Northville opens Downs River Park, a 10-acre centerpiece of the Downs redevelopment, with pedestrian bridges, walking and cycling trails, drinking fountains, and bike stations, in a project totaling 19.6 million.

The park formally opened to the public on June 17, 2026, as the first completed amenity of the 49-acre Downs redevelopment that began after the Northville Downs facility closed in 2024.

Officials call the project a defining, generational achievement born from deep collaboration among residents, the city, developers, and regional partners.

The plan links regional pathways across multiple counties and incorporates bioswales and a floodplain pond to enhance green space and manage floodwaters from upstream waterways.

Advocate Nancy Darga championed daylighting the river and integrating the park with the riverfront to maximize environmental and community benefits.

A previously culverted segment of the Rouge River was daylighted in 2025 as part of the same initiative.

Restoration includes natural design elements—river sinuosity, ripple pools, stabilizing root balls, riparian plantings—and has observed nine fish species, underscoring ecological success.

Over the next 1–2 years, plans include completing more riverwalk sections north of the park, linking to Oakland County’s 9 Mile pathway, adding parking, improving drainage, and advancing residential access and traffic improvements.

Funding totals 19.6 million, sourced from private investment, tax increment financing, and public grants, including 2.5 million from Wayne County’s ARP funds and a 1 million Michigan DEQ Brownfield grant; Hunter Pasteur contributed 17.8 million.

City leaders emphasize environmental gains and connectivity to Michigan’s trail network, enabling northward travel toward Mackinaw City and southward to Ohio.

Work continues on other Downs components, with Central Park planned to open next year and additional residential, retail, and condo projects led by Toll Brothers on the southern end.

The park features 2.5 miles of trails, native landscaping with over 1,400 trees, public art, and the relocated Mary Gilbert Log Cabin serving as a welcome center.