FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Downtown Detroit Partnership Announces the Reopening of Capitol Park
Renovations to help support Capitol Park residents, businesses, and visitors
DETROIT (July 23, 2025) – The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), along with key stakeholders, proudly announced the reopening of Capitol Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, held earlier today.
After six months of construction, the fully renovated park now offers a revitalized public space complete with an expanded lawn, vibrant gardens, a new canopy of trees, innovative green infrastructure, renovated dog park and new lighting. The remodel aims to serve as an outdoor district living room for residents, visitors and surrounding businesses, enhancing accessibility and connectivity for all.
“Since its inception, Capitol Park has continually evolved to meet the needs of its surrounding community,” said Eric B. Larson, DDP CEO. “This revitalization adds variety to the public spaces being offered throughout downtown and enhances both aesthetics and walkability of the area. The DDP is grateful for our generous funders, supportive partners and stakeholders who helped make it all possible.”
The scope and scale of this project is the result of a public-private partnership that builds on the community-led masterplan created in 2017. Through intentional design, the park serves as a gathering space for Downtown’s growing residential, dining and retail district.
“At the State of Michigan, we know that revitalized places and community assets are a vital part of economic development in Michigan, businesses want talent and talent want place,” said Michele Wildman, chief place officer of Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “I think you only need to look around and see people gathering with their colleagues, taking a phone call at lunch… or walking their dogs to know that it’s critical that we continue to invest in our communities.”
Construction was led by Turner Construction and Public Work served as the architect with the goal of transforming the primarily concrete park into a greener, more inviting space.
The Capitol Park improvement was made possible through DDP’s partnership with the City of Detroit and support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP). Funding was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act with additional funding from the City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority, Knight Foundation and Kresge Foundation.
“Capitol Park joins an impressive list of revitalized spaces in downtown,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “This is a modern park with modern features. We believe in the vision. We believed this could happen and we believe in creating spaces in Detroit where families and neighbors can convene.”
Starting July 25, the DDP will produce a new slate of free programming, beginning with Pilates in the Park at Capitol Park.
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About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Since 1922, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has worked to cultivate social and economic impact in Downtown Detroit. As a member-based nonprofit, the DDP convenes civic, corporate, community and philanthropic partners to create a vibrant and world-class urban core. As a leader in Downtown urban innovation, the organization also provides small business support and manages, programs and stewards 18 parks and public spaces throughout Downtown Detroit. Learn more at DowntownDetroit.org and engage on social media @DowntownDet.
