Livonia, Michigan is a vibrant suburb located just west of Detroit. Known for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and abundance of green spaces, Livonia offers residents a high quality of life. One of the city’s greatest assets is its parks system. Livonia has over 40 parks ranging from small neighbourhood greenspaces to large recreation areas spanning hundreds of acres. The parks provide the community with scenic natural areas, sports facilities, playgrounds, nature trails, and more.
| # | Park Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bicentennial Park | Sports fields, walking paths, nature area |
| 2 | Rotary Park | Playgrounds, picnic areas, sports courts |
| 3 | Ford Field | Baseball diamonds, historical buildings |
| 4 | Greenmead Historical Park | Historical village, scenic grounds |
| 5 | Mies Park | Basketball courts, playground |
| 6 | Shelden Park | Soccer fields, concession stands |
| 7 | Clements Circle Park | Pool, playground, picnic shelter |
| 8 | Compton Park | Tennis courts, open green space |
| 9 | Country Homes Park | Walking track, playground equipment |
| 10 | Dooley Park | Nature trails, serene environment |
| 11 | Fairway Farms Park | Golf course, clubhouse |
| 12 | Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center | Indoor pool, fitness center, climbing wall |
This article will highlight 12 of the best parks in Livonia, Michigan. For each park, you’ll find details on its size, amenities, recreational facilities, and any special features that make it worth a visit. Whether you’re a Livonia resident looking to explore parks in your own backyard or a visitor to the Detroit area searching for scenic outdoor spaces, you’ll discover plenty of parks to enjoy in Livonia.
1.Clements Circle Park
Name and Location: Clements Circle Park is located along Clements Circle Drive in Livonia, Michigan.
History and Significance: Originally the property of a prominent Livonia farming family, this city park land was purchased in 1968 for public recreational use as the community underwent increased development, preserving open greenspace.
What to Expect: Visitors can take peaceful walks around the park, have picnics, play on the playground equipment, explore wooded nature trails that connect to other area parks, or launch model aircraft in the designated open field areas.
Visitor Information: Clements Circle Park is open daily from dawn to dusk for community recreation.
Clements Circle Park is one of Livonia’s most beloved community parks. Located in a residential area off Farmington Road, it spans 15 acres and has facilities for active recreation and relaxation. Baseball and softball diamonds occupy the west side of the park, while open grassy areas on the east side provide space for pick-up games, flying kites, picnicking, and sunbathing.
The playground at Clements Circle Park has swing sets and climbing equipment for kids of all ages. Friendly games of basketball are common on the full-sized basketball court near the park’s south side. Eight tennis courts give tennis players plenty of options for singles and doubles matches. After wearing themselves out being active, visitors can take a break at the picnic tables and grills spread out across the expansive lawns. Clements Circle Park truly has something for everyone in the family.
2.Merriman Hollow Park
Name and Location: Merriman Hollow Park is located off W Chicago in Livonia, Michigan.
History and Significance: Nestled in a wooded hollow accessed by a rustic wooden footbridge, this hidden neighborhood park has offered a lush backyard wilderness respite for local residents since the 1970s seeking a peaceful outdoor sanctuary in the heart of suburbia.
What to Expect: Visitors can take serene nature walks along quiet winding trails through oak and maple groves inhabited by squirrels, songbirds, butterflies and wildflowers punctuated by informational markers identifying park flora and fauna.
Visitor Information: Merriman Hollow Park is freely open without amenities from dawn to dusk year-round for enjoying this small secret forest.
Tucked away in a peaceful, wooded corner of Livonia, Merriman Hollow Park feels like an escape from the city. Its focal point is the gently flowing Roulo Creek and the forested ravines surrounding it. Winding trails run through the 105-acre park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature while exploring on foot or bicycle. Sightings of wildlife such as deer, foxes, and migratory birds are common year-round.
In addition to its peaceful natural scenery, Merriman Hollow Park contains a one-acre fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout and panfish. Anglers can try their luck from the fishing pier jutting into the pond or the creek banks along Roulo Creek. Other park amenities include picnic tables, grills, horseshoe pits, 2 baseball diamonds, and a playground featuring log-themed equipment. With its diversity of recreational offerings and serene atmosphere, Merriman Hollow Park has something special for visitors of all interests.
3.Rotary Park
Name and Location: Rotary Park is located at 30100 Lyndon St. in Livonia, Michigan.
History and Significance: Named after the community service organization, volunteer efforts transformed this former landfill into a scenic park in 1994 providing multipurpose trails, playgrounds and picnic shelters for public enjoyment.
What to Expect: Visitors can walk paved trails circling through open grass areas and small groves of woods, let kids climb and play on creative color-coded playground equipment divided by age groups, have picnics under shelters and benefit from park beautification plantings.
Visitor Information: Rotary Park is freely open from dawn until dusk year-round for recreational enjoyment by community members.
As one of Livonia’s largest parks at 267 acres, Rotary Park packs an incredible variety of facilities and recreation options into its grounds. Families with kids will make good use of the updated playgrounds, splash pad, picnic pavilions, and walking trails circling the park. Sports enthusiasts can play basketball, tennis, volleyball, baseball, soccer, and disk golf at Rotary Park’s numerous courts and fields.
The park even contains an outdoor fitness circuit for adults looking for a challenging workout. Rotary Park’s peaceful wooded areas, wetlands, and Rouge River frontage provide scenic backdrops for walking, fishing, and observing wildlife. Special events like concerts, charity races, and craft fairs occur periodically at the park’s bandshell and open fields. With so much to see and do across its vast area, Rotary Park is an essential destination for Livonia visitors.
4.Bicentennial Park
Name and Location: Livonia’s Bicentennial Park is located off Farmington Rd between 5 and 6 Mile Roads in Livonia, Michigan.
History and Significance: Created through local volunteer efforts during 1976 to honor the nation’s bicentennial anniversary, this scenic park offers woodland trails, meadows and a serene pond supporting wildlife habitats across 50 acres of preserved suburban open space.
What to Expect: Visitors can hike miles of mowed trails past natural wetland areas filled with cattails, milkweed and wildflowers that attract butterflies, turtles, ducks, geese and songbirds while taking in peaceful pond views from park benches.
Visitor Information: The park is freely accessible without amenities daily from dawn to dusk.
As the home of Livonia’s first log cabin, Bicentennial Park commemorates an important piece of the city’s history dating back to the 1830s. The historic cabin, moved to the park in 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial, represents the area’s pioneer past. Visitors can tour the small but well-preserved cabin to get a taste of 19th century homestead life.
In addition to the log cabin, Bicentennial Park provides 32 acres of recreational facilities including lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, and a playground. The park surrounds the Kirksey Recreation Center where residents can participate in year-round youth and adult sports leagues. Special events like craft shows, car shows, and winter carnivals take place periodically on the grounds. Whether you’re a history buff, sports lover, or looking for family fun, Bicentennial Park delivers plenty of activities and insight into Livonia’s early days.
5.Greenmead Historical Park
Name and Location: Greenmead Historical Park is located at 20501 Newburgh Rd. in Livonia, Michigan.
History and Significance: Established in 1975 by the city historical commission, Greenmead preserves Livonia’s heritage across 8 historic buildings onsite and in museum archives spanning 300 years of development from pioneer farms to a booming Motor City suburb.
What to Expect: Visitors can tour a restored 1835 church, 1860 barn, 1880 schoolhouse, 1910 train depot and other antique structures that volunteers maintain. Seasonal events, ruins walks and gardening demos bring history to life.
Visitor Information: Open Thursdays & Sundays only, 2–5pm, June through October. Details at greenmead.org.
Step back in time with a visit to Greenmead Historical Park, showcasing Livonia life in the late 1800s. The park centers around the historic houses and farms that once dominated this section of Livonia. Costumed interpreters offer guided tours through the furnished Alexander Blue House and Joshua Simmons Homestead to demonstrate late 19th century living conditions, clothing, and housewares.
Outside you can visit Heritage Park with its historic village buildings relocated from around Livonia, including a one-room schoolhouse, train depot, and church. Greenmead Historical Park spans 142 acres overall, leaving plenty of room for wooded nature trails, picnic grounds, and scenic views of the rolling countryside that early Livonia residents would have seen. Special events like Civil War reenactments, antique shows, and art fairs add to the old-fashioned atmosphere. Learning about local history while immersed in Livonia’s rural past makes Greenmead Historical Park a one-of-a-kind destination.
6.Fox Creek Golf Course
Name and Location: Fox Creek Golf Course located at 36000 Seven Mile Rd in Livonia, Michigan.
History and Significance: Designed in 1925 by renowned architect Willie Park Jr., Fox Creek is Livonia’s oldest public golf course known for undulating terrain and challenging play across 6,700 yards nestled between wooded wetland areas and scenic gently rolling terrain.
What to Expect: This 18-hole, par 72 course features tree-lined fairways, bunkers, elevation changes and ponds with tight greens presenting tests for golfers at all skill levels in a beautiful, well-maintained landscape.
Visitor Information: Course hours daily 7am-dusk. Schedule tee times and learn more at golflivonia.com or call 734-466-2410.
Golfers looking to perfect their swing will want to visit the meticulously maintained Fox Creek Golf Course, owned by the Livonia parks system. This 18-hole championship course was designed by famed golf course architect Arthur Hills, who aimed to create a course fitting seamlessly into the natural terrain. Strategically placed bunkers, sloping greens, and winding water hazards test players’ shot-making skills.
Mature trees frame the fairways and greens to enhance the feeling of playing through unspoiled countryside. While challenging enough for seasoned golfers, Fox Creek still offers an enjoyable experience for novices. The clubhouse provides full amenities with a golf shop, locker rooms, lounge area, and Fox Classic Grille Restaurant. With affordable rates, well-designed holes, and excellent course conditions, Fox Creek Golf Course stands out among other Detroit-area golf destinations.
7.Cass Benton Park
Name and Location: Cass Benton Park is located at 600 N Mill St. in Northville, Michigan.
History and Significance: Dedicated as a public park in 1948 overlooking the rolling Northville Psychiatric Hospital grounds, this community green space honors two prominent local judges providingopen recreational areas off quaint downtown streets.
What to Expect: Visitors will find pleasure walking the brick pathways past historic homes, appreciating floral gardens showcasing community pride, playing on playgrounds, reading interpretive heritage trail markers and taking in views of the hillside woods and old hospital buildings.
Visitor Information: Cass Benton Park is freely open to the public dawn to dusk year-round.
Cass Benton Park spans 122 acres just north of I-96, offering recreation amenities conveniently accessible from nearby neighborhoods and business districts. Its central features are four ball diamonds, seven tennis courts, and one of Livonia’s best sledding hills for winter fun. Miles of trails weave through open grassy areas and pockets of woods around Cass Benton Park’s perimeter, creating scenic walking and jogging routes.
Families appreciate the modern, colorful playgrounds fitted with climbing walls, tube slides, swings, and even musical elements like metal drums and xylophone. Other park highlights include basketball courts, picnic shelters, grills, and spring-fed Laura’s Garden showcasing rustic flower beds and artifacts. Cass Benton Park’s variety of facilities and easy access make it one of Livonia’s most popular community parks.
8.Maybury State Park
Name and Location: Maybury State Park is located at 50165 8 Mile Rd in Northville, Michigan.
History and Significance: Originally conceived in the 1920s as part of a larger county system, partially completed Maybury Park was turned over to the state in 1956 bringing recreational facilities for equestrian trails, hiking paths, picnic grounds and winter sports across its 970 acres.
What to Expect: Visitors today enjoy hiking and horse trails winding through woodlands and some remainders of historic farmstead buildings, while deep off-road mountain biking terrain also attracts enthusiasts seeking backcountry adventures just beyond Detroit’s suburbs.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-10pm, $10 vehicle day use fee. More at michigan.gov/maybury or call 844-642-7529.
Though technically located in Northville, the 900-acre Maybury State Park deserves mention in this Livonia parks guide due to its proximity to the city’s northwest side. In addition to boasting one of the area’s best mountain biking trail systems, Maybury offers a peaceful natural retreat with amenities for camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Eight miles of multi-use trails open to both mountain bikers and hikers wind through the hilly terrain encompassing woodlands, wetlands, and the placid Maybury Lake.
Equestrians can explore Maybury’s trails on horseback or practice in the fenced riding arena. Anglers can cast for bluegill, crappie, bass and more on the park’s lake and ponds. With picnic areas, a playground and winter sledding hill, Maybury State Park provides an abundance of outdoor recreation just minutes from Livonia’s city limits.
9.Botsford Recreation Area
Name and Location: The Botsford Recreation Area is located at 29800 Beck Rd. in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
History and Significance: Created in 1920 by donating farmland to the city, this 95-acre wooded parkland has offered community recreation opportunities with picnic areas, ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and nature trails promoting outdoor wellness over generations.
What to Expect: Today’s visitors can play disc golf across the park hills, take kids to the tot lot and splash playground, play pick-up games on ball diamonds, walk dogs on paved and rustic trails through scenic woods filled with native vegetation.
Visitor Information: Park grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk with free access for public recreation.
The Botsford Recreation Area occupies 230 acres between Ann Arbor Trail and I-275, offering active recreation facilities paired with peaceful open spaces. Its recreational facilities include five baseball diamonds, four tennis courts, two basketball courts, volleyball courts, bocce ball courts and horseshoe pits. Visitors looking to break a sweat can access the scenic 1.3 mile exercise trail looping through the park or play a game on one of several open playfields.
Families with kids will make good use of Botsford Recreation Area’s Modern playgrounds with climbing equipment and swings for all ages. The park also contains plenty of picnic tables and grilling stations located alongside shelter buildings available to reserve for gatherings.
A fishing pond, wooded nature trails, scenic wetlands, and Rouge River frontage provide natural scenery to enjoy between activities. Whether you visit Botsford Recreation Area for the sports facilities or natural areas, it offers plenty to see and do just off Ann Arbor Trail.
10.Shelden Park
Name and Location: Shelden Park is located at Shelden Road south of Ann Arbor Trail in Canton, Michigan.
History and Significance: Originally dairy pastures, this rural township land was developed into a public park in the 1960s retaining open space for community recreation purposes as Canton grew into a Detroit suburb.
What to Expect: Visitors today will find ball fields and picnic grounds catering to area little leagues and families amid scenic natural environments promoting outdoor wellness and connections with neighbors a quick escape from urban environments nearby.
Visitor Information: Shelden Park is freely open to the public dawn to dusk year round. Restroom access limited seasonally.
Conveniently located south of Schoolcraft Road near downtown Livonia, Shelden Park packs numerous recreation facilities into its 22 acres. Four softball diamonds with bleachers dominate the park, especially in summer when youth baseball leagues are in full swing. The popular inline hockey rink sees action year-round, while basketball hoops get plenty of use next to the0.8 mile paved loop trail encircling the park.
Other park amenities include playground equipment for kids, picnic tables, riding toys, and the Rotary bandshell used for summer concerts. Shelden Park connects directly to the nearby Kirksey Recreation Center, Livonia Senior Center, and Livonia Community Recreation Center to comprise an entire public recreation campus. The proximity of complementary facilities makes Shelden Park extra convenient for locals looking for sports, fitness, and leisure options within centralized city blocks.
11.Valor Park
Name and Location: Valor Park is located at 390 Mechanic Street in Northville, Michigan.
History and Significance: Opened on Memorial Day 2006 honoring fallen heroes, Northville’s Valor Park commemorates local lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan across serene gardens, sculptures and plaques conveying reverence for selfless service.
What to Expect: Coming along tranquil woodchip paths under gently waving flags, visitors will find peaceful water features, artistic metalwork, and benches remembering hometown patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting nation and community.
Visitor Information: The memorial park is freely open to all from dawn until dusk year-round both honoring and healing.
Valor Park stands out as one of Livonia’s most solemn and reverent public spaces, honoring community members who served in the armed forces. The 12-acre park located at the intersection of Farmington and 5 Mile Roads centers around the circular Walk of Valor lined with commemorative bricks honoring Livonia veterans. Other tributes around Valor Park include 5 custom art sculptures, 3 flag poles, memorial walls etched with service seals, and quotes from prominent leaders.
While Valor Park commemorates Livonia’s profound military history, it also provides space for reflection and recreation. Visitors can take relaxing strolls along the paved walkways threading through manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and benches inscribed with inspirational quotes. Valor Park hosts numerous veterans events while remaining open daily for individuals to appreciate on solo visits. Its perfect blend of commemoration and scenic beauty cement it as a must-see Livonia park.
Conclusion
Livonia’s expansive parks system provides endless opportunities for sports, recreation, relaxation, and fun. The parks come in all sizes and contain facilities to appeal to all ages and interests. Whether you want to golf, hike, play sports, picnic, camp, walk beside a pond, take kids to the playground, or learn about local history, you’ll find public parks in Livonia to meet your needs. Stay active, stay healthy, and sample the diversity of experiences at just a few of Livonia’s fabulous parks.