O’Shea Solar Park

The 20-acre decommissioned O’Shea Park is being re-imagined through a collaboration between the City of Detroit and DTE Energy. Solar panels were installed on 10 acres along the I-96 and Greenfield Road edges of the park. This left approximately 4 acres of active park area bordering the community for which SMM designed major renovations, including new walking paths, resurfaced basketball courts, and a community gathering space with terraced seating that doubles as a platform to look out over the solar array. SMM and DCDC worked with the community on the design of the park in order to maintain the spirit of the former recreation center and incorporate activities for all ages. The park builds upon the theme of sustainability with a bioretention garden at the corner of Rutherford and Capitol built in collaboration with the Detroit Water and Sewer Department. The bioretention garden helps manage stormwater from the park and adjacent street to reduce neighborhood flooding, and also provides an opportunity to showcase native plantings.