Alfred Brush Ford Park

Alfred Brush Ford Park, often abbreviated as A.B. Ford Park, is a 34-acre park located in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on Detroit's east riverfront. The park has a storied history, having been acquired by the city in 1948 and later named after World War II Lieutenant Alfred Brush Ford. Over the decades, it has undergone several stages of development and improvement.

Currently, the park is undergoing a significant renovation project that incorporates both environmental remediation and outdoor amenity upgrades. This effort follows the construction of a new community center in 2023, which replaced the old Lenox Community Center that had been closed since 2013. Soil contamination with heavy metals and other industrial residues prompted the city to undertake a large-scale cleanup, including the removal of approximately 251 trees and the addition of two feet of clean soil across the site. New landscaping, walkways, and green spaces are being developed as part of the enhancement initiatives.

When completed, the redesigned park will include a variety of recreational facilities, such as sports courts (basketball and pickleball), playgrounds, picnic shelters, and improved connectivity via pathways along the Detroit River waterfront. These improvements aim to provide a safe, enjoyable outdoor environment for residents and visitors alike and restore the park’s ecological integrity by introducing nearly 600 new trees and rehabilitating the shoreline. The park plays an important role in the city’s efforts to invest in its communities and improve public access to natural spaces.