Parks and Recreation

The people of Farmington have made their six city parks part of their lives, and the parks have made their lives richer. Such activities as the annual Duck Race, Youth Baseball Tournament, ice-skating, and the recreation programs shared with the City of Farmington Hills show the parks to be popular and busy places many days of the year.

Shiawassee Park, Drake Park, Women’s Park, Memorial Park, Flanders Park, and Downtown Riley Park make up the parks system in Farmington. Shiawassee Park offers outdoor fun for the whole family including: a children’s playscape, tennis courts, baseball fields, walking trails and a pavilion available for rent.  Click here to reserve Shiawassee Park for your next outdoor event.

Be sure to stop by Downtown Riley Park on Friday nights, June-August, for our best known park event Rhythmz in Riley Park. This summertime concert series is always well attended and provides a variety of music. Click here for the current schedule.

PDF Icon Parks and Recreation Master Plan
PDF Icon Shiawassee Park Map
PDF Icon Special Event Application
PDF Icon Park and Facility Use Policies

Stream in a park      

To Reserve Either the Park Pavilion or Playscape Gazebo:

  1. Select the appropriate calendar (Pavilion or Gazebo) to determine availability for your date
  2. Complete and print the  Park Reservation Application
  3. Return your completed reservation form and fee to the Clerk’s office
  4. Your reservation is not confirmed until the form and fee have been received

PDF IconShiawassee Park Map

PDF Icon Shiawassee Park Fee Schedule

Park trail

Park Regulations

Section 21-26 - Obstructing walks, drives.
No person shall obstruct any walk or drive in any public park or playground.

Section 21-27 - Alcoholic Liquors not allowed.
No person shall bring into or drink in any city park any alcoholic liquors.

Section 21-28 -  Ball games.
No person shall engage in any baseball, football or softball throwing, or other violent or rough exercise or play in any public park or other public place, except in areas designated therefore by the City Manager.

Section 21-29 – Motor Vehicles.
No person shall operate any motor vehicle in, upon or through any municipally owned park or playground in the City, except in areas provided and designated for the park of motor vehicles, unless specifically authorized by the City Manager.

GazeboSection 21-30 – Golf not allowed.
It shall be unlawful for any person to play golf or to drive golf balls in a public park or playground.

Section 21-31 – Horses not allowed.
It shall be unlawful for any person to ride or lead a horse into a public park or playground.

Section 21-32 – Additional rules.
The City Manager is hereby empowered to make such rules and regulations subject to the approval of the council, pertaining to the conduct and use of parks and public grounds as are necessary to administer the same and to protect public property and the safety health and welfare of the public.  No person shall fail to comply with such rules and regulations.

  • Hours Open – Dawn until 10:00pm
  • All dogs shall be on a leash no greater than 6 feet and under the control of owner/custodian.

PlayscapeSection 5-38 – (1) Sanitation.
The owner of such dog or cat shall immediately remove all droppings deposited by such dog or cat by any sanitary method. The sanitation ordinance is contained in the article addressing animal regulations, however, it also applies to parks.

Large Pavilion

  • Located near the tennis courts
  • Capacity: 100 persons
  • Fees: Farmington/Farmington Hills residents - $35 per hour/$125 maximum per day
  • Non-residents - $65 per hour/$300 per day (no weekends)

Playscape Gazebo

  • Adjacent to the playscape
  • Capacity: 20 persons
  • Fees: Farmington/Farmington Hills residents - $35 per hour/ maximum of two hours
  • Non-residents - $65 per hour/maximum of two hours (no weekends)

Riley Park Ice Rink

Riley Park Ice Rink is closed for the season. 

 Thank you Thornton and Grooms for being the 2023&4 Premier Sponsor of the Riley Park Ice Rink!
Riley Park Ice Rink Banner

And thanks to the 2024 Dasher Board Sponsors as well:

  • Alfieri Hair Craft
  • Century 21
  • Chocolate Chipped Bakery
  • Cottage Inn Pizza
  • Credit Union One
  • Dagwoods Deli and Catering
  • Dearborn Music
  • Drop Aquatic
  • Edward Jones
  • Farmington Civic Theater
  • Farmington Garage
  • Farmington Public Schools
  • Fitzpatrick Team Remerica
  • Galvin Growth Group
  • Judson Center
  • The Learning Experience
  • MassageLuXe
  • Michigan Gutters
  • Mi.Mosa
  • Mitten Sports
  • SiFi Networks Farmington
  • Thornton & Grooms
  • Waug's Electric
  • Willson-Swykert
  • Z Painting


The rink does not have rental skates, but there are plenty of skates available for skaters to borrow.

The Riley Park Ice Rink is a 4,800-square-foot refrigerated rink, located in the heart of Downtown Farmington, opens in mid-December. It turns Riley Park into a Currier and Ives-type setting, making the park an all-season destination. Riley Park is home to the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, Rhythmz in Riley Park and the Harvest Moon Celebration.

The Riley Park Ice Rink does not have skate rentals, but we have some donated skates on hand for you to borrow.

If you or your business is interested in sponsoring the ice rink with a dasher board advertisement, please contact Melissa at 248-474-5500, ext. 2221; or mandrade@farmgov.com

Sharpen your skates and we’ll see you on the ice!!!

The Riley Park Ice Rink is open daily, weather permitting.

Rink hours are:
Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.      

2024 Riley Park Ice Rink events!

  • Saturday, Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m.            Barbie Skate
  • Saturday, Jan. 27, 7-9 p.m.            Glow Skate, hosted by Farmington Community Library
  • Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-4 p.m.            Choco Valentine Skate
  • Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2-4 p.m.             Troll Skate, hosted by Farmington Community Library

Riley Park & Sundquist Pavilion

33113 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48335

Riley Park and the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion are centered in the heart of downtown Farmington. The park, with the pavilion, were designed to make Farmington a stronger community. It is now a year-round gathering place for the Farmington community.

More than a decade ago, Walter E. Sundquist, owner of Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, stepped forward with a large donation to ensure success of the pavilion which opened in 2005. The park was named after George F. Riley who, through The Riley Foundation, donated the funds for its construction.

Today, Riley Park and the Sundquist Pavilion is home to the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, Rhythmz in Riley Park, Swing Farmington, the Harvest Moon Celebration and, in the winter months, the Riley Park Ice Rink.

Riley Park is becoming a fan favorite - voted Metro-Detroit’s 2nd best in WDIV’s Vote 4 the Best Contest in the outdoor concert venue category.

Events are held at the park and pavilion throughout the year bringing Farmington-area residents together to celebrate! So much fun, food, music, singing, art, culture and shopping! It is not available for private events.

Riley Park at Night
Riley Park Ice Rink at Night

Swing Dancers
Swing Dancing at Sundquist Pavilion

 

Warner Mansion

33805 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48335

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Museum

The Governor Warner Museum is a Victorian Italianate structure built in 1867 by P. D. Warner, the Governor’s father, and is furnished in late Victorian style. Sitting on almost three acres, the house is surrounded by gardens lovingly tended by the Museum Garden auxiliary.

The Museum Grounds are available to rent for your special events such as weddings, self-catered porch lunches, etc. The grounds are also available for family photos. Please call 248-474-5500 for information.

The Museum always needs volunteers to help with these and many other activities.**

**The Museum is currently closed for construction.**

Warner Mansion GardenGardens

The Governor Warner Museum and Gardens were accepted by the City of Farmington on December 23, 1980. The Governor’s grandchildren, Susan Slocum Klingbeil and William Wanton Slocum, Jr., gave the property to the city designing it be used for a Historical Museum. Since that time, the gardens have been planted and maintained by volunteers.

Edessa Warner Slocum, daughter of the Governor, was the last family member to occupy the mansion. She was a charter member of Farmington Garden Club, and an avid gardener. The existing Perennial Garden as well as many other trees and plants were planted by her.

The Gov. Warner Museum Gardens, which surround the lovely Victorian mansion, offer a beautiful attraction to visitors and passersby.

PDF Icon Click here for Group Use of Gazebo and Grounds Policies
PDF Icon Click here for Mansion Reservation Form

Warner Garden Map

Pink rose in a garden

 

Gardens and Features

  1. Perennial Garden
  2. Wild Flower Garden
  3. Hazel Scheideman Fountain Garden
  4. Spicer Fountain
  5. Birdhouse
  6. Lily Garden
  7. Gazebo
  8. Veranda Gardens
  9. Edessa Warner Slocum Herb Garden
  10. Auxiliary Gardens
  11. Marie Walling Parker Rose Garden
  12. Antique Iron Fence
  13. Foot Bridge
  14. Euonymus Garden
  15. Circle Drive Spring Garden
  16. Portico and Veranda Boxes
  17. Stone Wall Garden
  1. Washington Hawthorne (Arbor Day, 4/22/82) Farmington Beautification Committee.
  2. Washington Hawthorne (5/4/82) Martha Warner Klingbeil Murphy and Peter Murphy in celebration of the first anniversary of their marriage in the Warner Gardens.
  3. flowering garden and green lawnRoyal Crabapple (5/19/82) Ellen Abdou in memory of her father, Edward Lees.
  4. Royalty Crabapple (5/19/82) Doris L. Robertson in memory of her father, Edward Lees.
  5. Royalty Crabapple (5/25/82) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Hazel Leland.
  6. Royalty Crabapple (5/25/82) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased charter member, Edessa Warner Slocum.
  7. Royalty Crabapple (5/25/82) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Ella McCormick.
  8. Pink Dogwood (5/25/82) Shirley Richardson in memory of her father, Louis Volkema.
  9. Purple Leaf Beech (8/4/82) Fred Steinkopf, Jr. in memory of his father, Fred Steinkopf.
  10. Washington Hawthorne (5/25/82) Planted with surplus memorial money.
  11. White Pine (9/9/82) M/M William Hayward Klingbeil in honor of daughter, Susan Slocum Klingbeil II born 6/21/58.
  12. White Pine (9/9/82) M/M William Hayward Klingbeil in honor of daughter, Martha Warner Klingbeil Murphy born 5/14/52.
  13. Norway Spruce (9/9/82) M/M William Hayward Klingbeil in honor of son, William Hayward Klingbeil, Jr. born 1/7/51.
  14. GardenNorway Spruce (9/9/82) M/M William Hayward Klingbeil in honor of son, Frederick Taylor Klingbeil born 3/5/56.
  15. White Pine (9/9/82) M/M William Hayward Klingbeil in honor of first grandson, Prescott Davis Murphy, son of Martha Warner Klingbeil Murphy and Peter Francis Murphy, born 9/2/82.
  16. White Pine (9/9/82) M/M William Hayward Klingbeil in honor of second grandson, George Lavallee Murphy, son of Martha Warner Klingbeil Murphy and Peter Francis Murphy, born 6/12/85.
  17. White Pine (9/9/82) M/M William Hayward Klingbeil in honor of granddaughter, Andrea Elizabeth Klingbeil, daughter of Denise Beebe and William Hayward Klingbeil, Jr., born 12/30/78.
  18. Specimen Double White Crabapple (9/9/82) In honor of the 7/30/49 marriage of Susan Warner Slocum Klingbeil (granddaughter of the Governor) and William Hayward Klingbeil.
  19. White Pine (10/4/82) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Anne Garrier.
  20. White Pine (10/4/82) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Eleanor Spicer.
  21. Crusgalli Hawthorne (8/21/85) M/M William Wanton Slocum, Jr. in honor of daughter, Ann Cooley Slocum, born 2/25/51.
  22. Crusgalli Hawthrone (8 /21/85) M/M William Wanton Slocum, Jr. in honor of daughter, Amy Earhart Slocum, born 5/24/52.
  23. Crusgalli Hawthrone (8/21/85) M/M William Wanton Slocum, Jr. in honor of daughter, Elizabeth Warner Slocum born 6/21/54.
  24. Red roseCrusgalli Hawthrone (8/21/85) M/M William Wanton Slocum, Jr. in honor of daughter, Joan Kennedy Slocum born 1/16/56.
  25. Crusgalli Hawthrone (8/21/85) M/M William Wanton Slocum, Jr. in honor of daughter, Margaret Susan Slocum born 10/16/57.
  26. Crusgalli Hawthrone (8/21/85) M/M William Wanton Slocum, Jr. in honor of the 7/24/48 marriage of Joan Kennedy and William Wanton Slocum Jr. ( grandson of the Governor).
  27. White Pine (4/4/83) Mrs. Rene Linden (Rosanne) in memory of her parents, M/M C.J. Rudesill.
  28. Double Pink Crabapple (4/18/83) M/M William G. Blakeney (Kay) in memory of Charles O. Walker, Jr.
  29. White Pine (Arbor Day, 4/21/83) Farmington Beautification Committee.
  30. White Pine (5/2/83) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Ruth Paul.
  31. Tulip Tree A seedling from established Tulip Tree in front yard
  32. White Pine (6/08) in memory of Corey Micah Carr
  33. Double Flowering Crabapple (5/10/83) Hill and Dale Garden in Club in appreciation of members time and talent: June Pheil, Gretchen Pugsley, Dottie Vickland and Katie Wemyss.
  34. French Lilac (5/10/83) Hill and Dale Garden Club in honor of Ruth Simons.
  35. Hemlock (5/28/83) Grace Houghton Miller in memory of her husband Edw. L. Miller.
  36. 2 Benches (7/15) Farmington Garden Club in memory of Ann Auddette and Marge Perry
  37. Pear Tree (6/07) In honor of Nancy and Arthur Leonard
  38. Pear Tree (6/07) In honor of Nancy and Arthur Leonard
  39. Douglas Fir (6/17/83) Dr. & Mrs. Robert John Gaukler in honor of daughter, Ann Gaukler Unbehaun born 10/17/53.
  40. Douglas Fir (6/17/83) Dr. & Mrs. Robert John Gaukler in honor of daughter, Barbara Lynn Gaukler born 1/22/55.
  41. Spice Bush (6/06) W/M Gardeners in memory of Betti Pool's deceased mother, Madeline Aldridge Hope.
  42. Douglas Fir (6/17/83) Dr. & Mrs. Robert John Gaukler in honor of daughter, Susan Claire Gaukler born 7/19/57.
  43. Douglas Fir (6/17/83) Dr. & Mrs. Robert John Gaukler in honor of daughter, Diane Warner Gaukler born 10/19/60.
  44. Variegated Dogwood (2010) W/M Gardener's in memory of Al Britts, husband of Chris Britts
  45. Buxux Vardar Valley (8/21/85) 36 bushes-Gazebo, George M. and Mable H. Slocum Foundation
  46. Korean Lilac (7/15) 2 trees - Gazebo, Steinkopf Nursery
  47. bushes in a gardenCrimson King Maple (8/21/85) M/M Harve Bock and Memorial Fund in memory of his father, Richard Bock.
  48. Rhododendron (7/9/86) Fountain Fund.
  49. Rhododendron (7/29/86) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Adelaide Henault.
  50. Rhododendron (9/24/86) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Bena Groscop.
  51. Tulip Tree (8/15) Planted in memory of Allan Martindale Warner 1928-2012
  52. Norway Spruce (11/15/87) 22 trees, George M. and Mable H. Slocum Foundation
  53. Bradford Pear (10/87) Farmington Hills Garden Bluc, W.N.F. & G., in memory of deceased members Sandi Williams and Beverly Blakeny Wood
  54. Kousa Dogwood (8/21/85) 5 Trees, William Wanton Slocum, Jr., moved to east side carriage house.
  55. White Pines (8/21/85) 2 Trees, M/M William Hayward Klingbeil, moved to south side carriage house.
  56. Designed Oak (Existing tree) In memory of the marriage of Edessa Warner (daughter of the Governor) to William Wanton Slocum, 10/16/20.
  57. Ornamental Tree (9/89) Farmington Garden Club in memory of last deceased charter member, Marion Nelson
  58. Climbing Hydrangea (9/89) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member Jean Henry.
  59. Norway Spruce (9/89) Farmington Garden Club in memory of deceased member, Helen Ely.
  60. Prunus Sargentii (Sargent Cherry (11/15/11) In honor of Frederick Maltby Warner II
  61. Var. Dogwood (6/10) W/M In memory of Christine Britts husband, AL
  62. White Pine in memory of Corey Micah Carr

Two Battery Benches M/M William Hayward Klingbeil.

Sprinkling System (7/10/85) George M. and Mabel H. Slocum Foundation.

Gazebo (9/15/85) George M. and Mabel H. Slocum Foundation (two-for-one grant) and area businesses.

Eleanor Goodenough Spicer Fountain (7/28/85)

Antique Iron Fence (1982) From West Farmington Cemetery, Twelve Mile and Halsted Roads.

Antique Bench M/M Harve Bock

PDF Icon Governor Warner Mansion Assessment Report Final

PDF Icon Mansion Feasibility Study Report

Bust of Governor WarnerMartha and Edessa Sculpture

Step close to this beautiful garden sculpture of Martha and Edessa Warner and you will hear Edessa shyly asking her mother a question while playfully tugging on her mother’s skirt. Edessa is holding her doll and Martha holds a basket of roses… one rose has accidentally fallen to the ground at her feet.

This enchanting 5’ 2” sculpture is an inspired representation of Martha Warner, wife of Michigan Gov. Fred Warner and their five-year-old daughter Edessa. You will find it in the tranquil, beautiful gardens of the Warner Museum, Grand River Ave., west of Farmington Road.

The statue is the loving creation of Bernadette Zachara-Marcos, the 2002 Farmington Area Arts Commission Artist in Residence.

The sculpture required nearly nine months from concept to completion, explained Zachara-Marcos. “Working from 100-year-old pictures was really interesting,” she said. “And, it was truly delightful to meet Edessa’s daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter, all of whom attended the unveiling ceremony.”

Other works by Zachara-Marcos, a graduate of the Center for Creative Studies (1972), include a bust of Gov. Warner, which is located inside the Museum, a sculpture at Dunckel Middle School, the “Ring Around the Rosie” sculpture at Schoolcraft College and many private and public commissions.

 

Reservation Information

Check the calendar for availability:



Click here for Mansion Reservation Form

 

Farmington Farmers Market