The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is on track to open to the public in October 2025, taking its place as another significant piece of Detroit’s revitalization. The park, named after 54-year owner of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, is a testament to Wilson’s appreciation for Detroit – the city where he grew up and called home. Wilson, a philanthropist, left behind a legacy and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, has become the park’s main financial backer.
The Detroit waterfront parcel and its 22 acres of once little used, flat greenspace along W. Jefferson Ave. is no more. The unproductive space has been replaced by a sloping hill for winter sledding and summertime movie viewing, a lush two-acre water garden, and a Copenhagen inspired play area for kids. Additionally, there will be two basketball courts. This dynamic park has something for all ages.
Community members are already excited about the park’s potential for connection in Detroit’s diverse population.
“I want to see more Hispanic Heritage events and festivals to have people feel more connected to the park,” said community organizer and digital navigator at Bridging Communities, Alexis Escoto, at a park update and feedback session attended by several community residents and advocates last Thursday, March 6 at the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center.
Park planning discussions have included a 21-person advisory committee made up of locals who travelled to different U.S. parks and brought back valuable insights for the implementation of impactful design.
“[The park] has had a long history of planning and community engagement and design discussions by various architects, internationally and locally, to come up with the best design for the park,” said Rhonda Collins, Construction Manager for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
Also involved in the design process were the brilliant minds of local elementary school kids from Maybury, The James and Grace Lee Boggs School, and St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic School. Denmark company Monstrum, which has designed out-of-this-world playscapes in Finland, Belgium, and Sweden, brought the school children’s vibrant ideas to the table. From these ideas came a giant bird whose beak is a slide, and its four friends – a large-mouth bass, fox, otter, and bear.
Though spacious, the park promises to be cozy, as well. There will be a promenade lined with stunning cherry trees, tranquil fishing opportunities, and ample seating to take in the beautiful views. Thoughtfully designed accessibility ramps will ensure that the park is welcoming to people of all abilities. Treehouses nestled in the playlot will provide a whimsical escape. Additionally, an outdoor classroom will be available for school groups visiting the park for educational trips, providing an opportunity for students to connect with nature and learn about the varied vegetation.
The architectural firm behind the park is Michael Van Valkenburg Associates. MVVA is renowned for their projects such as the Obama Center in Chicago, IL, which includes the presidential library and Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo, New York.
“Our community in Southwest — our Mexicantown community — has got to go out there and enjoy the park and not be afraid. We all deserve nice parks,” said Anthony Benavides, executive director of the Clark Park Coalition.
Estefania Arellano-Bermudez is a Latina freelance writer living in metro Detroit. She is a regular contributor to EL CENTRAL Hispanic News and a member of Planet Detroit’s Neighborhood Reporting Lab.
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