Alfred Brush Ford Park

Park History

Tucked into Detroit's east riverfront, Alfred Brush Ford Park (or A.B. Ford Park for short) sprawls across 34 acres in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. The city acquired this green space back in 1948, later naming it after World War II Lieutenant Alfred Brush Ford.

The park has evolved quite a bit since those early days, with various improvements marking its journey through the decades.

Current Renovations

If you've visited recently, you've probably noticed that A.B. Ford Park is getting a major facelift. The renovation includes both environmental cleanup and new outdoor amenities. This follows the 2023 completion of a fresh community center, which replaced the old Lenox Community Center that had sat shuttered since 2013.

The environmental work is pretty substantial - crews have removed about 251 trees and added two feet of clean soil across the park to address heavy metal contamination and other industrial residues. New landscaping, walkways, and green spaces are all part of the transformation taking shape.

Community Center

The new community center has quickly become the neighborhood's living room. This modern building houses office spaces and versatile areas for community gatherings and smaller meetings.

The center has earned a reputation for excellence, with attentive staff organizing various events for locals, including health initiatives like #gameoncancer gatherings.

Scenic Views

What really makes this park special is its prime spot along the Detroit River waterfront. From here, you can take in remarkable views of Canada and the Detroit skyline - it's quite the perspective on the city.

A boardwalk hugs the water, fantastic for leisurely strolls or trying your luck at fishing. It's a tranquil escape from urban life without actually leaving the city.

Recreational Opportunities

Even during renovations, the park offers places to fish and relax under the shade of mature trees. The quiet atmosphere makes it a fantastic retreat when you need to decompress in natural surroundings.

The picnic area provides tables nestled under established trees, with some sections featuring grills for impromptu cookouts. The park is also dog-friendly, so you'll see plenty of people walking their leashed companions along the paths.

Future Features

Once the renovation wraps up, the reimagined park will boast an impressive array of amenities including sports courts for basketball and pickleball, playgrounds for the little ones, picnic shelters, and enhanced pathways connecting the Detroit River waterfront.

The project includes planting nearly 600 new trees and shoreline rehabilitation to improve the ecological health of the area.

The good news? The wait shouldn't be much longer. According to local sources, the renovation should be completed soon, with full reopening expected this fall.