Overview:

- Rex Powell, of Lincoln Park, travels to the newly opened Ralph Wilson Park by e-bike: "It's peaceful."
- Rachel Banks notes that Kendrick Lamar jogged the riverwalk earlier this year. "Detroit is bringing a lot of positive energy," she says.
- The late Ralph C. Wilson Jr., a Detroit native, founder of the Buffalo Bills, and philanthropist, is the park's namesake.

As the sun set on the Detroit River Friday, Rex Powell enjoyed it from a bench at the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park. It’s his third time visiting since the 22-acre park opened Oct. 25.

Powell, who lives in Lincoln Park and is retired, said he’d make the 12-mile journey to the park on his e-bike the following day.

The park is “a great addition to the city,” he said. “It’s peaceful. People undervalue peace.”

At the park’s west end, Detroiter Chloe Stanfield walked atop the DTE Foundation Summit for the first time. Stanfield, an art teacher at Cornerstore Schools, came by after work.

It’s nice to come to the park and see Detroit’s beauty, she said, highlighting the park’s design work and mural. “I’m enjoying it a lot.”

Detroiter Chloe Stanfield, an art teacher, on the DTE Foundation Summit at Ralph Wilson Park Nov. 14, 2025. Photo by Dustin Blitchok/Planet Detroit.

Stretch of Detroit’s west riverfront undergoes $80M transformation

The $80 million Ralph Wilson Park is the latest completed piece of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s plan for 5.5 miles of riverfront from the Ambassador Bridge to the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle.

The late Ralph C. Wilson Jr., a Detroit native, founder of the Buffalo Bills, and philanthropist, is the park’s namesake.

“He would have been in awe of the teamwork and collaboration that has taken place across this entire community to dream up and build a world-class park that carries his name and from today forward will welcome youth, families and individuals for generations to come,” Mary Wilson, life trustee and board chair at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, said in a statement when the park opened.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy said it hosted more than 100 meetings to share the park plans and take feedback from the community.

Two of the structures in the park’s play garden are based on student designs. Students from Detroit elementary schools participated in a workshop led by Monstrum, a Danish playground design firm.

“The park’s design has been community-led since the beginning, and Detroiters of all ages have contributed ideas and inspiration that have come to life in this park,” Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CEO Ryan Sullivan said in a statement.

“The fingerprints of Detroiters can be found all throughout this unique destination. We are thrilled to welcome the entire community to join us in celebrating this beautiful new park.” 

‘Positive energy’ on Detroit riverfront

Rachel Banks, of Toledo, said she came to Ralph Wilson Park the day it opened. “I think this park is great. It has more play area for the kids. The view is wonderful,” said Banks, who grew up on Detroit’s west side.

At night, it’s “beautiful,” she said. “They have the lights on the bridge.”

Rachel Banks, left, and LaTricia Davis, both of Toledo, at Ralph Wilson Park Nov. 14, 2025. Photo by Dustin Blitchok/Planet Detroit.

Banks noted that rapper Kendrick Lamar jogged the riverwalk earlier this year. “Detroit is bringing a lot of positive energy. It’s coming back alive.”

LaTricia Davis, also of Toledo, urged people to visit the park before the weather gets colder: “This is the place to be. Come on down.”

Powell, of Lincoln Park, remembers fishing the Detroit River where the park is located now, “when it was nothing but rubble and rocks,” and his grand-aunt teaching him to fish.

Thirty years ago, when he worked in Detroit, Powell said he was “one of the negative ones ” in his perception of the city.

“I’m so glad I was wrong.”

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Dustin Blitchok brings extensive editorial leadership experience, having served as an editor at Benzinga and Metro Times, and got his start in journalism at The Oakland Press. As a longtime Detroit resident and journalist, he has covered a wide range of public interest stories, including criminal justice and government accountability.