Mayor, President Biden’s ARPA Chief join community members to celebrate completion of beautiful new $6M Roosevelt Park

• Previously undeveloped park land now a stunning 13-acre community space 
• Roosevelt Park now a fitting gateway to surrounding neighborhoods, new Michigan Central campus  
• Project made possible thanks to $5 million in funding from American Rescue Plan Act 
• President Biden’s ARPA Chief, Gene Sperling, visits Detroit to participate in community celebration 

Mayor Duggan joined with local and federal officials and community members to unveil the completely redesigned Roosevelt Park along Michigan Avenue. The 13-acre park, which sits in front of the new Michigan Central campus, previously had been undeveloped open land divided by six lanes of asphalt roadway. Today, thanks to $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, it is a beautifully designed, European-style public park that serves as a gateway to surrounding neighborhoods and a growing network of nearby public greenspaces.  

For years, Roosevelt Park had been an underutilized focal point within the Corktown, Mexicantown, and Hubbard-Richard neighborhoods. The renovations of the new unified Roosevelt Park have been designed to help bridge the Mexican and Irish cultures that flourish in the Corktown and Mexicantown neighborhoods the park borders.  

“Five years ago, this was empty land with no landscaping and no particular use, sitting in front of a vacant train station," said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Today, thanks to President’ Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act, we have one of the most beautiful urban parks anywhere in front of a restored architectural gem. I believe Roosevelt Park will become a regional destination.”  

Roosevelt Park’s new design features various entrances to help connect multiple communities and access points while also maintaining a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. The park also has flexible spaces that can act as a venue for various types of events ranging from picnics, playscapes, Instagram-worthy locations, and programming with community partners.  

The renovations came following the City’s receiving of American Rescue Plan Act funding (ARPA). ARPA was passed by Congress in 2021 as part of the COVID-19 relief plan and has since worked to provide economic relief during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Detroit received a total of $826.7 million from ARPA; $5 million of which was used for the Roosevelt Park renovations. The additional funding needed to complete the park’s renovations came from the City’s general fund.  

“Mayor Duggan’s use of American Rescue Plan resources to strengthen neighborhoods and communities to make them more livable for working families and more attractive to job creators is a powerful example of President Biden’s belief in the power of Investing in America.” Said Gene Sperling, Senior Advisor to President Biden, overseeing ARPA. “We congratulate the Mayor and the City Council for using these American Rescue Plan funds to make transformative, lasting investments in Detroit.” 

New Design an outcome of extensive community engagement 

Community engagement was a top priority when planning the renovation process for Roosevelt Park. The Greater Corktown Framework Plan identified Roosevelt Park as a priority for neighborhood residents in 2020. Specifically, the Framework Plan recommended re-routing Vernor Highway away from the center of the park to make a unified space and safer pedestrian crossings both around the park and at Michigan Avenue. 

“When I moved to Detroit 32 years ago, I drove through Roosevelt Park every day for three years and every day I’d think what a mess this road system is,” said Brad Dick, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Detroit.  “I never thought I’d see the day where I could actually do something about it. Now, we have a beautifully designed park that fits the character of Detroit.” 

Beyond the renovation of Roosevelt Park, the Greater Corktown Framework Plan outlined a short and long-term plan that promotes inclusive & equitable growth of Detroit’s oldest established neighborhood, while preserving its unique character, cultural heritage & integrity. 

"The unification of the Roosevelt Park has shaped a more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all, which celebrates and strengthens the connection between our culturally diverse communities of Corktown and SWD-Mexicantown,” said Myrna Segura, SWD-Community Development Specialist.

The City worked extensively to conduct community engagement in Southwest Detroit's Hubbard-Richard, Corktown, and Mexicantown neighborhoods in preparation for the unification of Roosevelt Park. Before construction, a community festival was held to kick off community engagement efforts. After, Community engagement meetings occurred throughout the planning process to ensure community input was implemented within the park. 

“The revitalization we see here today is another example of the continuing investment of the Duggan administration in every neighborhood in the city of Detroit,” explained Sheila Cockrel, former City Councilmember, Corktown Representative. “Roosevelt Park will be a place to create memories for generations to come.” 

Following a community survey in August of 2021, the results reflected top priorities for the park being basic infrastructure, trees, and landscaping. Architects then made it a priority to bring the communities vision to life and prioritized surrounding communities and a unified Roosevelt Park, while respecting the park's history and legacy, and creating an iconic park for the present and future. 

"The unification of Roosevelt Park has created a beautiful green space in District 6 for residents and businesses alike – and I can’t wait to see how it’s activated,” excitedly explained Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero (District 6). “As the gateway to and from both the Mexicantown and Corktown neighborhoods, this new park will aid in strengthening the connection and fabric of our vibrant community.” 

“Green spaces are essential for the health and well-being of our residents, and this project will not only enhance the beauty of our City but also provide a safe and welcoming space for families to enjoy,” explained Council President Mary Sheffield. “I’m excited to see this project come to fruition and looking forward to the positive impact it will have on our community".  

Adding to the rich history of Roosevelt Park, it sits before the historic Michigan Central Station, which had sat vacant since 1988. In 2018, Ford Motor Company announced that it was acquiring the longtime symbol of the city’s decline and restoring it to its former glory, not just as office space but as a destination for retail, arts and culture and community space. Next year, the train station will reopen its doors for the first time in almost 40 years. When it does, the renovated depot be the centerpiece a 30-acre innovation district. 

“Coupled with the Joe Louis and Southwest greenways, Roosevelt Park will be another welcoming invitation for all Detroiters to be a part of what’s happening here at Michigan Central,” said Cornetta Lane-Smith, Director of Community Engagement for Michigan Central. “Every stage of this redevelopment has been designed and built with community in mind, and our events and programming will reflect the great and rich history of our city and surrounding neighborhoods. We can’t wait to open our doors and share what we believe will be something that all Detroiters will be proud to be part of.” 

Roosevelt Park is now ready for the public to enjoy, with the new unified space being one to foster community in the area. 

“Watching the transformation of Roosevelt Park has been a joy!” explained Crystal Perkins, Director of the General Services Department for the City of Detroit.  “Seeing the changes in the area with the business development and new housing projects, it was only fitting that we provided a gathering place for the community to enjoy with their families, a place they can feel safe at and be proud of.” 

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