The park's 38-acre lake is spring-fed, keeping the water naturally clearer than many local runoff-fed ponds.
The facility is named after Thelma Spencer, a local philanthropist and community activist in the Rochester Hills area.
The park grounds serve as a drainage basin and retention area for surrounding residential runoff during heavy rains.
Thelma Spencer Park is a 113-acre municipal park centered around a 38-acre spring-fed lake. The primary draw is a sandy swimming beach, which is monitored by lifeguards during the summer season. A paved walking path encircles the lake, providing a continuous route for pedestrians and cyclists. The grounds include dedicated picnic areas equipped with charcoal grills and a sand volleyball court. Fishing is permitted in designated areas of the lake, provided local regulations are followed. The park features a large wooden playground structure suitable for children. Several covered pavilions are available throughout the site for group gatherings.
The wooden footbridge located on the north end of the lake offers an unobstructed view of the water and the surrounding wooded shoreline.
Arrive early on hot summer days as the parking lot frequently reaches capacity by midday.
Check the official Rochester Hills parks website for water quality alerts before planning a swim.
Bring your own charcoal, as the park provides metal grills but not the fuel.
Attempting to swim in areas of the lake outside the marked beach boundaries.
The swimming beach is strictly seasonal, typically opening in late spring and closing after Labor Day.
Swimming is strictly restricted to the designated beach area; pets must remain leashed and are prohibited from the swimming beach.
