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Detroit Opens Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park After Multi-Year Riverfront Redevelopment

A major gift from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation brought the 22-acre project from concept to public reality.

Overview

  • Opening weekend drew thousands for Harvest Fest with 35 food trucks and live performances including The Jacksons and local artists.
  • The park offers walking trails, full-size NBA basketball courts, a play garden, a sports house, a water garden, and dedicated event spaces.
  • The site, formerly known as West Riverfront Park, was reimagined in 2017 before receiving the foundation gift in 2018 that enabled construction.
  • Coverage cites a reported $50 million investment and describes the development timeline as seven to eight years.
  • The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Riverfront Conservancy says more programming and a spring opening activation are planned.