While the name Ralph C. Wilson Jr. is synonymous with the Super Bowl appearances of the Buffalo Bills, his connection to the Motor City runs deep. Soon, that legacy is taking magnificent physical form along the revitalized Detroit Riverfront.
The ambitious Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, a 22-acre transformative project on the West Riverfront, is nearing completion and set to open this upcoming Saturday, October 25, 2025, poised to become one of the largest and most significant public green space donated by the late philanthropist’s foundation in Southeast Michigan. The park is not merely a playground; it is a permanent testament to Wilson’s commitment to improving the quality of life in the region he called home.
Recommended Videos
The Detroit roots of an NFL titan
Ralph Cook Wilson Jr. (1918–2014) was a powerful figure in American sports and industry, but he was fundamentally a product of Southeast Michigan. Born in Colombus, Ohio but raised in the Metro Detroit area, Wilson initially began his career in the insurance industry. He served in the Navy during World War II and, upon his return, expanded his business interests in construction, TV, and radio industries before becoming a foundational figure in the American Football League (AFL).
In 1960, Wilson became the founding owner of the Buffalo Bills. While his primary football passion resided in Western New York, his deep commitment to community improvement was anchored in Detroit. Throughout his life, Wilson maintained residences and strong business ties in the area, often contributing quietly to local causes.
Continuation of generosity
Wilson’s greatest act of philanthropy was catalyzed by his passing in 2014. Upon his death, the Buffalo Bills were sold. The proceeds, a staggering sum, were used to establish the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
With an endowment exceeding $1.2 billion, the Foundation was mandated to spend its entire corpus within 20 years to honor Wilson’s memory by focusing on two geographical regions: Western New York and Southeast Michigan. With the Foundation targeting four key areas: active lifestyles, preparing for success, caregivers, and entrepreneurship & economic development, the new park falls squarely within the “active lifestyles” pillar, emphasizing access to vibrant, accessible public spaces.
The crown jewel of Riverfront revitalization
In honor of what would have been Ralph C. Wilson Jr.’s 100th birthday on October 17, 2018, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation announced a landmark $200 million investment in parks and trails , with $100 million dedicated to Southeast Michigan, including Detroit.
Detroit’s 22-acre west riverfront site was slated to be transformed into a new signature civic space renamed Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, and $40 million was committed for its construction plus $10 million to support long-term sustainability, alongside $50 million for trails in the region.
The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park represents a collaboration between the Foundation, the City of Detroit, and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. It is a key achievement in the Conservancy’s decades-long effort to transform the city’s historically industrialized waterfront into 5.5 miles of accessible public space.
The design of the space is centered around family engagement, wellness, and environmental connection and will include:
- Dynamic play areas
- A serene water garden
- Active sports house
- Walking paths
For Detroiters, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park represents a pivotal moment in reclaiming and redefining the city’s relationship with the Detroit River. The park is expected to draw millions of visitors annually, bringing economic activity and enhancing the overall well-being of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The legacy of Ralph C. Wilson Jr., the football mogul who never forgot and continued to pour into his hometown, will now be experienced daily through the laughter of children, integrated green spaces, and the enduring beauty of Detroit’s revitalized riverfront.