Rochester Hills Uses Grant To Build ADA Treehouse, Playscape

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Rochester Hills is getting a brand new playscape with exciting features (treehouse adventure, anyone?) and it will be accessible to children of all abilities.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has awarded a $564,000 grant to the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester to support the City of Rochester Hills’ further development of Innovation Hills Park, which will include the community’s first inclusive and accessible playground and serve as a gateway to nearby trails.

The grant represents the most significant private investment in the Park to date. It will help the City fund a large, nature-themed universal design play area with inclusive features that are appealing and accessible to all, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The playground will also contain flowing water, rock and sand interaction areas. The City’s goal for the three-acre playground is for it to be a one-of-a-kind regional attraction, improving quality of life for all.

The gift from the Foundation is essential to the funding of the trail gateway and the playground. Design and engineering is currently underway and construction on this phase of the Park will begin in the spring.

“We are beyond thrilled about this announcement,” said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. “The City is incredibly grateful for the impact, generosity and the legacy being left by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.”

“We know the Foundation was particularly interested in projects that are creative and visionary, bold and dynamic, as well as feasible and realistic. We are pleased that the work we’re doing at Innovation Hills was consistent with their goals,” Barnett said.

In addition to its unique features and universal accessibility, another important objective for Innovation Hills is to promote the park's accessibility to Michigan's trail system. The Park sits within 1,500 feet of the Clinton River Trail -- connected through the City's pathway system -- with a nearby link to the Paint Creek Trail and Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail.

In October 2018, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a commitment of $50 million to support regional trails throughout Southeast Michigan. This grant draws down on that commitment.

James (J.J.) Tighe, Director of Parks and Trails Initiative at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation said, “We were especially interested in supporting Innovation Hills because of its close proximity to the Clinton River Trail and its link to the Paint Creek Trail. In addition, the Park’s adjacency to the M-59/Adams intersection makes it extremely accessible to tens of thousands of people, many of whom are active users of the City’s park and trail system. The Park and its new playground will be a tremendous recreational asset.”

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester was a strategic partner in facilitating procurement of the grant. “The Foundation is pleased to have played a role in making this grant award become a reality,” said President Jo Allen. Moving forward, the Community Foundation will assist in administering the grant’s funds.

The playground's main element will be a two-story tree house/slide. The tree house will have climbing access from the ground level, but also a unique second story access via a bridge accessed from the higher elevation of the playground entrance. This bridge will allow individuals with mobility challenges to enter the tree house at the second story without having to climb or crawl.