DETROIT – Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park in Detroit is set to open after years of planning and development.
“We have been getting ready to open Ralph C. Wilson Park for what feels like forever,” said Addison Mauck, director of visitor experience for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
The 22-acre park offers families and visitors stunning views of the Detroit River and the Ambassador and Gordie Howe bridges.
It is designed as a vibrant public space for the community to gather, relax, and enjoy outdoor activities.
“We’re very lucky in Detroit because there’s a lot of great public spaces, there’s Eastern Market, Campus Martius and the Riverfront, and now we have another beautiful public space on the riverfront for people to come hang out and interact with each other,” said Marc Pasco, director of public relations and media relations for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
The park features a variety of amenities, including unique slides, full-size NBA basketball courts, a concert stage, and open green spaces.
Pasco noted that the Detroit community played a role in the park’s design. After seven years in the making, Detroiters now get to enjoy this new space.
“I want to see them walk around here with that sense of wonder, and excitement, and discovery that a new place will do,” Pasco said.
“We believe that Detroiters deserve beautiful spaces and what’s amazing is that there are kids that are going to come this weekend here and believe that this is normal… that this is what Detroit kids get and living here means you get access to these amazing spaces," Mauck said.
The park is designed to be accessible and family-friendly, with picnic areas, seating, and restrooms.
Visitors can also enjoy seasonal programming and events hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
“People ask me all the time, ‘Do you have a special favorite location?’ and ‘What are you most excited about?’ I’m most excited to see people from the community come together and enjoy this park,” Pasco said.
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park officially opens after a 10 a.m. press conference on Saturday, with a full day of activities and food for visitors to enjoy.