Nearly a dozen neighborhood parks in Detroit are getting major investments.
Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration said the 11 projects were shaped with input from block clubs, neighborhood associations, schools, businesses and organizations that use the parks.
“Strong, vibrant neighborhoods are ones that have convenient access to high-quality parks,” Sheffield said in a released statement, adding the effort is part of her administration’s broad focus on neighborhood-level investments to better the quality of life for long-time Detroiters.
The $20 million initiative is funded through a combination of city funds, state and federal grants, the Strategic Neighborhood Fund and philanthropic partners, including the Gilbert Family Foundation.
Park improvements completed & on the way
Eliza Howell Park (District 1)
When: Construction begins in fall 2026
Cost: $1 million (Gilbert Family Foundation, State of Michigan Trust Fund grant and city funds)
What: The addition of a nature play area accessible for special needs children and caregivers.
Peterson Park (District 2)
Completed: July 2026
Cost: $1.5 million
What: A new nature play area, splash pad, playground, picnic tables and updated tennis court.
Jayne-Lasky Park (District 3)
When: Construction expected spring 2027
Cost: $1.25 million (Strategic Neighborhood Fund and Dauch Corporation)
What: Multi-sport court construction, better connectivity and plaza around the Lasky Recreation Center.
Hasse Emery (District 3)
When: In the bidding process
Cost: $500,000 (Gilbert Family Foundation)
What: A toddler-focused playground and tot town
Farwell Park (District 3)
When: Completed July 2026
Cost: $2 million (state funds)
What: Tennis court improvements, a new playground and over a mile of asphalt pathways, including a large walking loop.
Dorais Park (District 3)
When: Construction to be completed in fall 2026
Cost: $1.5 million (Gilbert Family Foundation, ARPA and city funds)
What: It will be the home of the city’s first BMX Bike and Nature Park with multi-use trails.
Heilmann Park (District 3)
When: Under construction, anticipated 2027 completion
Cost: $1.8 million (Strategic Neighborhood Fund, Fifth Third Bank as well as a national Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program grant and CDBG funds)
What: New accessible play features, better connectivity between the school and recreation center, new sports courts (basketball and tennis), new building entry plaza, exercise equipment and more.
MLK Park (District 5)
When: Project is out to bid
Cost: $2.5 million
What: A historic renovation for MLK Plaza and complete park expansion to triple the footprint of the park, adding a playground, parking, horseshoe area, picnic amenities, seating, trees and landscaping.
Cass Park (District 6)
When: Construction expected to start fall 2026
Cost: $2.5 million
What: Historic park renovation with improved walkways and a new plaza connecting the high school with a “chill zone.”
Patton Park (District 6)
When: Bidding to begin, construction begins spring 2027
Cost: $2.3 million (Federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program and State Trust Fund grants)
What: Building the Joe Louis Greenway route through the park, including connections from adjacent neighborhoods.
Simanek Park (District 7)
When: Under construction with Summer 2027 completion
Cost: $3 million (Strategic Neighborhood Fund, Huntington Bank)
What: A complete park renovation with a nature play area, stormwater management, sports fields, playgrounds, shelters and more.
The park improvement projects are led by Detroit’s General Services Department. GSD park planners are guided by the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan (PRSP), a framework for prioritizing city park projects through 2033. The 10-year plan was adopted by the City Council in November 2022.
The City of Detroit has more than 300 parks and partners with Detroit Parks Coalition for its Adopt-A-Park stewardship program. Adopt-A-Park stewards have access to supplies for park cleanups and events, organizational training, grant opportunities and special sponsorships.
For this year’s season – April 1 to Nov. 1 – Detroit’s Adopt-A-Park program enrolled a record 90 stewards between community groups, organizations and churches, according to the city.
Detroit Parks Coalition Executive Director Sigal Hemy Spiegel said in a statement that participation in 2026 has broad representation in each City Council district and reflects the commitment residents have to their communities.
“Whether they are one-acre or one thousand, parks are our common ground — places where we can recognize our similarities over our differences, experience nature, and celebrate life together,” Spiegel said.
The 2027 application will open November 2026. For more information, click here.
