Royal Oak has more than 50 recreation facilities including urban plazas, mini-parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, and nature parks, as well as a community center, senior community center, and golf course.
Royal Oak has six facilities named for women.
Barton Park North and Barton Park South are both name for Clara Barton, a visionary nurse and founder of the Red Cross.
Hamer Finch Wilkins Park is named for Elizabeth and Henry Hamer and their descendants. The Hamer family was one of the first black families to settle in Royal Oak, back in 1857.
Gunn Dyer Park is named for Catherine Gunn Dyer and her husband George Dyer. The Royal Oak residents were both teachers at Royal Oak High School for 35 years.
Wagner Park is named for Dr. Ruth Wagner, a former City Commissioner and Oakland County's first woman physician. She was a staff member of William Beaumont Hospital.
Jack and Patti Salter Community Center on Lincoln Avenue serves both seniors and youth. Patti and her husband Jack were both active in the Metro Detroit Youth Clubs. Patti was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Clawson YWCA and a member of the League of Catholic Women.