See the new renovations at A.B. Ford Park as it reopens on the Detroit Riverfront

After months of renovations, Detroit families can finally enjoy the 34-acre A.B. Ford Park, packed with fun ways to play, relax and explore the waterfront. 

You’ll find two new playgrounds, a basketball court, walkways, a meadow area for nature-lovers and even fitness stations for active parents to get a quick workout in. 

Next door, the A.B. Ford Community Center, which was constructed in October 2023, provides youth programs, community events and indoor spaces for when the weather gets chilly. Jointly, the park and center offer a neighborhood hub for family fun.

What to know about A.B. Ford Park

• Address: 100 Lenox St., Detroit 
• Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
• Parking: Free lots next to the park
• Cost: Free

• 

A thoughtful redesign

Cleanup crews worked hard to restore the natural environment, cleaning up the soil and planting over 500 new trees, making the park greener and safer for current and future generations. The new layout revolves around family recreation, connecting new walking and biking paths throughout the park, which sits a few miles east of where the Detroit Riverwalk begins.

Whether your family wants to bike, play, fish or simply relax, the park has a space for everyone. 

Historical significance

For history-loving kids, the revamped park is an excellent spot to take a walk back in time. During the Cold War, A.B. Ford Park was the site of missile radar towers, and the base of two of these towers can still be seen today. 

In the coming months, Detroit City Walls has plans to paint these towers with murals, adding color and art to the park. 

Make a day of it

Nearby the park, there are quite a few options to turn outdoor playtime into a full-day outing. Here are a few:

Coriander Kitchen and Farm Restaurant

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A family-friendly restaurant right next to A.B. Ford Park is located in a former marina offering fresh, casual fare.

• Hours: Open for lunch and dinner Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Open for brunch and lunch Sundays.
• Address: 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit
• Phone: (313) 338-9466

Detroit River Sports

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To experience the riverfront from a whole new perspective, hop in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

• Hours: Open May-October offering guided tours on weekends and most weekdays.
• Address: 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit
• Phone: (313) 908-0484