Outdoor enthusiasts and community members in Oakland County will get the chance to weigh in on the future of Seven Lakes State Park. A public meeting is set for January 28 to discuss a new draft general management plan for the beloved park, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Interested parties can attend the meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Oakland County Fire Authority on Grange Hall Road in Holly.
The draft plan proposes to thoroughly map out a comprehensive strategy for managing park resources and expanding recreational and educational opportunities. Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, highlighted the importance of public input, stating, "Last June, we sought input from visitors, community members and stakeholders through an online survey." She further explained, "That valuable feedback, along with input from park staff, helped shape the draft plan that will be presented at the January public meeting."
At the upcoming gathering, DNR staff will present an overview of the draft plan and the proposed improvements that might come to the park. This interactive session will also include a segment for attendees to ask questions directly and provide comments on the draft. The goal is explicitly to balance conservation efforts with the park’s use for recreation and education, ensuring that park resources are protected while meeting community needs, according to the same press release.
The general management plan is a vital tool used by the DNR to outline not only a long-range vision for the park but also to serve as a practical framework for the park’s stewardship. Those unable to attend the meeting will still have opportunities to offer feedback on the park’s future, as the DNR remains committed to considering the community’s voice in its decision-making process.
