The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for 774 acres of park land and open space at 33 sites throughout the City. Carpenter Lake and Valley Woods Nature Preserves account for 333 acres of dedicated natural area within the city. The Department is also responsible for a number of historical properties including the Burgh Historical Park, the Miller Barn at Inglenook Park, the Historic Code House and the Mary Thompson Farm.
Residents can enjoy Southfield's beautiful parks throughout the entire year, whether heading out for an impromptu picnic in the summer or taking a leisurely walk along one of the nature trails to enjoy the fall colors. Southfield also offers some of the most accessible play lots in the metro area, so get the whole family out and exercising together with a trip to one today! In addition, there are numerous parks throughout the City featuring amenities such as ballfields, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts as well as sand volleyball courts and fitness/walking trails. Parks are open year-round from dawn to dusk and there are no park entrance fees.
For more information on individual parks, please call the Parks Services division at (248) 796-4630.
Fishing access at Carpenter Lake is currently restricted due to fishing pier repairs. For everyone’s safety, the southern trails—leading to the dam site fishing platform—are also closed.
🛠️ What You Need to Know:
✅ The park will remain open during construction.
🚧 Southern trails will be closed for visitor and worker safety.
🌳 Northern trails (from the parking lot to the lake) will stay open.
Thank you for your patience as we restore this favorite fishing spot!
A new pathway now links the Nine Mile Road sidewalk to the park, offering easy access to the picnic shelter and playground. Additionally, construction has begun on a $7 million renovation project. The plan includes a redesigned entrance, parking lot, playlot, restroom facility, picnic shelter, and the replacement of the old maintenance building.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Park Rules
- Parks open from dawn to dusk.
- No alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances are allowed.
- All pets must be leashed and controlled.
- Golf is prohibited in park areas.
- No motorized vehicles are permitted beyond the parking lot.
- Please place litter in receptacles provided.
- No loitering.
- Group use by permit only.
- Pet droppings must be collected and removed by pet owner.
- Remote or radio-controlled aircraft prohibited.
- Feeding of wildlife prohibited.
- Fire in grills only.
- Fireworks prohibited.
- Dumping of household trash prohibited.
- Playing loud music will not be permitted.
- Tents not authorized by Southfield Parks and Recreation prohibited.
