Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden Opens at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park

The Metroparks are ecstatic to announce that our first-ever location in the city of Detroit is opening. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, located inside the brand-new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, will be the Metroparks’ 14th location in Southeast Michigan, making it easier than ever for Michiganders in the region to experience the joy of the outdoors.

“This moment represents what our work is all about: making sure everyone, no matter where they live, can enjoy the benefits of nature,” said Amy McMillan, CEO of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “For decades, our parks have surrounded Detroit, but this is the first time we’re right here, within the city. It’s a step closer toward ensuring the Metroparks belong to everyone in the region.”

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden features opportunities for visitors to experience the water through walking paths, tranquil seating areas, educational signage and open-air classrooms where students and visitors will experience engaging programming.

The Water Garden will be the site of enriching programming focused on nature-based education such as water testing, environmental science, habitat observation, field trips and more. This programming will begin as early as this school year when the Metroparks and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will build on their shared mission to expand outdoor learning opportunities by offering students field trips to three sites along the Detroit River system: the Water Garden at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, Lake St. Clair Metropark and Lake Erie Metropark. Students will test water quality and explore how water moves through their communities. The data students collect will help form long-term insights into the health of the Detroit River system while giving them the tools to identify local challenges, develop solutions and become advocates for cleaner, healthier waterways.

The addition of the Water Garden reflects the Metroparks’ ongoing mission to connect people with nature in meaningful, inclusive ways and it proves the power of collaboration in creating spaces that bring people together. The partnership between the Metroparks and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has long shown what’s possible when organizations unite around a shared purpose.

“Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden is the culmination of years of collaboration, community engagement and a shared belief in the importance of access to nature for all,” said Ryan Sullivan, president and CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “Partnerships like this set shining examples for what’s possible when organizations come together with a collective vision to create spaces that bring people together, restore connections to the outdoors, and build a stronger, healthier city for generations to come.”

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden is located within the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park at 1801 W. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48216. Entrance to the Water Garden is free for everyone. A Metroparks Annual Pass is not required to enter. For more information about the entire park, visit the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website.