During the winter months, park paths in Southfield are not cleared due to the difficulty of keeping up with sudden weather changes. Additionally, some snow and ice removal methods can be disruptive to the natural environment, potentially harming plants and wildlife. By leaving paths as they are, we help preserve the park’s ecosystem.
However, our Park Services crew clears paved paths at Civic Center & Freeway parks as weather allows, and at Miller & Simms parks after 1.5+ inches of snow. Trails at Inglenook, Bedford Woods, Bauervic Woods, Berberian Woods/Valley Woods, and Carpenter Lake are not plowed.
We encourage visitors to come enjoy nature but stay safe. Use caution, when exploring and consider bringing hiking poles or a walking stick with you if you have them.

⚠️ Please stay off the ice at Carpenter Lake. The ice is unsafe and poses a serious risk to anyone venturing onto it.
Even if the ice looks solid, appearances are deceiving. According to ice safety experts, ice needs to be at least 4 inches thick to support a person's weight, and thickness can vary dramatically within just a few feet. The recent temperature fluctuations have made ice conditions particularly treacherous.
No photo, no shortcut across the lake, and no winter activity is worth risking your life. Stay safe, stay on the marked trails, and enjoy our beautiful preserve from solid ground.