AB Ford Park
This is the page for the AB Ford Park Remediation and Renovation Project (outdoor improvements)
AB Ford Park is currently closed for construction.
The Community Center at AB Ford will remain open normal hours. Find out more at detroitmi.gov/ABFord
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The AB Ford Park Improvement Project is a major renovation funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Strategic Neighborhood Fund. With construction of the Community Center at AB Ford complete, this phase of construction focuses entirely on outdoor recreation. Along with site improvements to provide better drainage and connectivity to and through the park, new landscaping, play amenities, sports courts, and outdoor gathering spaces are being added to provide a wider variety of park users with a more enjoyable waterfront experience.
PARK CONSTRUCTION PLAN & UPDATED TIMELINE (as of Sept '24)
OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT
Have questions about the project? Visit us during virtual office hours on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5-6pm. Click on the image below to connect via Zoom.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PARK CONSTRUCTION OUTSIDE OF OFFICE HOURS, PLEASE CONTACT:
PARK CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER (general park inquiries and concerns)
Arianna Zannetti - Assistant Chief Landscape Architect
[email protected] | 313.236.8805
BSEED- ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (all environmental concerns)
Crystal Rogers
[email protected] | 313.471.5115
PROJECT INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS
- Meeting #1 Presentation (February 20th, 2024) Preliminary information about remediation project and renovation plans
- Meeting #2 Presentation (February 29th, 2024)- Further details into remediation project and renovation plans
- FAQs (March 8, 2024)- View questions compiled from community members
- AB Ford Park- Tree Inventory
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA & REPORTS
CLICK HERE TO CHECK DAILY DUST TRAK DATA!
ASSESSMENTS & DOCUMENTATION
- AB Ford Due Care Plan Scope of Work (June '24)
- 2024 Due Care Evaluation- Park Construction (Feb '24)
- 2023 Delineation Report-Park Construction
- 2022 Due Care Evaluation- Lenox Demolition
- 2022 Limited Phase 2- Lenox Demo
- 2021 Hazardous Material Report
- 2021 Phase 1 Site Assessment
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In 2019, the City of Detroit Planning & Development Department embarked on the planning process for the Jefferson Chalmers Neighborhood Framework Plan as part of the City's Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) program. Based on citizen input provided in PDD's rigorous planning process, renovation of the former Lenox Center was identified as a "Catalytic Park Project" for the neighborhood. Catalytic projects not only infuse valuable capital into the neighborhood, they are intended to spark interest and investment in the more long-term aspects of the economic development strategies described in the Framework Plans. The building assessment conducted for the renovation of the old Lenox Center, revealed that the entire footprint sat within the FEMA flood plain and no longer met current building codes. The City determined that new building construction was the best choice for indoor recreation and the park would be redesigned to offer more outdoor recreation activity.
PARK MASTER PLAN & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
GSD kicked-off the project in May of 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic). The engagement process took approximately one year with a community celebration to share the final concept plans.
Click below to see each of the boards that were presented at the Community Celebration at A.B. Ford Park:
- 01 - About the Project
- 02 - New Community Center on the East Side
- 03 - Park Masterplan
- 04 - Park Priorities Activity