Innovation Hills in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is a state-of-the-art public park blending nature, sustainability, accessibility, and technology. From scenic landscapes and inclusive design to eco-friendly advancements, this guide covers essential features, the new parking system, visitor access, and future developments.
Innovation Hills Park remains one of the most accessible green spaces in Rochester Hills, welcoming visitors year-round. However, recent changes have impacted how guests access the park, particularly regarding parking.
As of 2024, Innovation Hills has implemented a new pay-to-park system. This change marks a shift from the previously free parking model and is part of a broader initiative by the City of Rochester Hills to modernize park infrastructure and generate revenue for park maintenance and development projects.
The paid parking system applies to all vehicles entering the designated parking areas within the park. Payment stations have been installed at key locations, and park-goers are encouraged to use digital methods such as mobile apps and contactless payment terminals for convenience.
Innovation Hills Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors can enter through the main entrance located off West Hamlin Road. Despite the parking changes, pedestrian and bicycle access remains free and unrestricted, with several trails and bike paths connecting to surrounding neighborhoods and adjacent public lands.
The park continues to prioritize accessibility. Designated ADA-compliant parking spaces are available near the main entrance, and paved trails ensure that visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy much of the park’s scenic beauty. The city has emphasized that the new parking policy will not affect these accommodations.
Although Innovation Hills is primarily accessed by car, public transportation options are available through local SMART bus routes that stop within walking distance of the park. Additionally, bike racks are available for cyclists, promoting eco-friendly and active transportation methods.
Frequent visitors have the option to purchase monthly or annual parking permits through the City of Rochester Hills website or at designated kiosks. These permits offer convenience and savings for those who visit the park regularly and wish to avoid per-visit fees.
To stay informed about any future changes to park access or parking policies, the city recommends residents subscribe to RHConnect, a digital notification system. Through RHConnect, users can receive text messages, emails, and alerts related to Innovation Hills and other city updates.
For the latest information, visitors can also check the official Rochester Hills Parks Department webpage or follow their social media channels.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve visitor services and park maintenance funding, Innovation Hills in Rochester Hills has introduced a new paid parking system. This initiative marks a significant shift from the previously free parking model and is aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability of the park’s amenities, including its scenic trails, inclusive playgrounds, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
The pay-to-park system officially launched in early 2024 and affects all designated parking areas within Innovation Hills Park. Visitors are now required to pay a nominal fee to park during operational hours. The decision was made following community feedback and budget evaluations by city officials, who emphasized the importance of preserving the park's quality while balancing city resources.
The new parking system features a user-friendly payment process designed for convenience. Payment stations are located at key entry points, and the park also supports digital payments through a dedicated mobile app. Visitors can pay using credit or debit cards at the kiosks, or through a QR code system that redirects users to the city's parking payment portal.
The fee structure is tiered based on the length of stay, with hourly rates and a daily maximum to accommodate both short visits and extended stays. Annual parking passes are also available for frequent park-goers, providing a cost-effective option for Rochester Hills residents and regular visitors.
The rollout of the paid parking system began with a pilot phase in late 2023, during which feedback was gathered to optimize the user experience. Full implementation took effect in the first quarter of 2024. All main parking lots within Innovation Hills are now included in the program, with clear signage indicating pay zones and operational hours.
Additional signage has been installed to guide visitors to payment kiosks and inform them of the updated policies. Enforcement of the new rules is handled by city personnel, with fines applicable for non-compliance.
To ensure equitable access, the city has established special provisions for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those participating in city-sponsored programs. Designated accessible parking spaces remain available free of charge for vehicles displaying valid disability placards. Moreover, Rochester Hills residents are eligible to apply for discounted parking passes through the city’s official website.
In line with Innovation Hills’ commitment to inclusivity, the city has worked to ensure that the new parking system does not hinder access for underrepresented or mobility-challenged visitors.
The City of Rochester Hills is leveraging its RHConnect platform to keep residents and park visitors informed about the parking changes. RHConnect serves as the central hub for digital communication, providing updates via text message, email, and online alerts.
Residents can register for RHConnect to receive real-time notifications about parking policy updates, system maintenance, and seasonal changes that may affect parking availability. This ensures that visitors are well-prepared before arriving at the park.
City officials have stated that the success of the new parking system will be evaluated continuously, with opportunities for public input. Feedback is encouraged through the city’s website and RHConnect channels. The city plans to review usage data and community responses to refine the system, ensuring it aligns with the needs of both residents and visitors.
Future enhancements may include expanded payment options, additional shaded waiting areas near kiosks, and integration with other citywide transportation initiatives.
Effective communication with visitors is a key element of Innovation Hills Park’s continued success as one of Rochester Hills' most popular outdoor destinations. The City of Rochester Hills has implemented several communication strategies to keep park visitors informed, safe, and engaged.
The RHConnect notification system is the city’s primary platform for delivering timely updates and important information related to the park. RHConnect allows residents and visitors to receive alerts through email and text messages, ensuring they are always up-to-date on developments such as:
Registration for RHConnect is free and available through the City of Rochester Hills website. Users can customize their notification preferences to receive information relevant to their specific interests, including Innovation Hills Park updates.
In addition to RHConnect, the city uses several digital channels to communicate with Innovation Hills visitors. These include:
These platforms provide multiple touchpoints to ensure that visitors—whether local or from out of town—can access accurate and timely information from their preferred sources.
For visitors already at the park, Innovation Hills provides clear signage and information boards located at major entry points and trailheads. These display maps, rules and regulations, safety guidelines, and QR codes that link to additional online resources. During special events or peak seasons, park staff or volunteers may also be available to offer assistance and answer questions.
When significant changes are introduced—such as the recent implementation of the pay-to-park system—the city enhances its communication efforts to ensure clarity and reduce confusion. These efforts may include:
These proactive measures help visitors adjust to changes smoothly while maintaining a positive park experience.
Innovation Hills encourages feedback from visitors through multiple channels. The city’s website offers contact forms for questions or concerns, while social media platforms allow for public comments and direct messaging. Visitor input is often used to guide improvements and assess satisfaction with park services and infrastructure.
By maintaining open and responsive communication, Innovation Hills ensures that all park visitors are well-informed and feel connected to the ongoing development of this community green space.
Innovation Hills Park is more than just a scenic retreat—it's a shared space that thrives on respect, environmental stewardship, and community spirit. The following community guidelines ensure that everyone who visits the park can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities safely and responsibly.
Innovation Hills Park is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and native plant species. Visitors are asked to:
These practices help preserve the park’s ecological integrity for future generations.
Pets are welcome at Innovation Hills, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all:
These measures help maintain cleanliness and ensure positive interactions between park-goers and pets.
With over 1.5 miles of boardwalk and trails, Innovation Hills encourages all visitors to follow basic trail etiquette:
Practicing good trail manners ensures that all guests feel safe and respected.
To keep the park enjoyable for everyone:
Innovation Hills is designed for passive recreation and nature appreciation, so high-impact activities are limited to preserve the park’s serenity.
Innovation Hills operates from sunrise to sunset. Visitors must adhere to posted hours, and loitering after dark is not permitted unless part of a city-sanctioned event. This policy helps ensure visitor safety and supports local law enforcement in maintaining a secure environment.
Community members and organizations may rent designated spaces such as picnic areas or the amphitheater. Guidelines for these uses include:
These rules help coordinate shared use of park amenities and maintain the park’s cleanliness and order.
Park rangers and local law enforcement regularly patrol Innovation Hills to ensure compliance with community guidelines. Visitors can report concerns or violations through:
Prompt reporting of issues helps maintain a safe and welcoming park for all.
To stay informed about park rules, updates, and events, visitors are encouraged to subscribe to RHConnect, the city’s official communication system. Through RHConnect, community members can receive:
This tool helps build an informed and engaged park community.
Innovation Hills Park continues to evolve as one of Rochester Hills’ premier green spaces, with several exciting developments planned to enhance both its sustainability and visitor experience. These future projects reflect the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and thoughtful recreation design.
City officials have outlined plans to expand Innovation Hills’ recreational offerings, including an extended trail network that will connect more deeply with regional paths. This expansion aims to improve walkability and bike access throughout the park, encouraging eco-friendly transportation and outdoor activity.
Future facility additions may include more interactive play areas for children, such as nature-based playgrounds and sensory gardens. These features are designed to foster learning through play, aligning with the park’s theme of innovation and environmental education.
Accessibility continues to be a priority in the park’s development strategy. Upcoming improvements include the installation of more ADA-compliant pathways, restrooms, and signage to ensure all visitors—regardless of mobility level—can comfortably enjoy the park's amenities.
The city is also exploring the integration of smart park features, such as QR-code-based trail guides and augmented reality experiences for educational use. These digital enhancements are in line with Rochester Hills’ broader smart city initiatives.
As part of its long-term environmental strategy, Innovation Hills is planning to incorporate additional green infrastructure. These include expanded rain gardens, native plant restoration projects, and improved stormwater management systems to protect the Clinton River watershed.
Plans are also underway to increase the use of solar-powered lighting and energy-efficient facilities throughout the park. These measures will reduce the park’s carbon footprint while promoting eco-conscious design.
Future developments will also focus on expanding community programming. The city has proposed additional funding for educational workshops, guided nature walks, and seasonal festivals to further engage residents and visitors.
Innovation Hills may also introduce a rotating schedule of public art installations and cultural events in partnership with local artists and organizations. These initiatives aim to celebrate the diversity and creativity of the Rochester Hills community.
The long-term vision for Innovation Hills Park centers on making it a model for urban park innovation—not only in Michigan but throughout the Midwest. With a master plan that emphasizes sustainability, accessibility, and community involvement, the park is set to become a benchmark for future public green spaces.
As developments progress, residents are encouraged to participate in planning meetings and engage with updates through the City of Rochester Hills’ official platforms. This inclusive approach ensures that the park continues to reflect the community’s values and needs.
Innovation Hills leads the way in redefining what a community park can be—sustainable, accessible, and innovative. Whether you're exploring its scenic beauty or enjoying its cutting-edge amenities, the park offers something for everyone. Stay connected through RHConnect or the city’s website for the latest information and upcoming events. Plan your visit today and be part of the growing future at Innovation Hills.
