Brush Park CDC

John R.-Watson Park

John R.-Watson Park

 
John R Watson Park.png

Did you know?

The park at John R. and Watson Streets is the only public park remaining in Brush Park. For years the park was at risk of being incorporated into a development like the rest of the former parks in the neighborhood because it had been removed from the City of Detroit Parks and Recreational Department (Parks & Rec) park roll. We’re excited to announce that Parks & Rec officially re-acquired the park in 2017! In addition, three vacant parcels adjacent to the park (including the community garden) were officially added to the park’s footprint in 2020, allowing the park to expand to a total size of just over 1 acre!

ABOUT OUR REDESIGN INITIATIVE

We are leading an initiative to redesign the park to make it more inviting and functional, a place that neighbors will be excited to visit every day. We have presented a plan to redevelop the park based on community input from our community meetings and surveys. Click HERE to see our updated design proposal, which was presented to the community at our November 2020 community meeting.

The City of Detroit will be overseeing the renovations of the park, as noted on their March 2022 presentation (HERE). We anticipate that the Phase 1 updates will be completed by Spring 2024. (Most recent Park Plan presented December 2023)

Construction Begins at Brush Watson Park (Fall 2023 to be completed Spring 2024)

John R.-Watson Park Redesign

Click HERE to view the community’s full plan for the proposed redevelopment of the park (updated November 2020). We’ve developed this plan based on the feedback provided by the community in surveys and public meetings, as well as feedback from City of Detroit departments. The plan was originally presented at a community meeting in March 2019, and the plan was updated in November 2020 due to expansion of the park size.

The City of Detroit will now be managing the park renovations and has approved this PLAN based on community input and the City’s bandwidth to service the park. Renovations for Phase 1 are expected to be completed in 2023.

Brush Park Community Day 2018

Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors - including residents, developers, and WH Canon - for helping us clean up John R.-Watson Park and the alley! Check out our Facebook page to see pictures from the event.

Project Timeline

Throughout the entire process, the CDC has been working closely with the community and the City of Detroit to make short- and long-term improvements.

  • 2017: Prompted by the CDC, the City of Detroit Parks & Rec Department officially re-acquires the park.

  • 2018:

    • The CDC releases a Community Open Space Survey to gather input about the park.

    • The CDC works with a professional design team to create a Park Improvement Plan for the total re-design of the park using input from the survey.

    • The CDC hosts a Community Clean-Up Day in October to clean up the park and the adjacent alley.

    • The CDC works with the City of Detroit General Services Department to make minor improvements to the park, including the installation of trash receptacles, pet waste stations, and a rules/safety sign.

  • 2019:

    • The CDC presents the Park Improvement Plan at the community meeting on March 19 and releases a survey asking for feedback on the plan.

    • The Park Improvement Plan is revised to incorporate feedback from the community meeting and the survey.

    • The CDC begins fundraising efforts based on the final Park Improvement Plan.

  • 2020:

    • The City of Detroit acquires three parcels adjacent to park, increasing the size of the park to 1.1 acres.

    • The CDC works with the professional design team to update the Park Improvement Plan.

  • 2021:

    • The CDC continues to work with the City of Detroit to seek funds and implement the Park Improvement Plan.

    • The City of Detroit has committed $350,000 for improvements to the park, scheduled to begin construction in Spring 22. The City’s funds will go toward a Phase 1 for park improvements, including selective demolition, utilities, lighting, sod, walking paths, benches, and bike racks. The full phasing strategy was presented at our September community meeting.

  • 2022:

    • The City of Detroit has developed this PLAN based on community input and the City’s bandwidth to service the park.

    • Phase 1 renovation activities are expected to be completed summer of 2023.

  • 2023:

    • The City of Detroit selects official contractor for park construction

    • Phase 1 began in Spring 2023.

    • Final Phase 1 Site Plan

    • As part of the District Detroit Community Benefits Agreement, Olympia Development will be allocating an additional $200,000 for Phase 2 and additional park improvements to John R-Watson Park. (March 2023)

    • Updated Community Surveys sent to Brush Park residents to gather input for Phase 2 of the park.

    • December 2023 : Brush Park CDC received the Phase 2 park plan design including Olympia Development CBO contributions from the City of Detroit Parks & Recreation. UPDATED PLAN HERE.

Please stay in touch and look for future opportunities to contribute to a better John R-Watson Park! Additional updates available on City of Detroit’s official website.

Thank you!

Thanks to our neighborhood soccer team Brush Park FC for cleaning up our nearby parks each summer!