Heritage Park — Attraction in Independence Charter Township

I live within walking distance of this park and am tempted to give this a one star review in hopes of keeping people away. Seriously, many people call this a Gem of Farmington Hills and it is not an exaggeration. This conveniently accessible park is abundant with wildlife and offers something for everyone for all seasons.

For the young ones there is the mandatory play structure and a wonderful splash pad to cool off during summers. For the more active teens and adults there are volleyball courts, areas to play hockey and large fields for soccer etc. For those who want to savor nature more intimately, there are miles of hiking trails with varying difficulties. A newly opened archery range is also very popular. The amphitheater in the park is the venue for free summer concerts. There are reservable picnic shelters for family gatherings. During fall you can enjoy the changing colors of the foliage and take in hay rides offered by the park. Winters bring in the much anticipated fun on the sledding or tobogganing hill.

A nature center within the park offers educational exhibits and has a bird viewing area for small backyard birds. The nature center also offers classes and other programs for kids and adults alike. Deer sightings are common throughout the year

To cap it all, entrance to the park, splash pad and the nature center are free!

The park is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year. The only downside is that there are no pets allowed...

07/29/20 - A family favorite park for all ages. There are three major sections of the park, with parking entrances for each. The staff keep the park very clean & photo perfect.

First and most popular area are the walking trails. The trails are a bit of a maze the further back you get. The maps have likely been changed in the past 20 years, but they used to have spots like the board walk for the swampy section near the west-most area. There are geo-caches all throughout the park, so there's a significant chance you may see people randomly off the trails.

Second, the Splash Pad, Jungle Gym & Volleyball courts. They are in perfect shape since built +5 years ago. The sand is soft & there's plenty of shade. There are a few stand-up charcoal pits for outdoor, out-of-the home grilling.

Third, the park hall hosts events from one-day fire pit lights to weekly camps for scouts and non-members alike. Events range from archery practice to arts & crafts. Kids should bring their own toys to share: nerf balls, board games & water guns are all perfect...

Appreciate and applaud the strict enforcement of not allowing dogs. Vulnerable wildlife and their young and FEDERALLY PROTECTED MIGRATING BIRDS as well as the resident birds NEST IN THE PARK. MANY ARE GROUND NESTERS at risk of being disturbed or worse. This is their home and safe space. KENSINGTON MP SHOULD TAKE CUES FROM HERITAGE MANAGEMENT. During/after covid KMP visitors lost their minds and their respect. There is an entire 8 mile+ area including paved hike/bike path for people to enjoy; instead, folks with strollers (even dbl wide that took up the entire width of the paths), dogs, kick n go's, roller bladers were utilizing the nature paths. There are signs clearly stating that none of the former are permitted on NATURE TRAILS. Dogs were let off-leash to run--mainly sporting dogs--harassing mammals, birds and other visitors. That's what dog parks are for!! You couldn't hear yourself think much less listen for birds. The nature area has turned into a three ring circus. Thankfully Heritage is...