“A.B. Ford Park. Thirty-four acres of stories waiting to be unearthed.” Right here, along Detroit’s east riverfront, Ford Park stretches from Scripps Street to Lakewood Street and down to Lenox Street. Ford Park isn’t just a patch of green; it’s a testament to Detroit’s resilience. The park has seen a lot. From industrial activity leaving its mark on the soil to the shuttering of the old community center in 2013, Ford Park has weathered many storms. But like Detroit itself, Ford Park is all about reinvention.
Ford Park is currently undergoing a massive transformation. This isn’t just a facelift; it’s a complete overhaul. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act and the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, the park is getting a much-needed infusion of life. While the park itself is closed for construction, the Community Center at A.B. Ford remains open. It’s a hub for the community, offering programs and activities throughout the week. You can check their website, detroitmi.gov/ABFord, for the latest schedule. The outdoor improvements will change everything. Imagine new walking paths meandering through the park, connecting the community to the waterfront in a whole new way. Picture kids squealing with delight on a brand-new playground, families enjoying picnics under freshly built shelters. And for the active folks, there are plans for pickleball and basketball courts.
But the renovations go deeper than just new amenities. The city is undertaking a massive remediation project to remove contaminated soil, a legacy of past industrial activities. They’re replacing the majority of the trees too. Hundreds of new trees will take root, creating a vibrant, healthy landscape for generations to come. This is a significant undertaking. The project is expected to cost $18.4 million. This shows how committed the city is to revitalizing this important community space. This revitalization mirrors the transformation of Riverside Park. Once a neglected area, Riverside Park is now a thriving green space. This offers hope for what Ford Park can become: a beautiful, accessible, and vital part of Detroit’s riverfront.
When it reopens this fall, Ford Park will be more than just a park. It will be a symbol of Detroit’s enduring spirit, a place where the community can connect with nature and with each other.