You ever drive past that massive green stretch at the corner of Hamlin and John R and wonder why the parking lot looks like a sold-out stadium on a random Tuesday night? That’s Borden Park. Honestly, if you live in Rochester Hills, you’ve probably been there for a soccer tournament or the fireworks, but there is so much more to this 143-acre beast than just grass and goals.
It’s basically the city’s athletic heartbeat.
Most people call it a "sports complex," which sounds kinda sterile and boring. In reality, it’s a chaotic, high-energy mix of high-end turf, batting cages, and a weirdly perfect sledding hill that wasn't even meant to be a sledding hill.
What is Borden Park Rochester Hills anyway?
Borden Park isn't your typical "sit on a bench and feed the ducks" kind of place. If you want quiet reflection, go to Innovation Hills down the road. You come to Borden to move. It is a 143-acre site dedicated almost entirely to active recreation.
The history is actually pretty wild. Back in the day—we're talking the late 50s through the 60s—this land was actually a landfill. It was known as the Veteran’s and Cardinal’s landfills. Eventually, it was capped and turned into "Softball City," a private complex. The city took over later, and it’s been evolving ever since.
Today, it’s maintained by the City of Rochester Hills and serves as the home base for RARA (Rochester Avon Recreation Authority). If your kid plays soccer or baseball in this town, you basically live here from April to October.
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The Sport Setup: More Than Just Grass
If you’re heading there to play, you should probably know what you’re walking into. The layout is a bit of a "mish-mash," as some locals say. You’ve got:
- The Fields: Four lighted baseball/softball diamonds and a staggering amount of soccer space. There are 5 full-size fields (including a "World Cup" field with lights) and about 7 mini-fields for the little kids.
- The Courts: This is where things get modern. They recently added 8 dedicated pickleball courts. They also have 2 tennis courts, 3 basketball courts, and even 2 roller hockey rinks.
- The Cages: There are 7 batting cage stations. If you’re trying to work on your swing without chasing balls across a field, this is the spot.
One thing to keep in mind: the lighting is legit. Most of these areas are lit until 10:00 PM or 11:30 PM depending on the season and scheduled games. It’s one of the few places in Oakland County where you can actually play a full match after the sun goes down without squinting.
That "Secret" Sledding Hill
Here is the thing about the sledding at Borden Park. There isn't an official, groomed "Sled Hill" sign anywhere. But there is a massive man-made embankment that wraps around the north and west sides of the park. It was originally built as a noise barrier to keep the park sounds away from the neighbors.
Naturally, the neighborhood kids claimed it.
It’s not as steep or terrifying as the hill at Bloomer Park, which makes it perfect for kids under 8. If you have a toddler who just wants to slide 20 feet without gaining terminal velocity, park near the tennis courts and hit the embankment. It’s rarely crowded because everyone else is at the "official" hills.
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The Festival of the Hills
You can't talk about Borden Park without mentioning the fireworks. Every June, the city hosts the Festival of the Hills. It is arguably the biggest fireworks display in Oakland County.
The crowd is massive. We're talking "sold-out Tigers game" levels of people. Pro tip: people start claiming spots on the hill with tarps and blankets as early as noon. If you show up at 8:00 PM, you’re going to be walking a mile from your car.
Speaking of parking—it’s the one major gripe people have. When soccer and baseball seasons overlap, the lot at Hamlin and John R fills up fast. People end up parking at the Christian Memorial Cemetery nearby, which is usually allowed during the big events, but on a normal Saturday? You just gotta get there early.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
Honestly, no park is perfect. Here’s the breakdown of what actually matters when you visit.
The Good Stuff:
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- Free entry: No vehicle permit required (unlike many Oakland County parks).
- Modern Restrooms: They built a new park office with actual, clean indoor plumbing. Huge win for parents.
- WiLLsport LED Lighting: The city spent a lot of money upgrading the lights recently, so the night visibility is incredible.
- Fitness Loops: There are three measured loops for walking or running if you aren't into team sports.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- The Layout: Everything is spread out. If you have one kid at the soccer fields and another at the playground, you’re going to get your steps in.
- The "Mish-Mash" Feel: Because it was built in stages, the basketball courts feel like they're miles away from the pickleball area.
- Parking Gridlock: On tournament weekends, the parking lot is a nightmare. Period.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head out to Borden Park this week, here is the move:
- Check the RARA Schedule: If there’s a massive tournament, don't even bother trying to "casual" play basketball. The parking will eat your soul.
- Bring Your Own Gear: While the facilities are great, there isn't a pro shop. Bring your own pickleball paddles, basketballs, and definitely your own water. There are vending machines, but they’re hit or miss.
- Use the Side Entrances: If the main Hamlin Road entrance is backed up, check the John R side.
- Leash Your Dogs: Pets are welcome, but they have to be on a 6-foot leash. The park rangers are pretty active here, so don't try to go off-leash in the wetlands area.
- Night Play: The courts are lit until 10:00 PM. It’s usually much cooler and less crowded after 8:00 PM on weekdays.
Borden Park is basically the blue-collar, high-performance engine of the Rochester Hills park system. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s where the community actually hangs out. Whether you’re there to crush a home run or just let your five-year-old slide down a noise barrier, it’s a staple for a reason.
Go check out the new pickleball courts. Even if you don't play, the energy there is weirdly infectious. Just remember to park facing the exit if you’re there for a big event—you’ll thank me later.