Explore The Hawk: Swim, Play, Exercise & Plan Your Visit
The Hawk is Farmington Hills’ large recreation, aquatics, fitness, arts and entertainment community center. The 245,000-square-foot facility occupies the former Harrison High School site and serves residents and visitors from surrounding communities.
Address: 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. The center sits on the south side of Twelve Mile Road between Middlebelt and Orchard Lake Roads.
Information reviewed October 22, 2026. Swimming, gym use and certain activities follow schedules separate from regular building hours.
The Hawk Hours: Building, Fitness Center & Pool
The most important planning detail is that building hours are not the same as fitness and pool hours. The city publishes separate schedules for these areas.
| Day | Building | Fitness center |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 5:30 AM–9 PM | 5:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM–9 PM | 5:30 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM | 8 AM–6 PM |
Posted Aquatics Center Hours
| Day | Pool hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 6:30 AM–12 PM and 4 PM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
Holidays and maintenance can cause temporary closures. When The Hawk is temporarily closed, the city says eligible Hawk Passholders may use the Costick Pool for open swim upon showing proof of membership, subject to Costick’s schedule.
What Can You Do at The Hawk?
Lazy river, water slide, zero-depth entry, AquaZip’N, climbing wall, lap lanes and family changing facilities.
Cardio machines, strength equipment, fitness orientations, personal training and group exercise options.
Open basketball, volleyball, pickleball and other scheduled sports programs, depending on court availability.
Indoor walking track, outdoor stadium/track and nearby outdoor recreation areas.
Ceramics, creative arts, maker activities, dance, music and workshops for different age groups.
Theatre productions, concerts, cultural events and related arts programming.
Child-watch service for eligible passholder families with potty-trained children ages 3–11.
Party packages, aquatic celebrations and rentable spaces depending on date, staffing and availability.
Tennis, pickleball courts, stadium, athletic fields and park areas, with access subject to organized events.
Hawk Pass: Day Pass, Monthly & Annual Membership
You do not need to live in Farmington Hills to visit The Hawk. Non-residents are welcome. Residents of Farmington and Farmington Hills qualify for discounted pass and program pricing.
Provides access to open swim, fitness, open gym and locker rooms during designated open-use periods. Youth ages 3–11 must have an accompanying adult.
Includes ongoing facility access with electronic funds transfer (EFT). The city states that enrollment can require up to two months of payment.
Provides year-round access to eligible recreation amenities during open-use periods and may offer savings over monthly billing.
Farmington and Farmington Hills residents receive discounted rates. Confirm acceptable proof of residency when purchasing.
What Is Included With a Hawk Pass?
- Fitness center and fitness orientation.
- Gymnasium during scheduled open use.
- Lap swim and open swim during available time blocks.
- Locker rooms and appropriate recreation equipment during open-use sessions.
- Complimentary Hawk’s Nest child-watch service for eligible passholders.
- Access to certain reduced-price personal training and wellness services.
How to Buy a Hawk Pass
A daily pass suits occasional visits. Monthly or annual membership may make more sense for regular gym and pool use.
If you live in Farmington or Farmington Hills, prepare identification and proof of address for the discounted rate.
The city sells passes in person at The Hawk. Request the exact current price for your category.
Ask about EFT requirements for monthly passes, the renewal cycle, cancellation and freeze requests before enrolling.
Guest Services issues the access credential. The city lists a $5 replacement fee for a lost key fob.
The Hawk Aquatics Center: Slides, Lazy River & Swimming
The indoor aquatic center is one of The Hawk’s biggest attractions for local families. It includes both recreation features and designated lap-swimming areas.
A gentle moving-water feature for recreational swimming during available sessions.
A gradual shallow-water entry area suited to family water play, subject to supervision rules.
Indoor water slide access depends on operating hours, staffing and posted rider requirements.
Activity features for eligible participants, subject to age, safety and availability restrictions.
Two lap-swimming lanes are listed. Availability may change when lessons or programs are scheduled.
The city lists ADA-accessible aquatic features and three accessible locker rooms, including a family locker room.
Pool Visit Checklist
- Check the current open-swim and lap-swim timetable.
- Ask if the slide, AquaZip’N and lazy river will operate during your visit.
- Bring proper swimwear and towels.
- Check rider and child-supervision requirements before promising children specific attractions.
- Use the family changing room if suitable for your household.
- Bring a Hawk Pass or plan to purchase a daily pass at the front desk.
Swim Lessons & Water Exercise
Programming may include parent-child lessons, group and private swimming instruction, competitive swimming, lifeguard/CPR training, water aerobics and adults 50+ water exercise. Programs have separate registration requirements and can carry additional fees.
Open Gym, Basketball, Pickleball & Fitness Rules
The Hawk offers gymnasium activities including basketball, pickleball and volleyball. However, open gym does not mean that every court is available throughout building hours.
| Activity | Visitor requirement |
|---|---|
| Open basketball | Hawk Pass or day pass; check posted gym hours and event reservations. |
| Open pickleball | Check designated sessions, court rotation, equipment and participant rules. |
| Volleyball | Available during scheduled open-use or organized program times. |
| Fitness center | Minimum age 14 without adult supervision; ages 14–16 must complete an equipment orientation. |
| Open gym for children | Ages 12+ may use open gym without adult supervision. Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult or participate in a scheduled program. |
| Outdoor courts/fields | Generally available for public use when not reserved for programs, events or games. |
If you are planning a trip specifically for basketball or pickleball, ask the front desk for the current gym schedule before leaving home.
Classes, Youth Activities, Arts & Programs
The Hawk is more than a sports facility. It also hosts art, dance, theatre, wellness and seasonal programs for children, teens and adults.
Pottery, wheel throwing, ceramics and creative projects for specified age groups.
Preschool ballet, dance instruction, performing arts and related workshops.
Sports instruction, youth leagues, clinics, camps and school-break activities.
Group exercise, personal training, water exercise and active-adult wellness programs.
Creative and hands-on opportunities through dedicated maker and studio spaces.
Community celebrations, performances, exhibitions and seasonal events.
How to Register for a Hawk Program
Decide whether you need aquatics, sports, visual arts, performing arts, fitness, camps or special events.
Open the city’s program catalog or online registration system. Search by activity name, age or class category.
Review minimum and maximum ages, session dates, location, available places and any required equipment.
Look at Hawk Pass, Farmington/Farmington Hills resident and non-resident prices where applicable.
Sign in or create your recreation account, add household participants, select the activity and complete payment.
For example, the city’s online catalog has displayed ceramics and wheel-throwing classes with separate resident and non-resident prices and availability statuses. These are session-specific, not permanent prices.
Hawk’s Nest: Child Watch for Families
Hawk’s Nest is the community center’s supervised child-watch space. The city’s facility FAQ states that it serves potty-trained children ages 3–11 and that the service is complimentary for eligible passholders.
- Confirm current child-watch hours and available space.
- Ask about check-in, parent presence and maximum stay requirements.
- Check eligibility for your Hawk Pass type.
- Do not assume child watch is available whenever the main building is open.
- Babysitters and nannies accompanying children may need a separate pass.
The city lists a babysitter/nanny pass at $5 monthly or $50 annually, but says babysitters/nannies are not eligible to use Hawk’s Nest services under that pass. Confirm how the specific arrangement works before bringing children.
Rent The Hawk: Birthday Parties, Meetings & Events
The Hawk offers rental options for birthday celebrations, group meetings, performances, sports and other gatherings. Available spaces include party rooms, meeting rooms, theatre facilities and eligible recreation areas.
Choose the Right Rental
| Event type | What to ask about |
|---|---|
| Children’s birthday party | Party room, swim package, age restrictions, included guests, food arrangements and staffing. |
| Meeting or seminar | Room capacity, tables, chairs, audiovisual equipment and setup windows. |
| Dance recital or performance | Theatre availability, stage, rehearsal access, technical support and event staffing. |
| Sports training or tournament | Gym/court availability, equipment, participant capacity, insurance requirements and reservation duration. |
| Community gathering | Room size, resident/non-resident rates, catering rules and accessible entry. |
Booking Procedure
- Select your event type, expected attendance and preferred dates.
- Ask whether the event needs a room rental, athletic rental or special birthday package.
- Request the full cost including setup, staffing, equipment, additional time and any deposit.
- Review the City rental application and catering restrictions where applicable.
- Submit the required official paperwork and payment only after the rental team confirms availability.
- Get written confirmation of room, entrance, date, start/end time and cleanup responsibilities.
Location, Directions, Parking & Public Transportation
The Hawk is at 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334, on the former Harrison High School campus.
Getting There
- From I-696: The city’s directions advise taking the Orchard Lake Road exit north and turning east onto Twelve Mile Road.
- From Telegraph Road: Travel west along Twelve Mile Road.
- By bus: SMART Route 740 serves Twelve Mile Road, with eastbound and westbound stops in front of the building. Confirm current routes and timetables before travel.
- By bicycle: The facility lists onsite bicycle parking.
- On foot: A pedestrian bridge over I-696 connects the campus to the neighborhood around Beechview Elementary School.
The Hawk includes onsite vehicle parking, but event parking demand and access routes can change. Allow additional arrival time during performances, tournaments and weekend events.
Practical Visitor Plans
Confirm leisure-pool availability, slide schedule and child rules. Purchase a day pass if needed, then use the family locker room.
Confirm pass access and fitness age requirements. Friday fitness hours end earlier than main building hours.
Check the current court schedule. A private rental, league or special event may replace normal open play.
Confirm space, guest limits, staffing, setup and total cost before inviting attendees.
Other Michigan Community Centers to Compare
If you are comparing indoor pools, sports programs, family recreation or membership options elsewhere in Metro Detroit, our Troy Community Center visitor guide covers pool access, day passes and registration. Our Warren Community Center guide explains aquatic schedules, membership rules and gym activities.
Each facility has separate pricing, residency rules and admission policies, so do not assume a Hawk Pass works at another city’s community center.
Before You Leave Home
- Check building hours and the schedule for the exact activity.
- Call about aquatic features or open gym if those are the reason for your trip.
- Bring identification and residency proof for discounted passes.
- Bring proper swimwear for pool activities or suitable gym shoes for sports.
- Check age and supervision rules for children.
- For classes, verify registration and the assigned room.
- For rentals, confirm the contract, date and event access instructions.
- Review local roadwork and parking conditions.
Front desk: (248) 699-6700
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is The Hawk Farmington Hills Community Center?
The Hawk is located at 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, between Middlebelt and Orchard Lake Roads. The main phone number is (248) 699-6700.
2. What are The Hawk Community Center building hours?
The city lists Monday through Friday 5:30 AM–9 PM, Saturday 7 AM–7 PM and Sunday 8 AM–6 PM. Holidays, maintenance and special events can change access.
3. What are The Hawk pool hours?
Published general pool hours are Monday through Friday 6:30 AM–12 PM and 4 PM–8 PM, Saturday 7 AM–6 PM and Sunday 8 AM–5 PM. Specific open-swim, lap-swim and water-feature availability must be checked separately.
4. Does The Hawk offer daily passes?
Yes. Daily Hawk Passes are sold at the Guest Services desk. They allow access to eligible fitness, gym and pool areas during scheduled open-use times.
5. How much does a Hawk Pass cost?
The city offers daily, monthly and annual passes, with discounted pricing for Farmington and Farmington Hills residents. The current fee structure is displayed as an image on the official pass page, so call (248) 699-6700 for the exact price before purchase.
6. Can non-residents use The Hawk?
Yes. Non-residents are welcome at The Hawk. Farmington and Farmington Hills residents receive discounts on eligible Hawk Passes and programs.
7. Does The Hawk have a lazy river and water slide?
Yes. The aquatic center lists a lazy river, water slide, AquaZip’N, climbing wall, zero-depth entry, lap lanes and accessible locker rooms. Feature availability changes with schedules and staffing.
8. How old must children be to use The Hawk without adult supervision?
The city’s facility FAQ says passholders ages 12 and older may attend open gym and open swim without adult supervision. Fitness center users must be at least 14 to use it without supervision, and ages 14–16 require an equipment orientation.
9. Can I rent a room or book a birthday party at The Hawk?
Yes. The Hawk provides meeting, party, theatre and athletic rental options. The city’s rental office can explain availability, applications, staffing and current rates.
10. Does The Hawk provide childcare while parents exercise?
The Hawk offers Hawk’s Nest child-watch service for eligible passholders with potty-trained children ages 3–11. Check operating hours, capacity and eligibility with Guest Services.
Official Links for Your Final Action
City of Farmington Hills — The Hawk building, hours and schedules
Official Hawk Pass membership and day-pass information
Official aquatics schedules and pool rules