22-Acre Park to be Built on Detroit’s Riverfront

DETROIT, May 11, 2022 ~ The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and partners broke ground today on the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, a 22-acre park to be located on Detroit’s West Riverfront.

“We have known for years that this part of the riverfront had tremendous potential, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation encouraged us to dream big,” said Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Chairman Matt Cullen. “Parks like this only happen once in a lifetime. Ralph Wilson Park will rank among the best parks in the country … and generations of Detroiters will gather together here and make memories that last a lifetime.”

The park’s name honors the legacy of the late entrepreneur, veteran, and philanthropist Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., and will be completed in 2024.

The park will feature a water garden, the William Davidson Sport House, the Delta Dental Play Garden (with an array of animal-themed structures), and the DTE Foundation Hill, an expansive lawn for special events.

Hear Matt Cullen and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation President and CEO Dave Egner on “The Paul W. Smith Show,” below.