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Destination Oakland > Things to Do > Playgrounds > Waterford Oaks
Waterford Oaks Playground

Kudos! Paradise Peninsula Playscape was named one of the best playgrounds in Southeast Michigan by Metro Parent Magazine!

Click here for Waterford Oaks Park Information

Paradise Peninsula Playscape

We invite you to explore this universally-accessible playscape, which is designed after the many beautiful and unique landscapes found in Michigan-the Great Lakes State.

Little explorers can discover Michigan's wonders and learn about the Great Lakes State through simulated rock, water and fossil features. The playscape includes: an "Up North Woods" cabin, simulated tree fort, sand dunes area, marsh challenge course with simulated cattails, raised sand play area and multiple climbing areas. Colorful rubberized surfacing depicts Michigan's Lakes and rivers. 

Paradise Peninsula was designed to address issues of accessibility and promote inclusive play. The project meets requirements set by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Paradise Peninsula was made possible in part by a $250,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation-Access to Recreation Initiative administered by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Foundation.

Playground Open House, Registration.

Playground open April 1 - October 31, 2012.

Safety Rules

Waterford Oaks County Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

  • Adult supervision required at all times.
  • This playground is designed for individuals ages two and older.
  • Children five and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • No bicycles, in-line skates, skateboards or shoes with roller in playground
  • Glass is not allowed in the play area.
  • Use each play feature as it is intended - improper use may result in injury.
  • Children must wear appropriate footwear. Fully enclosed, rubber-soled shoes are recommended to allow for proper footing and to prevent slip hazards.
  • No pushing, running or horseplay will be allowed and may cause injury.
  • No throwing sand, balls, discs or other objects because of the risk it may cause distraction or injury.
  • Equipment may be slippery when wet, icy or snow covered and may cause injury.
  • Climbing, jumping from heights, hanging upside down and balancing can be challenging and carry higher risks.  Please use caution and do so with care.
Play Features

Paradise Peninsula Features

Balance yourself on a cattail or explore nooks and crannies in the log crawl while navigating the Marsh Challenge Course.  The Marsh Challenge Course features simulated logs as well as real and simulated stones that create a challenge course for balance, movement and navigation.  This feature mimics the many nearby cattail marshes that are home to wildlife ranging from grasshoppers to birds and more.

Explore Michigan’s natural Tree Fort.  A simulated tree at the playground’s highest elevation allows children to climb up the interior of the tree or use the walkways and “trails” to access the deck that surrounds the top.  Michigan boasts thousands of acres of forests which provide ample recreation opportunities.

Camp along the waters edge or fish from a fully accessible row boat.  A log cabin allows children to set camp after a hard day of rock climbing and playing in the sand.  The log cabin represents the experience of going “up north” and enjoying some of the most pristine, natural parts of Michigan. 

Dig for fossils in Michigan’s sandy beach areas or climb sand dunes to Michigan’s backwoods trails.  Simulated beaches and an elevated, accessible sand play area, complete with simulated fossils, allow for children of all ages to discover and learn.  Michigan’s sandy beaches make the state’s shorelines such a great vacation spot for millions of visitors each year. 

Climb Michigan’s glacial rock formations.  There are several real and simulated rock features that are great for climbing and exploring, or just sitting down to rest. Northern Michigan is well known for its rocky shorelines, cut by the glaciers as they receded across the landscape thousands of years ago. 

Cross Michigan’s natural river ravines and canyons or hop stepping stones across the open waters.  The simulated water elements represent Michigan’s nickname as the “Great Lakes State” and emphasizes the importance of the Great Lakes to Michigan’s economy and culture. Oakland County is home to 1,400 natural lakes and the headwaters of five major watersheds.
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