Monday – Pre-Conference: A Day at Kensington

Spend the Day at Kensington Metropark. You will take a cruise on Kent Lake aboard the Island Queen III. You’ll be charmed by nature’s sights and sounds as you tour the lake on this 46-passenger pontoon boat. During the excursion, you will learn about the many inclusive events and programs offered at the park, as well as the human-induced environmental impacts that negatively affect recreational opportunities for park staff, our partners, and the residents of Southeast Michigan. Participants will understand the implications of these challenges on events and recreational opportunities, while also learning about our proactive strategies for addressing and mitigating these evolving environmental concerns.

Visit the year-round educational farm, take a 15-minute horse-drawn hayride through wooded trails along the Huron River. During the hayride you will learn about the farm’s draft horse program, learn about the farm’s seasonal programs, and hear how human environmental impacts to the Huron River and the climate have influenced farm operations and program offerings. Hayrides will be going out every 30 minutes and are wheelchair accessible. Before or after the hayride, have a hands-on visit with the farm’s animals and learn from the interpretive staff how they are cared for and their role in agricultural education programming that is designed for all ages and abilities.

Then explore the Nature Center with two different options of activities.

Nature Center Option 1

Experience behind the scenes operations of a nature center with a dive into our efforts to serve underrepresented residents of southeast Michigan. Start with a hands-on overview and conversation of how we try to meet the needs of diverse potential visitors before they step inside our parks. Explore the tools we employ and the challenges we face to making the nature center experience welcoming to all. Then head out on the trail as we explore the programs designed to improve student access to our park. We’ll also investigate some of the techniques and technologies we employ to increase enjoyment and make our trails and the outdoor experience more accessible at Kensington Metropark.

Nature Center Option 2

It’s incredible to see how collaborative efforts can restore and enhance natural areas. Here’s a glimpse of what you might encounter and learn on this hike with our Natural Resources department: Restoration Success Stories, Volunteer Contributions, Corporate Partnerships, Challenges Faced and our Future Goals. This hike offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature and provides a deeper understanding of the collaborative efforts that sustain and restore our natural landscapes.

What to Expect:
Island Queen Tour – Low to moderate activity, held entirely outdoors. You will be seated for the entire 1-hour presentation. The planned path surface is paved from the parking lot to the boat launch. Life jacket must be worn while on the boat, shoes are required on the boat, the ride can be windy at times, dress appropriately. Water resistant clothing recommended.

Farm Center – Low to moderate activity, held entirely outdoors. Participants will be seated for 15-20 minutes on the hayride. The farm exploration portion is along paved sidewalks that parallel the animal pens and barns. Most of the sidewalks are accessible. There will be sites, sounds, smells for a farm. Shoes are required. We will be sitting on hay.

Nature Center #1 – Low to moderate activity, held inside and outside. Most of the 1 ½ hour program time will be spent standing and walking. The session will conclude at the nature center. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel. The planned path grade is frequently rolling or slightly hilly and includes some bridges and boardwalks.

Nature Center #2 – Low to moderate activity, held entirely outdoors. Most of the 1 ½ hour program time will be spent walking. Expect to walk about 1.75 miles. The session will conclude at the nature center. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel. The planned path grade is frequently rolling or slightly hilly and includes some bridges and boardwalks.

There is an additional fee of $53 per person.

Monday – Pre-Conference Day: Paddle & Pedal-The Huron River Adventure

This session begins at Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center where participants will receive a brief overview of the three parks that are interconnected in two ways, by paved trail and by river. They will learn about initiatives that have occurred to help make the river and trails more accessible to all. Participants will then get on cruiser peddle bikes and head off on a ten (10) mile combined adventure down along the Huron River. The trip will consist of seven (7) miles on bike on the Border-2-Border Trail and end with a 3-mile kayak or canoe trip. Through the trip, participants will make stops along the way and learn about great projects that have taken place and are planned through the collaborative efforts of Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative, Huron River Watershed Council, local business owners and Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

What to Expect:
Moderate activities held entirely outside. The first portion of the program will be cycling a paved pathway with stops along the way. The second portion will be spent seated in open kayaks on a leisurely river trip. Restrooms will be available at scheduled stops along the way. Accommodations will be available upon request for both portions of the trip. Participants will have the option to choose from a classic, cruiser or comfort style Priority Belt Driven Bike, provided by Destination Cyclery. Life jackets must be worn at all times. Dress appropriately for the activities – possibly bring a change of clothing, these items can be left on the bus during activities.

There is an additional $53 fee per person.

Monday – Pre-Conference – Opening Mixer

Join us to kick off the 2025 Special Parks District Forum and meet your fellow forum attendees! Heavy appetizers and drinks will be provided.

Tuesday – Option 1: Partnerships in Action

PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND STEWARDSHIP
Join us at Lake Erie Metropark as we delve into the heart of environmental stewardship and community collaboration. Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation are partnering on a multi-faceted project focused on where the Detroit River watershed flows into Lake Erie. This partnership includes robust community engagement, green infrastructure improvements, invasive species removal and habitat restoration.

What to Expect:
This is a low impact activity, indoors and outdoors, with mostly sitting for presentations and short walks to and from park features. The planned path will be a combination of sidewalk, parking lot and grass or lawn which is mostly flat and level.

LUNCH – Location: Robert C. Valade Park

PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION: EXPANDING EQUITY & OPPORTUNITY
Our parks and programming are geared toward enhancing the quality of life of Michiganders and driving equity throughout our service area. We are committed to increasing access and expanding opportunities to historically underrepresented communities within our service region. We cannot do this on our own and this is where the power of partnerships shine. Join us and the extraordinary organizations we partner with as we share how we have worked together to address long-standing access, education, equity, and safety disparities. We will explore the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park Development at the Detroit Riverfront.

What to Expect:
This is a low impact activity, entirely outdoors, on a leisurely walk with frequent stops. Expect to walk about 1.5 miles. The walk will be a round trip. The planned path grade is mostly flat and level. No prior experience is necessary.

Tuesday – Option 2: Pathways for All

PATHWAYS FOR ALL: ADA KAYAK LAUNCH & NORTH MARINA REVAMP
Spend the morning at Lake St. Clair Metropark for a session centered on enhancing inclusivity for water recreation. Our discussion will spotlight design features and strategies aimed at enabling individuals with disabilities to actively engage in paddling, fishing and the marina.  Additionally, we’ll delve into exciting developments concerning the North Marina. We’ll share insights on the recent $5 million grant allocation for renovations, with a particular focus on plans for a new restroom facility that will greatly enhance visitor experience at the marina.

What to Expect:
Moderate activity held entirely outdoors. Most of the program will be spent walking. Participants can expect to walk less than one mile. The planned path surface is concrete or flat grass. Group discussion will be encouraged.

 LUNCH – Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, Thomas Welsh Activity Center

PATHWAYS FOR ALL: ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR HIKERS & BIKERS
After lunch we will travel to Stony Creek Metropark where we will discuss challenges with outdated infrastructure that’s difficult to navigate. Explore our strategy for gathering community input, crafting solutions, and securing funding to improve accessibility in our park. Our projects are dedicated to implementing universal design principles, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy recreational opportunities with ease. Every feature is meticulously planned to provide a seamless experience for everyone.

You will choose between a visit to the Nature Center to explore the renovations of the Reflection Trail or the Shelden Trails to learn about the hand cycle mountain bike trail. Be ready to hike or bike depending on your session choice.

What to Expect:
If you are hiking at Stony Creek Reflection Trail – Low to moderate activity, held entirely outdoors. Most of the program will be spent walking. Participants can expect to walk one mile. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel and frequently rolling or slightly hilly. Group discussion will be encouraged.

If you are biking at Stony Creek Shelden Trails – Moderate to vigorous activity, held entirely outdoors. Most of the program will be spent biking. Participants can expect to bike 2-4 miles on a beginner’s level single track. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel and frequently rolling or slightly hilly. Group discussion will be encouraged.

Wednesday Morning – Option 1: The Crosswinds Experience

Explore the transformation of land that consisted of wetland habitats prior to being farmed for a century. Crosswinds Marsh is a mitigated wetland constructed by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) to satisfy regulatory requirements for expansion, and to restore wetland habitat. The project took approximately 20 years to complete in its entirety and has received two awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Wayne County Parks and the WCAA formed a partnership to manage the 1,050-acre park and to provide recreational opportunities and environmental interpretive programs for school children, hobby enthusiasts and the general public.

During a scenic, 1-mile hike, explore a diverse array of habitats, including a marsh, wet prairie, and a forested wetland. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, warblers, and Blanding’s turtles, which are frequently spotted in the park.

The first hour will consist of a presentation about how the park was created. We’ll also highlight the new comfort station, featuring a green roof, rain barrels, and rain gardens designed to promote environmental sustainability for future generations. Presenters include a representative of Smith Group, the original project consultant, and Wayne County Parks naturalists.

LUNCH – Location: Crosswinds Marsh

What to Expect:
Low to moderate hiking activity. The hike is one (1) mile on a combination of a dirt/gravel surface and board walk. The terrain is mostly flat, but some boardwalks have heaving. Open-toe shoes are not recommended. Mosquito repellant may be beneficial.

Wednesday Morning – Option 2: Journey Through Time at Nankin Mills

Participants will choose to visit the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center or the Holliday Nature Preserve.

The history of both Nankin Mills and the Holliday Nature Preserve is surprisingly robust, and the mill’s history is in many ways a microcosm of greater Michigan history. Native American trails crossed just outside our door. At least one of these trails became an Underground Railroad route. Milling grain dates to the early 1800s on our site, a time when many settlers were arriving by the Erie Canal. In the early 1900s, Henry Ford purchased the gristmill to build one of his 20 Village Industry sites in southeast Michigan.

Holliday Nature Preserve dates to 1938, when a philanthropist donated land to Wayne County to be used for wildlife preservation and public enjoyment. Now it is a quiet natural area with nearly ten miles of trails. Natural highlights include grand tulip, oak, beech, and maple trees, unusual herbaceous plants such as green dragon, pileated woodpeckers, a heron rookery, a healthy beaver population, and now eagles.

Time and development have marched on around Nankin Mills and Holliday Preserve, dramatically changing the surrounding landscape from the wild, then countryside to now suburbs. Still, Nankin Mills and the Holliday Nature Preserve remain as both historic and natural gems.

What to Expect:
The program will consist of an introduction in the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center classroom, a walk in the museum and around the Nankin Mills campus, and a 1/2-mile hike in the Holliday Nature Preserve. Wear shoes that are suitable for a nature trail and open-toed shoes are not recommended. The walk around the campus is short, 1/4 mile, and on brick pavers. The portion of the Holliday Nature Preserve trail is relatively flat, and the trail surface is boardwalk and dirt. Mosquito repellent may be necessary.

LUNCH – Location is at the Nankin Mills Park shelter.

Wednesday Afternoon: A Journey with the DNR Through City and Nature

Join us for an exhilarating afternoon of exploration as we showcase some of Detroit’s most cherished outdoor destinations, all operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Participants will discover conservation efforts, recreational opportunities, and educational programs available at each site. Whether you’re a nature lover or seeking ways to engage with the DNR, this session offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and learning right in the heart of Detroit. Highlights include Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC), Milliken State Park & Harbor, and Belle Isle Park.

What to Expect:
Low to moderate activity. Walking along trails and riverfronts.

Thursday – Morning Option 1: A Walk Through Time & Space

Head to the City of Rochester Hills to explore Innovation Hills Park, gaining insights into community and government partnerships, unique design features, and the operational challenges of managing high attendance in a compact park setting. Finally, participants will gather at the historic Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks for a journey through time, exploring the significance of inclusive history, the role of historical society partnerships, and how history shapes park planning. The experience continues the Solar Walk, where participants will travel through space to discover the new accessible and sensory-rich park installation and the collaborations that made it possible.

What to Expect:
Low to moderate activity. Participants can explore Innovation Hills Park at the activity level of their choice and will primarily be walking on an accessible trail around the playground area. Participants at Addison can expect a seated presentation, as well as a less than one (1) mile walk on an accessible paved path.

LUNCH – Location: Independence Oaks

Thursday – Morning Option 2: Disability Dirt Day

DISABILITY DIRT DAY: DISCOVERING ADAPTIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN OFF-ROADING

Get ready for an exciting ride! Participants will rotate through hands-on activities, exploring adaptive equipment and enjoying a ride in off-road vehicles, driven by volunteers from Oakland County Parks’ (OCP) Disability Dirt Day events. The tour will also highlight the park’s unique features and the collaborative efforts between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and OCP that made this park a reality.

What to Expect:
Low to moderate activity. Attendees will be in and out of vehicles/ORV. Riders may experience rough and uneven terrain that could be both dusty and muddy. There will be limited walking. Occupational therapists will be on-site to assist participants who use mobility devices with safe vehicle transfers. This may include using vehicles with mechanical lifts or helping participants slide into their seats. They will also have foam padding and straps available to secure and stabilize limbs or other parts of the body, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. Additionally, steps and platforms will be provided to facilitate these transfers.

LUNCH – Location: Independence Oaks

Thursday – Afternoon Option 1: Parks & Partnerships: Building Healthy Communities Together

PARKS AND PARTNERSHIPS: BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
a. Discover innovative community park partnerships that enhance equitable recreation and the planning efforts behind them. The experience begins at Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park. Attendees will learn from Oakland County Parks Planning Team about the rich history of Oak Park Woods at Shepherd Park, along with its connection to the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan; a $20 million plan to lift up and revitalize parks in areas of historic underinvestment. Attendees will then have the opportunity to engage with the Mobile Recreation division and learn about the Oakland County Parks Recreation Assistance Partnership Program (RAPP) grant. Attendees will also get a chance to explore a small section of the Nine Line, a linear parkway showcasing a massive intergovernmental collaboration to bring connectivity and greenspace into some of Oakland County’s most densely populated areas.

What to Expect:
Low to moderate activity. Walking tour is less than one (1) mile on an accessible paved path.

Thursday Night – NACPRO Awards & Closing Dinner

Attendees can look forward to a memorable evening at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, where we’ll share a final meal together. The night will feature the prestigious NACPRO Awards, celebrating excellence in parks and recreation across the nation. We’ll also witness the symbolic “passing of the stick” to the hosts of SPDF 2026 – Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, North Clackams Parks & Recreation District and Metro in Portland, Oregon!

Thursday – Afternoon Option 2: Red Oaks on the Red Run

RED OAKS ON THE RED RUN – ADAPTIVE GOLF, NATURE EDUCATION & WATERPARK FUN
We will start with a tour of Red Oaks Waterpark and discover the story behind its development, along with insights into the popular Riverwalk Program that makes this space a community favorite. And then you will break off into the activity you choose: Waterpark, golf, or nature center. For those visiting the waterpark, be sure to being your bathing suit and towel.

What to Expect:
Golf Course – Moderate activity.
Nature Center – Low to moderate activity.
Waterpark – Moderate activity.

Conversation on Parks for All

Join Woods & Watts Effect and local leaders for an engaging discussion on creating parks that are inclusive and accessible to everyone. This session will focus on the efforts being made to ensure public spaces are welcoming to all members of the community, highlighting the importance of making public spaces accessible and usable for all individuals.