
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park
A 22-acre riverfront transformation connecting greenways with play gardens, sports, and stunning water views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Grand opening celebration!

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park
Best Time
Grand opening celebration!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 22-acre riverfront transformation connecting greenways with play gardens, sports, and stunning water views.
"Enjoy the best park around west side with lots to offer, swimming pool, soccer, baseball, dog park."
🎯 Grand Opening Festivities
Don't miss the FREE grand opening celebration Oct 25-26 with Detroit Harvest Fest, food trucks, and live entertainment!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
With 22 acres to explore, wear comfy shoes for walking the trails and enjoying all the park has to offer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Delta Dental Play Garden
Southwest Riverfront
A vibrant, creatively designed play space for kids with colorful surfaces and a unique bear play structure.

Water Garden & Riverfront Views
Along the Detroit River
Explore the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden and enjoy scenic vistas of the Detroit River.

Sport House & Event Lawn
Central Park Area
Facilities for sports and a spacious lawn perfect for events and relaxation, all with a modern design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Grand Opening Buzz
Park Features & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Grand Opening Festivities
Don't miss the FREE grand opening celebration Oct 25-26 with Detroit Harvest Fest, food trucks, and live entertainment!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
With 22 acres to explore, wear comfy shoes for walking the trails and enjoying all the park has to offer.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the riverfront, unique play structures, and green spaces.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
The park features dedicated dog park areas for both small and large dogs, perfect for pet owners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grand Opening Festivities
Don't miss the FREE grand opening celebration Oct 25-26 with Detroit Harvest Fest, food trucks, and live entertainment!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
With 22 acres to explore, wear comfy shoes for walking the trails and enjoying all the park has to offer.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the riverfront, unique play structures, and green spaces.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
The park features dedicated dog park areas for both small and large dogs, perfect for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the park's potential as a great west-side destination with diverse offerings like a pool, sports fields, and dog parks, plus lovely water views. However, some reviews express disappointment over the removal of mature trees and concerns about overgrown grass and unkempt playground equipment, suggesting a need for better maintenance and upgrades in certain areas.
"Enjoy the bast park around west side with lots to offer, swimming pool, soccer, baseball, dog park for small and big dog, water view to enjoy, barbecue place."
Buffalolife
"They cut down all the big beautiful trees that used to be in the park. Now its grass is overgrown and whatever work they are plan to do isn't really happening. Much like the rest of Buffalo this park is disgusting."
M R
"The playground at this park is not a playground at all it looks dangerous and unkept it's unsafe for kids to climb on and really needs to be upgraded along with the splash pad I try and take my daughter to a different park each weekend and I've noticed the difference between the parks and different neighborhoods the city of Buffalo has to do better"
Happy Hour
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located along the Detroit Riverfront and connects to the Southwest Greenway. It's accessible by car, with parking expected to be available. Public transport options may also be available; check local transit schedules closer to your visit.
While specific parking details for the grand opening are still emerging, new parks typically offer dedicated parking areas. It's advisable to check the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website for the most up-to-date information on parking availability and any associated fees.
Yes, the park is designed to connect with the Southwest Greenway, making it an excellent destination for cyclists. Bike racks are likely to be available for secure parking.
Information on public transport routes serving the new park is still developing. It's recommended to consult Detroit's public transit authority for routes that may get you close to the riverfront area.
The park spans 22 acres along the riverfront. Walking is the primary way to explore, with paved paths and green spaces. Consider a map of the park once it's fully open to plan your route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park is generally free to enter and explore. The grand opening celebration in October 2025 is also advertised as a free community event.
Official operating hours will be announced closer to the full opening in Fall 2025. Parks are typically open from dawn until dusk, but specific hours for amenities like the pool or sports facilities may vary.
No, the grand opening celebration on October 25 & 26, 2025, is a free community event and does not require advance ticket booking.
The Delta Dental Play Garden is designed for children, but specific age recommendations for play structures will likely be posted on-site. Other areas are open to all ages.
The park features event lawn areas and a Sport House, suggesting potential for event rentals. Inquiries about reserving space should be directed to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Delta Dental Play Garden, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, sports facilities, event lawns, and scenic riverfront views.
Absolutely! The Delta Dental Play Garden is a major highlight, featuring colorful, safe, and engaging play structures, including a notable bear slide.
Yes, the park includes a Sport House and areas designed for various sports activities, catering to active visitors.
While reviews mention a pool, its operational status and hours may vary. It's best to check for specific pool access and schedules closer to your visit.
Yes, the park is equipped with dedicated dog park areas for both small and large dogs, allowing pets to enjoy the space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the grand opening, food trucks will be present. Permanent food and beverage options within the park are yet to be fully detailed, but it's a common feature for large urban parks.
Picnicking is generally encouraged in parks. With ample green space and event lawns, bringing your own food for a picnic is likely a great option.
Reviews indicate the presence of barbecue places, suggesting that visitors can enjoy grilling within designated areas.
The grand opening will feature a variety of food trucks, offering diverse culinary options. Specific vendors will likely be announced closer to the event date.
Park rules regarding alcohol consumption can vary. It's advisable to check the official park regulations or Detroit Riverfront Conservancy guidelines for specific information.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverfront views, the unique architecture of the Sport House, the colorful Delta Dental Play Garden, and the water features offer excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in public parks for safety and privacy reasons. It's crucial to check the park's specific drone policy with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy before flying.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm ambiance.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and respect their privacy.
Yes, capturing the fun at the Delta Dental Play Garden is encouraged. Just be considerate of other families using the facilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚴 Cyclists & Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision: A Riverfront Transformation
The design emphasizes a variety of experiences, from active play and sports to serene water features and open lawns for gatherings. The inclusion of the Delta Dental Play Garden, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, and the Sport House are central to this vision. The park's development signifies a commitment to improving urban landscapes and providing accessible, high-quality recreational opportunities for all Detroit residents and visitors.
With its grand opening slated for Fall 2025, the park is poised to become a landmark destination. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has spearheaded this transformative project, aiming to create a lasting legacy that celebrates the city's connection to its riverfront and fosters a vibrant community hub.
Playtime Paradise: The Delta Dental Play Garden
One of the most talked-about elements is the impressive bear play structure, which promises hours of fun and adventure for younger visitors. The garden's thoughtful design ensures that it's not just a playground, but an immersive experience that encourages exploration and physical activity.
The Delta Dental Play Garden is a testament to the park's commitment to family-friendly amenities, making it a key destination for families visiting the Detroit Riverfront. Its progress has been a focal point of anticipation for the park's opening.
Connecting Communities: Greenway and Riverfront Access
This integration means that visitors can easily transition from exploring inland greenways to enjoying the scenic beauty of the riverfront. It fosters a sense of community by providing shared spaces for recreation and leisure, accessible to a wider range of residents. The park's design prioritizes this connectivity, making it a vital link in the city's urban fabric.
The 22-acre expanse offers ample room for people to gather, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors, further solidifying its role as a community hub. The park's ability to connect diverse neighborhoods and attractions is a key aspect of its transformative potential.
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