Detroit’s long-awaited Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park officially opened its gates this weekend, attracting thousands of visitors to the newly transformed 22-acre riverfront space. This significant milestone comes after an eight-year project, culminating in a $50 million investment that aims to revitalize the city’s waterfront.
Community Celebration
The park, previously known as West Riverfront Park, underwent a major redesign beginning in 2017, following a generous donation from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation in 2018. The grand opening festivities featured live performances from local artists, including Alise King, who expressed her pride in the project and excitement for the community.
“You don’t always see this, you don’t always get this, but this is what Detroit needs,” said King, the lead singer of The Alise King Experience.
Performing alongside iconic acts like the Jacksons, King noted the importance of having safe, welcoming spaces for families. “When you have parks like this, they work as a safe haven for the community to say, hey, you can bring your family here. It’s giving a bigger, better Detroit,” she added.
A Vision Realized
The park features a diverse array of amenities, including a play garden, sports house, water garden, and various event spaces, all designed to enhance Detroit’s acclaimed Riverwalk. Mary Wilson, life trustee of the Wilson Foundation, emphasized that this park embodies the vision her late husband had for the community.
“Detroit deserves it. People from all over the world will come and see this park because it took great teamwork,” Wilson stated, reflecting on the collaborative efforts that brought the park to life.
Wilson shared that her husband regularly visited the site during the park’s development, expressing pride in the community’s involvement. “He would just be so proud because it’s all about teamwork,” she remarked, highlighting his commitment to uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, indicated that the new park will serve as the organization’s largest platform for public engagement. “We have a lot planned for the next year, including another opening in the spring,” he noted, hinting at future events and activities.
The opening weekend featured the lively Harvest Fest, showcasing 35 food trucks and live entertainment, further solidifying the park as a new centerpiece for community gatherings. As visitors enjoyed the festivities, they also experienced the revitalized waterfront, which aims to foster a sense of community and pride among Detroit residents.
For further details about upcoming events at the park, interested individuals can visit the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s website.
