Detroit, Michigan, October 16, 2025
Detroit’s 34-acre A.B. Ford Park along the east Riverfront has reopened following a $12 million cleanup and renovation. The project created new green spaces, pathways and recreational amenities after environmental remediation that removed contaminated soil and added more than 500 trees. New features include picnic shelters, playgrounds, a riverwalk, waterfront plaza, fitness area and a basketball court, plus an 8,600-square-foot solar-powered community center serving as the city’s first resiliency hub. Funding combined American Rescue Plan Act support and Strategic Neighborhood Fund contributions. Residents welcomed the revitalization and a mural is planned for the park’s historic radar towers.
Detroit’s A.B. Ford Park Reopens After $12 Million Renovation
Detroit, Michigan – The 34-acre A.B. Ford Park along Detroit’s east Riverfront has reopened following a $12 million renovation and cleanup. The extensive construction work created new green spaces, pathways, and recreational facilities, enhancing public access and waterfront enjoyment for all.
Renovation Details
The renovation included:
- Environmental Remediation: Removal of contaminated soil and planting of over 500 new trees.
- Recreational Facilities: Addition of picnic shelters, playgrounds, a riverwalk, a waterfront plaza, a fitness area, and a basketball court.
- Community Center: Construction of a new 8,600-square-foot, solar-powered community center, Detroit’s first “resiliency hub,” providing residents a solar-powered resource during power outages.
Funding Sources
The project was funded through:
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): $2.13 million allocated for park enhancements.
- Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF): $2.73 million from Penske Corporation’s donation and $3.95 million from City of Detroit funding for the community center.
Community Impact
Residents have expressed enthusiasm about the park’s revitalization, noting the positive impact on the community and the availability of recreational facilities that were previously lacking in the area.
Future Plans
The city plans to beautify the existing missile radar towers with a mural in spring 2026, further enhancing the park’s appeal.
Additional Information
For more details on the A.B. Ford Park improvement project, visit the City of Detroit’s official website.
FAQ
What is the A.B. Ford Park renovation?
The 34-acre A.B. Ford Park along Detroit’s east Riverfront has reopened following a $12 million renovation and cleanup. The extensive construction work created new green spaces, pathways, and recreational facilities, enhancing public access and waterfront enjoyment for all.
What facilities were added to A.B. Ford Park?
The renovation included the addition of picnic shelters, playgrounds, a riverwalk, a waterfront plaza, a fitness area, and a basketball court. Additionally, a new 8,600-square-foot, solar-powered community center was constructed, serving as Detroit’s first “resiliency hub” to provide residents with a solar-powered resource during power outages.
How was the A.B. Ford Park renovation funded?
The project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which allocated $2.13 million for park enhancements, and the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF), which provided $2.73 million from Penske Corporation’s donation and $3.95 million from City of Detroit funding for the community center.
What is the historical significance of A.B. Ford Park?
Historically, during the Cold War, the park was the site of missile radar towers. Those towers still stand, and the city plans to beautify them with a mural in spring 2026.
How has the community responded to the A.B. Ford Park renovation?
Residents have expressed enthusiasm about the park’s revitalization, noting the positive impact on the community and the availability of recreational facilities that were previously lacking in the area.
Are there any future plans for A.B. Ford Park?
The city plans to beautify the existing missile radar towers with a mural in spring 2026, further enhancing the park’s appeal.
Key Features of A.B. Ford Park Renovation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Environmental Remediation | Removal of contaminated soil and planting of over 500 new trees. |
| Recreational Facilities | Picnic shelters, playgrounds, riverwalk, waterfront plaza, fitness area, and basketball court. |
| Community Center | 8,600-square-foot, solar-powered facility serving as Detroit’s first “resiliency hub” during power outages. |
| Funding Sources | American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF). |
| Historical Significance | Site of missile radar towers from the Cold War era; plans for mural beautification in spring 2026. |
| Community Impact | Enhanced recreational facilities and positive community response to revitalization efforts. |
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A.B. Ford Park Reopens After $12 Million Renovation
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.