SparkDetroit

• Location Address:2240 W Buno Road 48380  view full map & directions
• Website:http://www.metroparks.com/parks/pk_kensington.php

With more than two and a half million visitors each year, Kensington Metropark is a 4,481- acre first- class recreational facility. Its wooded hilly terrain surrounds beautiful Kent Lake. The park features an 18-hole regulation golf course, a disc golf course, a nature center, a farm learning center, picnic areas, beaches, boat rentals and a paved hike-bike trail.

BIKING
A paved, eight and one-half mile trail, with rolling terrain and a few steep hills, circles Kent Lake. Helmet use is required by local ordinance for cyclists, in-line skaters and anyone using a wheeled device on the paved hike/bike trail. Skateboards and mountainboards are not permitted in the park.

BOAT RENTAL
Paddleboats, kayaks and rowboats are available at the Boat Rental Building near Maple Beach. Special senior rates (weekdays only except holidays). Life jackets provided. $20 deposit and driver's license required for rentals.

CANOEING
Canoe maps for trips along the Huron River available at the Park Office. Canoe campsites available for overnight trips by advance reservation only. Contact the Park Office for reservations. No canoe rentals.


Canoe campsite fee - overnight $2/canoe (up to five canoes)

DISC GOLF
The 24-hole disc golf course, located at the north end of the Martindale Beach parking lot, is open daily thru the year during park hours. Free.


FITNESS TRAIL
A 20-station exercise trail is designed to provide a well-balanced routine of physical activity and fun for all ages. Trail located in Playfield Picnic Area.

HIKING
At the park's nature center, more than eight and one-half miles of trails varying in length from a half mile to two and a half miles take hikers through a variety of habitats including a tamarack bog, woodlands, abandoned fields and open wetlands. The observant hiker is often rewarded with sightings of deer, birds, squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife along the trails. A boardwalk over Wildwing Lake affords close up views of the lake's inhabitants including a heron rookery that is located on an island in the lake. Interpretive labels along most of the trails explain some of the natural and cultural history of the area. Varied terrain. In addition to these trails, a one and one-half mile trail is located at the Spring Hill Picnic Area. The park's eight and one-half miles of paved hike-bike trail circles Kent Lake.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Individuals with their own horses may use 10 miles of marked equestrian trails; the staging area is located off Dawson Road on Martindale Road. Release waiver and bridle tag required in advance. Contact Park Office for details. Dogs are not allowed on the trails.

SPLASH 'n' BLAST
The Splash 'n' Blast offers two, 250-foot twisted waterslides, and a water spray area with cannons, palm trees and serpents that spray water to cool off on a hot day. Irrigated with pool-quality water, the Splash 'n' Blast requires waterslide riders to be 48" high, and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through late summer.

SWIMMING
Maple Beach (no lifeguards on duty) is open daily 10 am - 6 pm, weather permitting, May 1 thru mid-September. Memorial Day thru Labor Day, Maple is open 10 am - 8 pm.

Martindale Beach, lifeguarded, open daily Memorial Day thru Labor Day, contact the Park Office for hours of operation. Bathhouses, food bars and first aid facilities are available. Alcohol, grills and pets are prohibited in the beach areas.