Innovation Hills Park in Rochester Hills is introducing a pay-to-park system in 2024 to support sustainability, maintenance, and improved visitor experience. This guide covers everything you need to know—from payment methods and fee structures to enforcement and resident perks.
The City of Rochester Hills has announced the implementation of a new pay-to-park system at Innovation Hills Park, designed to support the park’s maintenance and ongoing improvements. This change marks a significant update to the previously free parking experience and aligns with broader city efforts to enhance and sustainably manage public recreational spaces. The pay-to-park model is becoming more common in high-traffic parks to help offset operational costs while continuing to offer high-quality amenities to visitors.
The new parking policy is scheduled to take effect in mid-2024. Signage and payment infrastructure will be installed throughout Spring 2024, with a grace period expected before full enforcement begins. During this transitional phase, the city aims to educate visitors and ensure a smooth changeover to the new system.
The paid parking system will apply specifically to the main parking lots at Innovation Hills Park, including the primary entrance off Hamlin Road. Overflow and event-specific parking areas may also be subject to the updated policies. The city has indicated that on-street parking near the park will remain regulated under standard city ordinances and may not be included in the pay-to-park model.
Rochester Hills residents will benefit from reduced parking rates or possibly a permit system, depending on final policy decisions. Non-residents will be required to pay standard hourly or daily rates. This tiered approach is being designed to prioritize local access while managing the increasing popularity of the park among regional visitors.
Visitors will be able to pay for parking using multiple methods, including mobile apps, credit/debit card kiosks, and potentially license plate recognition systems. The city is working to ensure that the process will be user-friendly and accessible to all park guests. Signage will clearly indicate where and how payment is required.
While the exact pricing model is still under review, fees are expected to be modest and competitive with similar regional park systems. Rates may vary based on time of day or day of the week, with higher fees during peak hours. Parking enforcement will be in effect during park operating hours, which are generally from dawn until dusk.
To ensure compliance, the City of Rochester Hills will implement automated and manual enforcement methods. Parking attendants or city personnel may periodically monitor lots, and penalties may be issued to vehicles not in compliance with the pay-to-park policy. The goal is to maintain fair access while discouraging misuse of park facilities.
To keep the public informed, the city is leveraging its RHConnect notification system. Through RHConnect, residents and park users can sign up for real-time updates via email or text message. This communication platform will provide timely information about the new parking policy, implementation milestones, and any changes to procedures or pricing.
Residents are encouraged to register for RHConnect to receive the latest updates and avoid any confusion during the rollout of the new system. Information will also be available on the city’s official website and posted at the park entrance and kiosks.
Effective communication between city officials and residents is essential, especially when changes occur that impact daily life—such as the introduction of a new parking system at a popular public space like Innovation Hills Park. To ensure transparency and timely updates, the City of Rochester Hills utilizes a resident-focused communication platform known as RHConnect.
RHConnect is the official notification system used by the City of Rochester Hills to keep residents informed about local news, community updates, and municipal changes. With the implementation of the pay-to-park system at Innovation Hills Park, RHConnect has become a critical tool for delivering real-time information to the public.
Through RHConnect, residents can receive updates specifically related to:
This system ensures that residents are never caught off guard by changes that may affect their use of public amenities.
RHConnect allows users to choose how they want to receive information, offering flexibility and convenience:
Signing up is simple and can be done via the City of Rochester Hills website. Residents are encouraged to customize their notification preferences to receive updates relevant to Innovation Hills and other important city services.
The implementation of RHConnect aligns with the city’s broader goals of transparency, accountability, and community engagement. By using this platform, city officials can ensure residents are aware of both short-term changes—such as the launch of the new parking fee system—and long-term planning initiatives that may affect Innovation Hills Park.
For residents seeking more detailed information, the City of Rochester Hills also provides:
These resources work in tandem with RHConnect to create a robust, multi-channel communication network dedicated to community awareness and involvement.
Innovation Hills Park is accessible via Innovation Drive in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The main entrance leads to a well-maintained parking area designed to accommodate visitors throughout the year. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and accessible entrances and paths ensure that all visitors, including those with mobility challenges, can enjoy the park’s amenities.
Beginning in 2024, the City of Rochester Hills is implementing a new pay-to-park system at Innovation Hills Park. The decision to introduce parking fees aligns with broader citywide efforts to support park maintenance and sustainability as visitor numbers continue to grow. The pay-to-park system is expected to be rolled out in phases, with clear signage and payment kiosks installed at designated parking zones in the park.
To ensure a convenient experience for all visitors, multiple payment options will be available. These include:
Cash payments will not be accepted, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly before arriving at the park.
While the city has yet to release the final parking fee schedule, early communications suggest a modest hourly rate with a maximum daily cap. Residents may be eligible for discounted rates or permit options, which will be clarified closer to the implementation date.
The proposed structure may include:
The pay-to-park system will be enforced during park operating hours, typically from sunrise to sunset. Enforcement officers will monitor compliance, and visitors who fail to pay or exceed time limits may be subject to fines.
Clear signage will provide instructions on how to use the payment system and inform visitors of enforcement policies.
To keep residents and visitors informed about the new parking policies, the City of Rochester Hills is leveraging the RHConnect system. This platform allows users to subscribe to updates via:
Subscribing to RHConnect ensures timely updates regarding fee changes, system rollouts, and any special parking accommodations.
For more information or to register for updates, visitors can visit the official Rochester Hills city website or contact the city’s Parks & Natural Resources Department.
Innovation Hills Park is not only a destination for outdoor recreation but also a vital hub for community involvement and engagement in Rochester Hills. The park’s design and development have emphasized collaboration with local organizations, volunteers, and civic groups to ensure it serves as a shared space for both leisure and learning.
Residents and visitors alike have numerous opportunities to give back through volunteer programs at Innovation Hills. The City of Rochester Hills regularly organizes volunteer events focused on park maintenance, environmental conservation, and event support. These activities include:
Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate, and the park often partners with local schools and youth organizations to foster community stewardship from an early age.
Innovation Hills hosts a variety of community events throughout the year that bring residents together and celebrate the natural beauty of the park. These include:
These events are typically free or low-cost, making them accessible to a broad audience.
The park has established educational collaborations with local schools, environmental groups, and civic organizations. Programs often focus on sustainability, ecology, and the importance of preserving natural spaces. Innovation Hills serves as an outdoor classroom, offering hands-on learning experiences through:
These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and encourage responsible environmental behavior.
Innovation Hills benefits from strong partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups. These collaborations have supported various park improvements and programming efforts, including:
These partnerships enhance the park’s offerings while reinforcing the community’s connection to this natural resource.
Residents interested in contributing to the park’s ongoing success can find opportunities through:
Whether through hands-on volunteering, participating in events, or becoming a park ambassador, Innovation Hills provides many ways for individuals to make a meaningful impact within the community.
The new parking system at Innovation Hills represents a thoughtful investment in the park’s future. By supporting maintenance and long-term enhancements, this policy ensures that Innovation Hills remains a thriving destination for all. Whether you're a resident or visitor, engaging with RHConnect and participating in events or volunteer opportunities can help you stay connected to this evolving community hub.
