Optimist Park - Waterford Township,
Optimist Park – A Pet-Friendly, Family Park in Waterford Township
Optimist Park offers a welcoming green space perfect for kids, families, and dogs alike near the heart of Waterford Township, MI. This pet-friendly destination is wheelchair accessible and features an open play area, scenic views of Elizabeth Lake, picnic tables, and a pavilion, making it an inviting spot for dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts. While it is well-known for its softball games and recreational courts, dog lovers will appreciate the open grass expanses and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere where pets are welcome.
Families will also find a safe environment for children, as Optimist Park offers select amenities such as slides, swings, and open lawns for play. However, seating is limited, and parking may be tight during busy hours, especially when youth sports events are in progress. Although the park does not have dedicated dog facilities like fenced areas, agility equipment, or off-leash zones, its accessible layout and ample room to roam make it a solid choice for a casual dog walk or playtime. Looking for a pet-friendly park in Waterford Township where you can bring both kids and dogs? Optimist Park is a community favorite for relaxation, recreation, and lakeside charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed at Optimist Park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park has a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park includes a playground and is good for kids.
- Are there picnic tables or a pavilion? Yes, there are picnic tables and a covered pavilion available for use.
- Is parking available? Yes, but parking is limited near the lake and can fill up during sports events.
Reviews
It’s a nice comfortable setting for some fun softball games for our kids over summer break. It’s a great way to keep our young one’s out of mischief! Also a great way for our kid’s to make new friends and learn how to be a team!
They have 3 baseball courts they have a basket ball hoop good for kids ages 10 and up cause the hoops is pretty tall and there is 1 issue with it cause the net since there’s a big hole in the side of the net and the ball gets stuck in there sometimes so if the net was replaced to a bigger net to cause the net takes long to fall with bigger balls since at the bottom it gets tighter but other than that it’s really nice and a great place to have a fun time
Such potential with a park looking out over a beautiful lake but there are very few places to sit and limited parking. I don’t know why they don’t add benches, a walking path, or any other attractions near the front with the lake view. Unless there are sports games on the fields this place is almost always vacant. Sad.
I’m sure this is a nice place for neighborhood kids to come and play, but it certainly wasn’t the park we were looking for to let our kids burn off some energy while traveling… There was literally nothing to climb on, no swings, no playground equipment at all. It just had a rock with a plaque, a half basketball court (but we didn’t have a basketball), and a pavilion with one picnic table. We still played a game of tag in the grass, but it wasn’t what we had in mind when we saw “park” on our Google map.
Hubby Practiced flying the drone he got for father’s day.