Really nice park in metro Detroit - there's something for everyone here. In the front, there's…read moreplenty of play structures/areas for kids of all ages. There's also a covered pavilion and lots of benches/picnic tables throughout. Dogs are allowed on leashes so you can include the whole family - even the fur baby. There is also a nice pond and water feature to walk around, and nature trails in the back. They have some fun lawn games to play near the pond too. One trail has a bridge that connects all the way to the green space on the other side of the Clinton River. My personal favorite is the pond with turtles that you can find lounging on logs on sunny days. There's even a kayak launch and other access points into the Clinton River. Tons of wildlife to view - we've seen plenty of deer, chipmunks, squirrels, turtles and cool birds. There is on-site paid parking (and free overflow across the street) but otherwise the park is free, which is really nice. I always see workers riding around in a golf cart emptying trash, making sure the park is clean. They even have bathrooms and a kona ice truck that I've seen on weekends. What more could you want?

Let's get this part out of the way - The park itself? Amazing. It is modern, has plenty of options,…read moreis well maintained, and has some great nature paths outside of the playground area. In an area that features many great playgrounds and parks to take your family to, Innovation Hills has always stood out. There is a lack of options for younger children though (no infant swings?). The three stars? One of the new features of this park is the addition of Park Mobile being introduced for the main parking lot. Signs everywhere reminding you that you better have paid your $1.50 an hour! There is of course a free dirt lot across the busy road for your convenience. Or a parking 'annual pass' you can purchase from the Rochester Hills website. Our society struggles with the concept of 'the third place'. Parks and playgrounds are a haven for families and a community builder outside of work and home. What in the world is the motivation behind suddenly charging for parking? 1 - The City of Rochester Hills wants to prioritize park access for its citizens? Charging for parking doesn't keep out non-residents and in fact just causes Rochester Hills citizens to pay more for something they are already paying for. 2 - The park is often extremely crowded so charging for parking may reduce visitor count? If this was the motivation I am confident this strategy is not working. 3 - We want to encourage more families to park in the dirt lot across the street and attempt to cross a highway? I have more faith in humanity than that. Oh, I think I got it! To quote Tim Robinson's sketch 'The Driving Crooner' - "I gotta figure out how to make money on this thing..it's simply TOO GOOD!"

Unfortunately I have to update my original review. While the dog park itself is nice, as it's…read morebecome more popular, there have been more bad actors showing up. While this can happen anywhere, Sterling Heights Parks & Rec doesn't seem to have a grasp on accountability. After I filed a report detailing a vicious attack on my dog, I never received a reply and only after following up did I receive a call from someone who ensured an investigation. Fast forward to a week later, the same aggressive dog is coming to this dog park. Note to dog owners - if your dog can't meet another dog safely off leash, then don't bring them to an off leash dog park. Needless to say, we will not be renewing our membership here.

I have no idea how we lived with our dog before the dog park!! I was pretty hesitant about taking…read moremy pup to the dog park at first because it seems like you always hear bad things about them. We didn't have a fenced in yard and my pup just needed somewhere to run. City requirements made me so much more comfortable with the other dogs in the park, knowing that they were also vaccinated and registered. The secured entry ensures that not just any dog off the street can wander in. The other dog owners are friendly and responsible. Everyone keeps a close eye on their pet to ensure that play doesn't get too rough and poo is picked up. If someone misses their dog pooing, other folks will either help find the 'land mine' or often pick it up for them. There are multiple water bowls and a faucet with fresh water to fill them up at (which owners take turns doing regularly). There are two separate play spaces, one that's ~four acres and another that's for small dogs under 22lbs. The facility contains several benches and waste receptacles with free dog waste bags. The many "regulars" at this park form an awesome community. Everyone chips in to keep the park in tip top shape, owners know almost all of the others dogs' names, watch out for each other's pets and share both funny stories and useful info that can only come from another dog lover. There's even a playground outside of the park for the kiddos - dog park outings are fun and active for our whole family!

Great dog park but you have to pay to play so make sure to check out city of FH to get the details…read more I take my dog 3-4 times a week and as soon as we turn off the main road he's whimpering to get through the gate. Good size with two areas, one for small dogs and the other for all dogs. Bowls and water is available, even a port o john for people. Only wish there was more trees within the dog area because shade makes for happier dogs and humans. So far all dog people seem kind, professional and aware of surroundings. Great job FH, all cities should have dog parks!

featuring wooded trails, wetlands, a lake, boardwalk areas, and unique rock formations that make it…read morefeel like you're much farther away from the city. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, nature photos, and a little outdoor adventure without leaving Metro Detroit.

Nice walking trails - I think it's about 1.3 miles around the trail one time. Little benches to sit…read moreon and reflect on the world's problems or to just be in nature. Lake is pretty and calming. I saw a couple deer and some little furry friends while on my walk. Not sure if you should stay on the trails but some others who were walking were not......

My first visit to Barkside and the pups & I will definitely be going back. So many great dogs and…read moreall social. My small pups were comfortable plus they enjoyed a little rest in the puppy area. David made us feel welcome and he explained the ins & outs of Barkside. Meeting friends there was icing on the cake

We brought our dog to Barkside to get a drink and let him tire himself out. After registering…read moreonline before we arrived, we checked in and had a quick rundown from a staff member, then he was released to dog heaven. All kinds of dogs and owners are here having a good time. The staff monitors the dogs behaviors and intervenes if anything happens. Our dog was receiving too much attention from another and the staff separated them frequently. The place has a large garage feel to it with lots of TVs playing the games. It was a lot of fun for him and we each got a drink to pass the time. We will be back. Bring your dog and have a great time. I can't wait to see this place in the summer!

We live close by and this is me and the puppy's home away from home. It's super cheap compare to…read moresome of the other parks, which I think is awesome and they have quite a bit: -agility equipment -toys -water access(not in late fall through early spring) -picnic benches -poo bags -garbage cans -6ft chain link fences I like the mix of people that come in and they are of all different ages and have all different ages and breeds of dogs so it's a nice blend. There are a lot of "regulars" and you get to know people and their pups pretty well. It's not overcrowded and it's away from the beaten path so I never worry. Warren resident $10 | Non-resident $20 You have to submit an application to the City Clerk's office. It's quick and easy and well worth it. Your dog needs to have these things: Proof of: * License (provide number) * Rabies vaccination * Parvo/Distemper vaccination * Bordatella vaccination Hope to see you there!

The dog park itself is great! We were so excited to take our puppy there to meet new friends. The…read morepicnic tables, toys, hay on the mud, fences, and enter/exit system all impressed us. Then one day our puppy was bit simply as he entered the dog park (I'll keep the dog who bit him's name private, but trust me, we didn't forget it). Our puppy is incredibly friendly, has never so much as barked at another dog, and we have never had any issues with other dogs/people. Ever. Even when he was bit he did not react. The dog who bit him went after EVERY SINGLE DOG who entered, and the owner did not seem too concerned and did not come off as friendly herself. Our puppy wound up at the emergency animal hospital that night to get stitches. BE CAREFUL...NOT ALL OWNERS SEEM TO HAVE A HANDLE ON THEIR DOGS. If your dog goes after every single dog, simply take it home so other dogs (and who knows, maybe people too) are not hurt. Needless to say, we have not returned for fear that the same dog will be there again. We were VERY disappointed as the people/dogs we met on our first few visits were friendly.

Christina has watched my dog Joey many times and has done an exceptional job each time. My…read morechocolate lab/aussie mix can be a handful, but Christina's patience and understanding made me feel safe to leave him with her. Christina is a wonderful sitter that gave me piece of mind each time I left my dog in her care

This weekend was the first time I used dog boarding for my puppy since I adopted him. I was nervous…read moreto leave him with a stranger, but Christina was great. She also has pups of her own that he was able to play with. On top of that, Christina would also send occasional pictures to show he was having a good time. Would definitely use again

Don't forget to stop at the nature center inside this park.This place is so underrated. So much to…read moresee . The grounds were well kept and so many different exhibits to explore. On Sundays in the summer from 1 pm-2pm they feed the animals so you can bring in your child to help with their feedings . They also have excursions for your children as well that you can sign up fo

This is such a beautiful park and I live about 6 miles away. They have annual passes and discounts…read morefor residents, seniors and military. In the summer they have concerts by the water every other Friday night from 7 to 9 PM. We came tonight for the concert and the fireworks. It's well controlled by the metro park police.