Detroit, MI, October 25, 2025
Detroit’s west riverfront gains a vibrant new public space with the opening of a 22-acre Centennial Park. The $80 million waterfront park features a five-acre play garden with giant animal sculptures and a 23-foot bear slide, a 2.5-acre wetlands water garden with walkways and nature programming, a large lawn for concerts and events, and a year-round covered pavilion with two full basketball courts. The grand opening weekend includes a free Harvest Fest with live entertainment, food trucks, and family activities. The park provides new recreational, educational, and community space along Jefferson Avenue.
Detroit
Detroit’s west riverfront is welcoming a new gem with the opening of the $80 million Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park. After eight years of planning and construction since 2022, the park features music, food trucks, and family attractions. This vibrant addition enhances the city’s scenic waterfront for residents and visitors alike.
Grand Opening Details
The grand opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park is scheduled for October 25 and 26, 2025. The event will commence with a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, followed by a weekend of festivities. The park will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on both days.
Park Features
The 22-acre park is divided into four distinct zones:
- Delta Dental Play Garden: A five-acre area featuring giant animal sculptures and a 23-foot-tall Bernstein Bear Slide, designed for children to climb and explore.
- Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden: A 2.5-acre wetlands area with walkways, offering educational nature programming.
- DTE Foundation Summit: A wide green lawn for concerts and events, providing a space for gatherings and performances.
- William Davidson Sport House: A year-round covered pavilion with two full basketball courts, funded by the Detroit Pistons and owner Tom Gores.
Community Celebration
The grand opening weekend will feature the Detroit Harvest Fest, a free event filled with live entertainment, fall activities, food trucks, and family-friendly fun throughout the park.
Background
The park honors the legacy of the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph C. Wilson Jr., founder and longtime owner of the Buffalo Bills NFL team. The project began in 2017, with construction starting in May 2022. The park is designed by New York-based Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and is expected to be a significant addition to Detroit’s riverfront, providing a space for recreation, education, and community events.
Visitor Information
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park is located at 1801 W. Jefferson Avenue, between 8th Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard. The park will be open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Dogs that are under control and leashed at all times are allowed in the park.
FAQs
What is the grand opening schedule for Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park?
The grand opening is scheduled for October 25 and 26, 2025, starting with a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, followed by a weekend of festivities. The park will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on both days.
What are the main features of the park?
The park includes four distinct zones: the Delta Dental Play Garden with giant animal sculptures and a 23-foot-tall Bernstein Bear Slide; the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, a 2.5-acre wetlands area with walkways; the DTE Foundation Summit, a wide green lawn for concerts and events; and the William Davidson Sport House, a year-round covered pavilion with two full basketball courts.
What is the Detroit Harvest Fest?
The Detroit Harvest Fest is a free event featuring live entertainment, fall activities, food trucks, and family-friendly fun throughout the park. It will be held during the grand opening weekend on October 25 and 26, 2025.
Who was Ralph C. Wilson Jr.?
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. was an entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the founder and longtime owner of the Buffalo Bills NFL team. He was dedicated to improving the quality of life in his hometown of Detroit and in Buffalo, New York, through the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
What are the park’s operating hours?
The park will be open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Dogs that are under control and leashed at all times are allowed in the park.
Key Features of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Delta Dental Play Garden | A five-acre area featuring giant animal sculptures and a 23-foot-tall Bernstein Bear Slide, designed for children to climb and explore. |
| Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden | A 2.5-acre wetlands area with walkways, offering educational nature programming. |
| DTE Foundation Summit | A wide green lawn for concerts and events, providing a space for gatherings and performances. |
| William Davidson Sport House | A year-round covered pavilion with two full basketball courts, funded by the Detroit Pistons and owner Tom Gores. |
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