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Thelma Spencer Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,213 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester Hills, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Thelma Spencer Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Lakeside park with ball courts & a playground, plus seasonal activities like swimming & ice skating.
What runners say about Thelma Spencer Park
“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.”
“In the fall it is beautiful with the colorful trees lining the lake.”
“In the summer it can get really crowded but are the off-season when people aren't using the beach and swimming is very quiet and pleasant.”
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.
I really enjoyed this park. It is small, however I cannot say anything about the trails. I came here to fish with friends and one uses a motorised chair to navigate and we thought this would be a nice park. It has an an accessible fishing dock and as far as we could tell it was the only "dock" for fishing in the area.
Small but beautiful park with lake and beach. Walking / biking trail surrounding the lake is a good facility. The view of water with trees is spectacular during fall season.
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.
Trail conditions & character
“In the fall it is beautiful with the colorful trees lining the lake.”
“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.”
“The canopy and the surface area near the benches made in comfortable and convenient for all.”
“In the summer it can get really crowded but are the off-season when people aren't using the beach and swimming is very quiet and pleasant.”
“They also only allow dogs into the park on their off season.”
“It has an an accessible fishing dock and as far as we could tell it was the only "dock" for fishing in the area.”
Plan your run at Thelma Spencer Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterochesterhills.org
- Phone(248) 656-4657
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
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