Clark Park
Located at 4301 W Vernor Hwy in District 6, Clark Park is one of the oldest and most well used parks in the City of Detroit. Celebrating a rich and diverse history, this 30 acre community park has been used by citizens of Detroit since the 1800's. Over the years, the design of the park has fluctuated, but ultimately Clark Park has always been the hub for recreation in Southwest Detroit. Amenities at the park include an ADA accessible playground, splash pad, multi-sport court, picnic shelters, benches, walking paths, outdoor fitness equipment, baseball fields, a zipline, and more.
KEY LINKS
Park Maintenance, Trash Pick Up and Other Issues
PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Following a framework planning study for the entire West Vernor Corridor in Southwest Detroit, the City of Detroit recognized Clark Park as a key site of interest for an improvement project.
The first phase of the project was funded through the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) initiative. The second phase of the project was funded through the Gilbert Family Foundation (GFF).
The design process for the project began in Spring 2022, which involved engaging the community through several open house sessions along with many small group discussions.
Construction began for the first phase of the project began in Fall 2022 and included a new playground with a splash pad; athletic courts for tennis, pickle ball, futsal, junior basketball, and ping pong; new seating and trash services throughout the park; and an entirely new streetscape along Vernor that features plantings, small plazas, and entry points. Construction for this initial phase was completed by Summer 2023.
Construction for the project's second phase began in Spring 2024, featuring a zipline installation and the addition of a bioswale for drainage improvements. This phase was completed by Fall 2024.
RECENT UPDATES
Park improvement construction is COMPLETE! Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic partners SNF and GFF, the park now offers all of the amenities implemented through the improvement project.
PAST UPDATES
By the end of the spring season, the installation of an ADA accessible playground, splash pad, multi-sport court, picnic shelters, benches, walking paths, outdoor fitness equipment, signage, and tree plantings was completed. A ribbon-cutting took place on June 22nd, 2023 to celebrate the newly renovated Clark Park. Read about this exciting event here: Mayor joins community leaders, donors to celebrate $4M renovation of Clark Park, a SW Detroit anchor since 1800s.
PARK CONTACT INFORMATION:
Shamori Whitt - Senior Parks Planner
John DeRuiter - Assistant Chief of Landscape Architecture