Innovation Hills, the flagship park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is evolving in 2024 with new features, accessible trails, and the upcoming implementation of a paid parking system. Designed to fund ongoing improvements while enhancing the visitor experience, the park’s changes reflect a broader community vision. This guide covers everything you need to know—from how to park and pay to what attractions to explore—making your next visit to Innovation Hills seamless and enjoyable.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experience and sustain maintenance at Innovation Hills Park, the City of Rochester Hills has introduced a new pay-to-park system. This initiative marks a transition from free parking to a fee-based model aimed at generating revenue to support park improvements without relying solely on taxpayer funding.
The new parking policy applies to all designated parking areas within Innovation Hills and is projected to launch in early 2025. Signage indicating the change will be installed throughout the park, with clear instructions on how to pay and where the policy is enforced.
The pay-to-park system will be implemented across all main visitor parking lots at Innovation Hills. This includes the primary lot adjacent to the main entrance, commonly used by families, hikers, and those accessing the boardwalk trails and playgrounds. Overflow and event-specific parking zones are also expected to be included under the new policy, although final zoning designations may be subject to change prior to full implementation.
To ensure ease of use, the city is incorporating multiple payment options. Visitors will be able to pay for parking through:
The system is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with step-by-step guides available both online and at the park. Visitors can pay per hour or opt for a full-day rate, and seasonal or annual parking passes may be introduced for frequent park-goers.
The transition from free to paid parking is being rolled out gradually, with an initial grace period during which fees may be waived or reduced. This trial phase allows for community feedback and system testing. During this time, city staff will be present at the park to assist visitors and answer questions about the new system.
Information about the transition schedule and any temporary exemptions will be released via RHConnect and other city communication platforms.
To keep residents and visitors informed, the City of Rochester Hills is leveraging multiple communication channels. RHConnect, the official city alert system, plays a central role in disseminating updates about the parking policy. Subscribers receive real-time notifications via:
Additionally, the city’s website, social media accounts, and local news outlets are being used to ensure that the public is aware of the changes. Informational brochures and signage will also be available at the park to assist on-site visitors.
While the introduction of a paid parking system may require adjustment, it is designed with minimal disruption in mind. Funds collected will go directly toward enhancing park features, improving trail maintenance, and supporting future developments such as additional restrooms, lighting, and educational installations.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing parking options before arrival. Carpooling, biking, or using nearby public transportation routes may be cost-effective alternatives for some guests. For those with accessibility needs, designated parking and assistance services will remain available without added cost.
The city has also committed to evaluating the impact of the parking system periodically, making adjustments as needed based on community feedback and usage data.
Effective communication has played a crucial role in introducing the new paid parking system at Innovation Hills Park. To ensure a smooth transition and keep both residents and visitors informed, the City of Rochester Hills has implemented a multi-channel communication strategy, with a strong emphasis on digital engagement and real-time updates.
At the center of the city’s outreach efforts is RHConnect—the official community alert and notification platform used by the City of Rochester Hills. RHConnect allows users to sign up for customized alerts via email and text message, ensuring timely updates about important municipal changes, including the new parking policy at Innovation Hills.
Residents and park visitors are encouraged to subscribe to RHConnect to receive the latest information about the park, including timelines for the policy rollout, fee schedules, and any temporary closures or changes in operation due to the implementation process. This system has proven valuable in maintaining transparency and fostering community engagement.
To reach a broader audience, the city has adopted a multi-platform strategy for distributing information about the parking changes. This includes:
The City of Rochester Hills has also initiated a public awareness campaign to educate park users about the reasons behind the switch to a paid parking system, how the funds will be reinvested into park maintenance and improvements, and the logistics of using the pay-to-park interface.
This campaign includes signage within the park, informational flyers, and community outreach through local newsletters and public meetings. These efforts aim to ensure all stakeholders—from daily visitors to occasional tourists—are well-informed and prepared for the upcoming changes.
For those seeking more details, the city provides several avenues for support:
By combining technology, transparency, and community involvement, the City of Rochester Hills ensures that the transition to paid parking at Innovation Hills Park is communicated clearly and efficiently to all park users.
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for everyone, Innovation Hills Park provides a set of visitor guidelines that all guests are encouraged to follow during their time at the park.
Visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes safety, cleanliness, and respect for others and the environment. The park is a shared public space designed for recreation, relaxation, and community engagement.
Key rules include:
Innovation Hills is a pet-friendly park, but there are specific policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors:
The park is open daily from sunrise to 9:00 PM, year-round. Visitors are expected to vacate the premises before closing time unless otherwise authorized for special events or programs.
As of 2025, Innovation Hills has implemented a paid parking system to support park maintenance and improvements. Parking guidelines include:
Groups planning to host gatherings, educational tours, or special events at Innovation Hills must comply with the park’s event guidelines:
To preserve the park’s tranquil setting and ecological balance, the following activities are not permitted:
Violation of park rules may result in fines, removal from the premises, or legal action depending on the severity of the offense.
Innovation Hills is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all visitors:
Visitors are encouraged to stay updated on park rules, seasonal changes, and policy updates by subscribing to RHConnect, the City of Rochester Hills’ official communication platform. Notifications are available via email and text message.
For the latest visitor guidelines, closures, and event details, you can also check the official City of Rochester Hills website or follow Innovation Hills on social media.
The City of Rochester Hills officially announced the introduction of a paid parking system at Innovation Hills Park in early 2024. This decision followed several months of internal review and analysis, aimed at addressing growing visitor numbers and increased maintenance needs. The announcement was made through the city’s RHConnect platform, ensuring residents and stakeholders were notified well in advance.
During this initial phase, city planners conducted feasibility studies, evaluated various parking management solutions, and engaged with community members to gather feedback. The planning team worked closely with the Parks & Natural Resources Department to identify the specific areas within Innovation Hills that would be impacted by the new parking policy.
By mid-2024, the city began infrastructure upgrades necessary for implementing the new system. This included:
Public works teams coordinated these upgrades to minimize disruption to park operations, ensuring Innovation Hills remained accessible during the transition.
In the final quarter of 2024, a pilot program was launched to test the functionality of the pay-to-park system. This soft rollout allowed the city to assess system performance, identify technical challenges, and make adjustments based on real-time feedback from visitors.
The full implementation of the paid parking system officially went into effect in early January 2025. From this point forward, visitors using select parking zones at Innovation Hills were required to pay a nominal fee. The city emphasized that the revenue collected would be reinvested into park maintenance, security, and future enhancements.
The City of Rochester Hills committed to ongoing evaluation of the paid parking system throughout 2025. This includes:
Adjustments to the policy, such as rate changes or expanded payment options, may be considered based on this data. The city also plans to host community forums to ensure transparency and maintain open lines of communication with residents and park visitors.
This phased and responsive approach has allowed the city to implement the parking system efficiently while preserving the welcoming atmosphere that Innovation Hills is known for.
For visitors seeking more detailed information or planning tools related to Innovation Hills Park and the newly implemented parking policy, a variety of resources are available through official channels and local networks.
RHConnect is the City of Rochester Hills' official resident communication platform. It plays a key role in keeping the public informed about updates, including the recent changes to parking at Innovation Hills. Visitors and residents are encouraged to sign up for RHConnect to receive:
You can subscribe to RHConnect through the official City of Rochester Hills website.
The City of Rochester Hills maintains a comprehensive website that includes:
Visit: rochesterhills.org
This dedicated page on the city’s website offers:
To help residents and visitors navigate the transition to paid parking, the city has published an FAQ document, which includes:
These FAQs are accessible through both RHConnect and the city’s main website.
For quick updates and community discussions, follow the City of Rochester Hills on social media platforms:
These channels often feature live updates, event announcements, and user-submitted content related to Innovation Hills.
Regional news platforms such as The Oakland Press and Rochester Media often cover city developments, including changes affecting Innovation Hills Park. Community forums like Nextdoor and local Facebook groups also serve as discussion spaces for residents to share insights, raise concerns, and ask questions about the new parking policy.
For specific questions regarding parking enforcement or park amenities, visitors can contact:
These channels are especially helpful for clarifying policies, requesting accommodations, or reporting issues.
Innovation Hills continues to thrive as a premier natural destination in Southeast Michigan, balancing conservation with community engagement. The new parking system ensures that every visit contributes to the park’s ongoing beauty and function. Whether you're a frequent local guest or a first-time visitor, plan ahead, follow posted guidelines, and subscribe to RHConnect to stay informed and make the most of your experience at Innovation Hills.
