Once upon a time, all a park needed was a few benches, a flagpole, maybe a statue or two for the pigeons to poop on. No more. You might say the park game has been raised, even in humble cities like Hamtramck.
Veterans Park is the largest green space in Hamtramck. (Photo: Google Maps)
Although filled with qualifiers -- "could be," "preliminary plans," "long-gestating," "still a draft" -- plans for Hamtramck's Veterans Park were unveiled Friday, and look transformative for the 26-acre parcel. They feature a splash pad, wooded trails and outdoor "living rooms."
The site includes Keyworth Stadium, home of the Detroit City FC, and Hamtramck Stadium, where the Detroit Stars of the National Negro League played baseball.
The efforts follow an $807,2000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation the Michigan Municipal League Foundation announced in 2018 to create a master plan and community engagement process for the park.
At the same time, a crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $65,000 to update the Hamtramck stadium, officials said.
...Among the ideas (planners) presented: planting more gardens and natural paths; creating a promenade that connects Jos. Campau with Conant; forming "loop trails" geared toward enthusiasts; enhancing play and athletic spaces; reconfiguring a parking lot; adding areas for activities such as rock climbing and sledding.
No final budget was disclosed for the vision, which was described as "still a draft."
