News Summary
Detroit officials are planning to transform the former Rogell Golf Course, now closed, into a passive nature park and community-focused developments. The project, which includes a 22-acre proposal area and an expansive nature park, aims to revitalize the area while addressing safety and environmental concerns. Local residents hope for positive changes that reflect community needs, such as health-oriented retail and mixed-use spaces. The park, designed with community input, is set to open in October, enhancing recreational opportunities in the neighborhood.
Detroit is set to undergo a major transformation as city officials and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) have announced plans to redevelop the former Rogell Golf Course, closed since 2013. The project will involve creating a passive nature park and developing a portion of the site for potential community-oriented uses.
The Rogell Golf Course, spanning 120 acres at the southeast corner of Berg Road and Seven Mile, has fallen into disrepair since its closure, disappointing many longtime residents. Eric Robinson, a lifelong resident of northwest Detroit, fondly recalls his childhood memories of the golf course and hopes for its revitalization.
Currently, the city is focusing on a proposal for a 22-acre section of the former golf course. The city has issued a request for proposals (RFP), with submissions due by June 23, 2023. A developer is expected to be selected by August. The city seeks to attract projects that align with their revitalization goals, and potential plans include health care facilities, retail spaces, educational institutions, or mixed-use developments.
Meanwhile, the passive nature park will occupy the remaining 98 acres and is scheduled to open in October. Designed according to feedback gathered from local residents, the park will feature natural elements such as trails, two boardwalks, wetlands, and meadows, providing an area for recreation and community engagement.
The Rogell Golf Course has a long history, having opened in 1914 and operated by the city from 1946 until it was sold to Greater Grace Temple in 2007 for $2.1 million. After a few years of operation, profitability issues led to its closure in 2013. Subsequently, in 2018, the city repurchased the land from the church for $1.9 million, utilizing a federal grant aimed at disaster recovery.
Since the land’s acquisition, community members and organizations have actively participated in discussions about potential uses for the site. Concerns regarding crimes and unwanted activities in the park have surfaced, prompting residents to voice their hopes for responsible development. The Berg-Lahser Community Association has expressed a preference for health-oriented retail concepts, steering away from liquor stores and fast-food establishments.
Additional proposals for the site have included affordable senior housing and single-family homes, reflecting the community’s need for more diverse residential options. However, it is important to note that the area faces environmental challenges, with remnants of pesticides and chemicals previously used on the golf course posing potential risks.
Experts in urban studies have noted that the combination of nature preservation and development aligns with Detroit’s overall revitalization strategy. The planned park will enhance safety by providing improved routes for schoolchildren traveling to nearby schools, fostering greater community interaction.
To promote sustained community involvement, it is essential to implement regular programming within the park, ensuring its maintenance and continued interest from residents. The city plans to manage the park in a manner similar to its existing network of over 300 parks, thereby maintaining a standard of service and environmental stewardship.
Recent investments in infrastructure improvements nearby highlight the city’s commitment to revitalizing northwest Detroit. As both the nature park and potential development projects take shape, the district looks forward to reinvigorating the community and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Abandoned Golf Course Has a New Future in Sight
- Wikipedia: Rogell Golf Course
- Crain’s Detroit: Former Rogell Golf Course Seeks Development Proposals
- Google Search: Detroit Rogell Golf Course
- Detroit Free Press: Golf Course Rogell Detroit Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
- CBS News: Abandoned Golf Course May Become Detroit’s Newest Park
- Google News: Detroit Development
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.
