Balduck Memorial Park

Balduck Park, located in Detroit, Michigan, spans 56 acres and is part of the city's regional park system. It is split into two distinct sections by Chandler Park Drive. The southern section is more activity-oriented, featuring a playground, baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts, a sledding hill, and a walking path. The northern part of the park leans toward a natural aesthetic, housing trails through forested areas, another playground, a picnic shelter, and a dog park.

The park is an important recreational hub for the community, offering year-round activities. One of its most beloved features is the Community Hill, the city's only sledding hill, which has been enhanced with a rainbow-colored stairway to make it more accessible. In addition to recreational offerings, the park includes beautiful natural spaces with over 90 trees planted during recent revitalization efforts.

Balduck Park also recently underwent significant upgrades as part of a $1.5 million investment, funded by local and federal initiatives, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund and President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act. Improvements include enhanced playground equipment, new walkways, upgraded signage, landscaping, and infrastructure renovations to prevent flooding. The sledding hill, dog park, and picnic areas also saw substantial enhancements.

Balduck Park's rich history includes its transformation from a golf course into a public park in the 1970s. It is named after William Balduck, a prominent community figure. Historically, it has served as a gathering place for residents and visitors, making it a vital part of Detroit's cultural and social fabric. With its mix of active and natural spaces, Balduck Park offers a variety of outdoor experiences and continues to be a treasured green space in the city.