No Mow May

The Royal Oak City Commission voted on May 9, 2022 to support NO MOW MAY. The NO MOW MAY movement’s goal is to allow grass (and dandelions) to grow to help pollinators with habitats and increase the number of bees!

Reducing mowing also saves water and helps your lawn resist draught. Learn more at beecityusa.org.

The commission was encouraged by the Bee Tweens — a group of nine middle schoolers who live in Royal Oak and are passionate about protecting the environment and taking action to help our pollinators. They have been working since the summer of 2021 to educate Royal Oak residents and decision-makers about the benefits of pollinators and how they can help.

What You Need to Know

The decision not to mow your lawn is voluntary.
Residents who participate will not receive notices from code enforcement for the month of May only.
If you choose to participate, can pick up a sign for your lawn at City Hall. The signs will be available for $5. (The signs are weather resilient and can be used year after year.)

The Bee Tweens are sponsored by the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB). One of the goals of the EAB is to communicate great initiatives born from the EAB such as the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S-CAP). the Royal Oak Community Garden and the Bee Tweens.

Art Explored

Calling all artists! The Commission for the Arts is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the 2022-2023 Art Explored Program. This program highlights art from local artists in the downtown area of Royal Oak. Traditionally these art works have been 2D and 3D pieces that have been placed in outdoor locations. While we have spaces outside, we are also interested in having some pieces located inside in city hall! Pieces will be displayed for 1 year.

To qualify, artists shall submit an application which includes a picture of the artwork and any finished dimensions. The applicant may ask us to consider a location, but the final location will be determined by the Commission for the Arts.

The artist will retain ownership of their pieces of art and get $1000.00 if their piece is selected and installed. The Commission for the Arts will supply a plaque for the art.

To apply go to: https://www.romi.gov/215/Art-Explored

Police Department Update

Find the most recent police reports on the city's website.

Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for crime alerts at crimemapping.com. Crime Mapping's goal is to assist police departments in reducing crime through a better-informed citizenry.

Sign up for public safety alerts from the police using Civic Ready. Click here to subscribe.

Civil War Day

The Royal Oak Historical Commission will once again be hosting Civil War Day at the Historic Orson Starr House, (3123 N. Main St, 1 block south of 13 Mile Rd) on Saturday, May 21, from 10 – 4. The event is free to the public.

Civil War re-enactors, both military and civilian, will be on site to demonstrate life in a civil war encampment, including musket firing demonstrations, drill sessions, and camp life, as well as answer any questions.

Meet special guest Clara Barton! She'll describe what medicine was like in the mid-19th century.

Kids can participate in a recruit musket drill with the soldiers through the day after “enlisting”. Kids will be loaned a wooden musket and kepi cap, and go through the basic drill and maneuvers of a Civil War era recruit. At the end, they will be given an enlistment certificate based on an actual Civil War document.

Extra parking is available at the Salvation Army church a block south of the Starr House.

Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Together

Royal Oak will celebrate Juneteenth with a family-friendly event at Centennial Commons on Sunday, June 19 from 4-8 pm.

Juneteenth -- or Freedom Day -- dates back to June 19, 1865. It is the date when enslaved African Americans in Texas first learned that they were free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on Jan. 1, 1863, it took more than two years for the news to spread to Texas.

Whether you've known the history your entire life or you're just learning about Juneteenth, freedom is always worth celebrating -- so let's do it together!

The Royal Oak Juneteenth event will be four hours of family-friendly activities, including music, games, performances, food trucks, vendors, giveaways and much more. If it rains, the plan is to move activities into the Royal Oak Farmers Market.

Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we highlight the history of Emancipation in the United States.

Royal Oak Field of Honor®

The Royal Oak Veterans Event Committee plans to host a moving display of 188 US flags at Centennial Commons in Downtown Royal Oak from May 29 through June 5 to pay tribute to Royal Oak heroes who died in active military service.

This display is made possible through a generous donation from the Henry Ford Health System and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. You can show your support and gratitude by sponsoring a flag or making a donation.

To learn more or to sponsor a flag go to: romi.gov/flags

Refuse and Recycling Carts for Sale

The City of Royal Oak is pleased to announce that additional new blue 64-gallon wheeled refuse carts are available for sale.

The additional refuse carts are $50.00 each. Additional recycle carts are also available for $25.00 each.

Carts can be purchased online or at the Department of Public Service, 1600 N Campbell Rd.

Carts will be delivered approximately early May. Please call the Department of Public Service if you have any further questions at 248-246-3300.

Order online .

Listen Up, Royal Oak!

The new City Commission chamber offers an assistive listening solution that delivers clarity to those struggling to hear in a big room that can at times be crowded. The device (shown in the photo) is easy to use.

If you are interested in trying one, please call the Human Resources Department at 248-246-3070 in advance of any meeting you are planning to attend. We’ll be happy to have a listening device ready and waiting for you!

Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire Department

The Royal Oak Fire Department’s residential lockbox program is designed to get quick access to adults living in their own homes during medical emergencies -- especially senior citizens. When every second counts, the lockbox -- which contains a key to your home -- reduces the likelihood of property damage caused by first responders forcing entry into your home in response to an emergency call.

For more information, go to https://www.romi.gov/1271/FAQ-Residential-Lockbox

Oh, The Things You Can Do Online

We have put together a list of our most requested online services. Discover all the things you can do from the comfort of your home, office or favorite hideaway.

Still can’t find what you are looking for? Email citymanager@romi.gov and someone will get back to you.

Quick Links

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