paid parking system to support the ongoing maintenance and development of the park. While entry to the park remains free, all visitors using the on-site parking lot are now required to pay a fee. Payment kiosks are located near the lot, and digital payment options—such as credit/debit cards and contactless mobile payments—are available for convenience.
Residents of Rochester Hills can receive updates about parking policies and changes through the RHConnect notification system, which delivers real-time alerts via email or text message. Signage within the park also provides clear instructions on how to use the new parking system.
Although public transportation options are limited in the area, local ride-share services like Uber and Lyft do operate in Rochester Hills and can drop visitors off near the park entrance. Cyclists will find bike racks available at the main entry, and the surrounding streets are bike-friendly, encouraging eco-conscious travel.
Innovation Hills is committed to being inclusive for all visitors. The park features ADA-compliant pathways, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities. The boardwalk trails and nature-inspired play areas are designed to accommodate a wide range of physical abilities.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, guests are encouraged to follow the posted park rules. These include:
Additionally, drones are not permitted in the park without prior authorization, and open fires are prohibited outside of designated areas.
For questions regarding access, amenities, or parking, visitors can contact the City of Rochester Hills Parks Department at (248) 656-4673 or visit the city’s official website. The park staff and city officials also encourage visitors to register for RHConnect to receive timely updates about closures, events, and policy changes.
Innovation Hills Park has consistently emphasized the importance of community involvement in both its development and ongoing operations. With the recent changes to its parking policy, including the implementation of a new paid parking system, city officials and park administrators have taken several steps to maintain transparency and encourage resident participation.
Before initiating the new parking system, the City of Rochester Hills organized public meetings and feedback sessions to gauge community sentiment. Residents were invited to share their opinions and concerns about the proposed changes, which helped shape the final implementation strategy. This collaborative approach ensured that the new system would reflect the needs and preferences of the local community.
A cornerstone of the city’s community engagement strategy is RHConnect, Rochester Hills' official communication platform. RHConnect allows residents to receive timely updates about city developments, including park-related announcements. The platform supports multiple communication channels, including:
Residents are encouraged to sign up for RHConnect to stay informed and actively participate in city initiatives such as those affecting Innovation Hills Park.
Innovation Hills also promotes community engagement through volunteer programs and environmental education. Local groups, including schools and non-profit organizations, frequently participate in park cleanups, tree planting, and conservation workshops. These initiatives foster a sense of ownership among residents and help build a stronger connection between the community and the park.
The city partners with civic groups, environmental advocacy organizations, and local businesses to support the park’s development and operations. These collaborations often influence decision-making processes, ensuring that community values are upheld and that the park remains a space that serves both recreational and ecological purposes.
To ensure ongoing community input, the city maintains open feedback channels via its official website and at city hall. Surveys, comment sections, and public forums are regularly used to gather resident feedback on park services, including the new parking system. This continued dialogue is a key part of Rochester Hills’ commitment to responsive and inclusive governance.
By fostering active community participation, Innovation Hills Park not only enhances its appeal as a natural attraction but also strengthens its role as a civic asset that reflects the values and voices of Rochester Hills residents.
As Innovation Hills Park continues to grow in popularity and significance within Rochester Hills, the city has laid out an ambitious development plan set to unfold in 2025. These plans aim to enhance the visitor experience, support sustainability, and expand the park's capacity to serve as a premier natural and community destination.
The 2025 development phase includes several strategic upgrades designed to improve both functionality and aesthetics. Among the most anticipated additions are expanded trail systems, new recreational zones, and upgraded infrastructure to better accommodate increased visitor traffic.
One of the key improvement areas is the enhancement of accessibility throughout the park. This includes the installation of additional ADA-compliant paths, improved signage, and better lighting to ensure safety and inclusivity. The city also plans to expand parking facilities to support the growing number of visitors, incorporating environmentally friendly elements such as permeable pavement and additional electric vehicle charging stations.
Innovation Hills will introduce several new features aimed at enriching the park’s educational and recreational offerings. Planned amenities include:
Additionally, enhancements to the existing pond areas are planned, including improved seating, observation decks, and native plant landscaping to attract pollinators and support local wildlife.
The city of Rochester Hills has scheduled the majority of construction to begin in early spring 2025, with phased completions expected throughout the year. Most major projects are targeted for completion by late fall 2025, with minimal disruption to current park access. Coordination with local contractors and environmental consultants ensures that construction will be conducted with minimal ecological impact and community disruption.
These future developments reflect Innovation Hills Park’s continued commitment to being a community-oriented green space. By expanding its educational, recreational, and environmental features, the park is expected to draw more visitors from across the region, supporting local tourism and businesses.
Community engagement will remain a priority during this process. Residents are encouraged to participate in public forums and provide feedback on development initiatives. The city also plans regular updates through RHConnect, the city’s communication platform, to keep the public informed on progress and project milestones.
The 2025 development plans position Innovation Hills as a model for sustainable urban park design, combining natural beauty with innovative planning tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Rochester Hills community.
Innovation Hills Park is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan, at 2800 W Hamlin Rd. The park is easily accessible by car and features multiple entry points. For those using GPS, entering the park’s name typically brings up accurate directions. Public transportation options are limited, so driving or using a rideshare service is generally recommended.
As of the latest updates, Innovation Hills has transitioned to a paid parking system. Visitors should be aware that parking fees now apply in designated areas throughout the park. Payment can typically be made via a digital kiosk or mobile app, with clear signage provided at entry points. Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Rochester Hills’ RHConnect system for updates on pricing, enforcement hours, and any changes to parking zones.
Innovation Hills is open year-round from dawn until dusk. The best time to visit depends on your interests:
Weekdays and early mornings are generally quieter times for those seeking a more tranquil experience.
Depending on the season and your planned activities, consider packing the following:
Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Waste disposal bags are available at the park entrances.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, Innovation Hills Park observes the following rules:
Educational signage throughout the park helps visitors understand and protect the sensitive wetland ecosystems that Innovation Hills was designed to preserve.
Innovation Hills is designed with inclusivity in mind. The park features ADA-accessible trails, boardwalks, and restrooms. The playground and sensory garden areas are designed to be inclusive for children of all abilities, ensuring that every family can enjoy a day out.
Before your visit, it’s recommended to check the official City of Rochester Hills website or sign up for RHConnect notifications. These platforms provide real-time updates on weather-related closures, construction, event schedules, and policy changes such as the new parking system.
By planning ahead, you can make the most of your visit to Innovation Hills and fully enjoy the blend of innovative design and natural serenity that defines this unique destination.
Innovation Hills is more than a park — it's a forward-looking example of how nature, community, and innovation can coexist. With new developments planned for 2025 and ongoing community involvement, the park continues to evolve while honoring its environmental roots. Whether you're a local resident or a first-time visitor, there's never been a better time to experience everything Innovation Hills has to offer. Plan your visit today and reconnect with the natural world in a space built for everyone.
