Troy commission approves plan for 70-acre park development

The Troy Planning Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 27 to approve the preliminary site plan for Turtle Woods County Park. The vote included specific caveats regarding lighting and design materials that the county must address before moving forward.

The property spans more than 70 acres north of Square Lake Road, situated between John R and Dequindre roads. Troy Schools originally purchased the land in the 1950s. It is now under the control of Oakland County Parks following a funding effort that secured a nearly $2.2 million grant through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The approved plan focuses on a 1.67-acre parcel along Square Lake that connects to the larger site. Ben Carslisle, a city consultant representing Carlisle Wortman & Associates, outlined the improvements. He listed off-street parking, a passive lawn area, restrooms, a rain garden, a dumpster enclosure, and walkways leading to the trail.

The design adds 31 parking spots while leaving the rest of the property in its natural state. Lynn Whipple, a representative from the PEA Group working with Oakland County Parks and Recreation, said the goal is to formalize the trail system. She explained that signage and structural changes will make wetland areas more comfortable for visitors while preserving the ecosystem.

Whipple noted that the middle section of the park contains a rare lake plain prairie. She stated that only 1 percent of this habitat remains in the region. The plan aims to incorporate creative and educational elements to bring awareness to this feature.

Commissioners debated lighting during the meeting. Commissioner Tyler Fox cited Milverton Park, which lacks major lighting or safety features, as a successful model. He said he has had no issues living next to that park and trusts the county's experience in managing natural settings without extensive lights.

Commissioner John Tagle advocated for specific, low-impact lighting. He specified bollard lights positioned 36 inches above the pavement for sidewalks and curbs. He emphasized that the light should be localized to the walking surface rather than tall fixtures illuminating the entire 71 acres.

The commission required a photometric plan to balance public safety with the natural setting. The county must also submit color and material samples for the restroom to the city. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, with a potential opening in fall 2026.