Phone +1 248-656-4657 | ||
Address 3701 John R Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA Hours Closed now Wednesday10AM–5:30PMThursday10AM–5:30PMFriday10AM–5:30PMSaturday10AM–5:30PMSunday10AM–5:30PMMonday10AM–5:30PMTuesday10AM–5:30PMSuggest an edit Similar Stony Creek Metropark, Rochester Municipal Park, Red Oaks Waterpark, Troy Family Aquatic Center, Raintree Park | ||
Thelma G. Spencer Park is a city park owned and operated by the city of Rochester Hills, Michigan - a northern suburb on the outskirts of Metro Detroit. Its main attraction is a 38-acre (150,000 m2) man-made lake with a lifeguarded beach, which complements an array of picnic facilities, full service concession stand, boat rental, volleyball courts, tennis courts, playground, horseshoe pits, soccer fields and walking/biking paths.
Contents
The waterfront
The lake features a lifeguarded swimming area, which is contained within roped boundaries. Like most old quarries, the lake depth drops off significantly a few yards from shore around the circumference of the lake to a pretty constant 20–23 foot depth throughout. The exception is the roped swim area which gradually slopes from the shore line to 11–14 feet deep approximately 25 yards (23 m) from shore. In addition and adjacent to the roped swim area, there is a fenced in wading area, a favorite of mothers with young children. The water is monitored and tested at least once a week for E. coli bacteria. Spencer Park's lake water is spring-fed.
The Park stands behind a "no flotation" policy which restricts the use of life jackets, noodles, tubes and other flotation devices in the swim area. Explanations for the restrictions are readily offered by any lifeguard or ranger staff member.
The park rents rowboats, paddleboats and rowboats with an attached trolling motor. A boat can be rented with a valid driver's license that must be held in the office as a deposit. The person whose license is given as a deposit must be in the boat at all times during the rental. Park policy states that boaters under the age of sixteen, all paddle boat users and all passengers in a rowboat where any passenger is standing to cast a fishing line must wear their life jackets. Capacity restrictions as stated on the boats are followed for each boat type.
The city hired Frederick S. Carter as the beachfront coordinator in 1983 to help structure the current lifeguard procedures and policies. Carter made significant changes to the Spencer Park Lifeguard program that continue to this day.
The playground
The park features a modern play structure that includes multiple slides, climbing wall, several interactive play elements and swings. The playground surface is engineered wood fiber, providing a spongy, soft play surface.
The staff
The staff primarily consists of two specialized groups: the Spencer Park Attendants and the Spencer Park Lifeguards, though different in position both work closely together and play a vital role in the smooth operation of the park.
The park is run by two full-time park rangers, a summer assistant, and the beachfront coordinator. Though the park rangers have ultimate say in park operations (under the discretion of their supervisors), the beachfront coordinator is given considerable leeway to manage the waterfront operations.
The staff regularly changes with high school graduates going off to college and college graduates going off to work.
Security and other rules
Oakland County Sheriff's Department regularly patrols Thelma Spencer Park. Staff is also involved in security, with night patrols and surveillance.
Alcohol is prohibited throughout the park.
Pets are prohibited throughout the park.
Personal flotation devices including lifejackets are prohibited in the swim area. City of Rochester Hills FAQ
History
Prior to becoming a park, the property was originally used as a quarry for the construction of a nearby freeway, M-59. Contrary to popular belief, the quarry was not used for gravel, but for sand. During the use of the quarry, it was discovered that the area was over a natural spring system and a lake would eventually develop. The quarry was abandoned and the land was purchased by a developer who had the land plotted out, ready to be developed as a subdivision. The property is still plotted into individual sites and this causes problems on occasion, when the park undergoes widespread development.
Thelma G. Spencer Park gets its name from a former Avon Township Clerk. Thelma Spencer was an active proponent of parks and was present at the dedication and grand opening in 1981. In 1984, Thelma G. Spencer Park became a Rochester Hills City Park as the Avon Township area continued to grow and became a city.
Spencer Park is one of Oakland County Michigan's best kept secrets and is often responsible for comments like "I never would have guessed this was back here". Those who do know of Spencer Park's existence love it for its clean water and clean service areas, for its continued improvements and upgrades and for its exemplary water safety track record.