Thelma Spencer Park - Rochester Hills,
Thelma Spencer Park – A Dog-Friendly Community Gem in Rochester Hills, MI
Discover Thelma Spencer Park, a picturesque destination for families and dog owners in Rochester Hills. This spacious park offers scenic walking trails and pet-friendly areas, making it a great spot for dog-friendly hiking and outdoor activities. With its well-maintained grounds, beautiful lake, and wheelchair accessibility, it’s an inviting place for both two-legged and four-legged visitors.
This popular park features a wide range of amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground, volleyball courts, and a sandy beach. While dogs are only allowed during the off-season, the serene natural surroundings and accessible paved paths provide pet owners with a perfect place to enjoy the trails and stunning views. It’s one of Rochester Hills’ best options for outdoor fun with family and pets alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are pet-friendly walking and hiking trails throughout the park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms and changing areas are available.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park features a large playground, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a sandy beach.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, non-residents or non-members need to pay a fee to access the park.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews mention the park is consistently clean and well-maintained.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot for visitors.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There are multiple swimming areas for people, but dogs are only allowed in the park during the off-season.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are barbecue grills and picnic tables available for use.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are shaded areas and spots with shelter.
Reviews
We love this park so much, we bought an annual pass this weekend. There are 2 swimming areas. The left only goes to a depth of 3 feet. The right has 2 sections: front is 4 feet, back is up to 16 feet. It is perfect for my 2, 4, and 10 year old girls. Note: no life vests or floating allowed- but since the shallow end is only 3 feet, it doesn’t cramp our style. There are restrooms and showers, along with an outdoor shower and foot sprayer. There is also a park right behind the lake (only downside is dealing with a swim diaper when they want to hop back and forth- not much longer for me though 🥳). They also have a volleyball net, picnic tables, grills, and a boat house where you can rent kayaks and paddle boats. It is never too crowded, and if you go in the morning mid week, chances are it’ll feel like your own personal beach!
The first thing I noticed when I arrived, is how clean is this beach.. the water is so clear that allows you to see the little fishes swimming on the shore. 🐟 (check the photos to see the fishies 🐟) 🤗Having a lifeguard around makes you feel so safe and stress free about your little ones. There is a very nice playground 🛝 . Decent bathrooms, outdoor shower and feet spray. Great place for hiking, biking and fishing. Plus, the nature there is just breathtaking 😌♥️
Came here on 11-14-2020. The park was empty and it was beautiful. Well kept grounds. Gorgeous lake and scenery. No facilities open this time of year. In season they offer snack concession stand, locker rentals, bathrooms. There is a large play area for kids. Full sandy beach. Looks like lots of fun for all.
Update 10-5-2022… Absolutely beautiful as ever. If you need a break from your routine, check out this park. Very quiet, serene and nature is full glory now.
This is our go to beach with our kids (ages 9y and 7y). They always keep the swimming area and beach nice and clean, plus they have multiple areas and depths marked off for swimmers of all ages to enjoy. They have lifeguards on duty, but you are not allowed to bring any flotation devices. There is a play area and park near the beach, changing areas, bathrooms, rinse off showers, walking path and trails, as well as a place to buy food/ice cream. If you are not a member or resident of the area, there is a cost to enter the park. They also only allow dogs into the park on their off season.
I have only been to this park, in the winter time, to skate and play hockey. Amazing accommodations. Friendly staff. Heated concession area, with restrooms, to put your skates on and safely store your belongings, while you skate. I can’t say enough about this place. They maintain the ice, perfectly. They have hockey nets set up. Annual pond hockey tournament. Excellent all around. Can’t to come back, next winter.