Westland, Michigan is home to over 80 beautiful parks that offer residents and visitors gorgeous green spaces, recreational facilities, and natural scenery. Ranging from massive parks with sports complexes to quaint neighbourhood playgrounds, Westland has a park to suit everyone’s needs.
| Park Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Jaycee Park | Sports complex, walking trails, playground, picnic areas, wooded areas |
| Westland Bowl Park | Walking paths, playgrounds, community center, picnic area |
| Attwood Park | Trails, sports fields, playground, splash pad, fishing, kayak launch |
| Voss Park | Playgrounds, picnic areas, pond, walking paths, solar garden |
| Corrado Park | Athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, playground |
| Tattan Park | Modern playground, picnic tables, green space |
| Westland Veterans Park | Memorial walkway, tribute monuments, peaceful setting |
| Merriman Hollow Park | Wooded areas, walking paths, playground, picnic facilities |
| Rotary Park | Playground, splash pad, picnic area, pavilion |
| Jefferson Barns Community Center | Historic barns, cafe, theater, banquet rooms, museum, patio |
| Westland Historic Village Park | Historic buildings, educational exhibits, outdoor museum |
| Central City Park | Community center, event hosting, concerts, seasonal light display |
This article will highlight 12 of the top parks you must explore in Westland. For each park, you’ll discover details on the location, size, features and amenities. You’ll also find out what makes these parks stand out. From sprawling parks with woodlands and ponds to community parks buzzing with activities, these are the best parks Westland has to offer.
Known as the ideal place to “live, shop and play,” Westland takes great pride in its stunning parks. Over 18% of Westland’s landscape is devoted just to parks, not including golf courses and other open spaces. The Westland Parks and Recreation Department manages over 80 parks spanning more than 879 acres of land.
Westland’s parks range from small neighbourhood playgrounds to massive 150+ acre parks with diverse amenities. Some parks offer popular features like spray parks, skate parks, sports fields and courts. Others let you enjoy nature via woodland trails, ponds, gardens and quiet open spaces. With so much variety, Westland’s parks have something for everyone.
The city’s central location near Detroit and Ann Arbor also works to its advantage. Situated in southeast Michigan’s most populated area, Westland draws in families and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. The city lies about 18 miles west of Detroit and 35 miles east of Ann Arbor along major interstates. This accessibility allows thousands of people to enjoy Westland’s magnificent parks each year.
Westland invests heavily in its parks to keep them beautiful, functional and family-friendly. In 2021 alone, the city spent $3.4 million improving parks and recreation amenities. This funding allowed improvements like new play structures, walking paths, basketball courts, landscaping and park repairs. The city also routinely hosts free, family-friendly events like Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Park during summer.
While Westland has over 80 stellar parks, some stand out for their unique amenities, natural scenery and spaciousness. The following 12 parks are ones you absolutely must check out in Westland.
1.Jaycee Park
Name and Location: Jaycee Park is located at Wildwood Dr & Hunter Ave, Westland, MI 48185 in a residential neighborhood west of Merriman Road.
History and Significance: Originally called Hunter Woods, Jaycee Park has served as a community green space since the 1960s. This 10-acre park offers residents playgrounds, ball fields, walking paths and picnic facilities amid its mature wooded surroundings.
What to Expect: Park amenities include playground equipment for both older and younger children, a Little League baseball diamond and backstop, picnic tables with grills set under shade trees plus expansive open space for pickup sports games with family and friends.
Visitor Information: Jaycee Park lies west of Merriman between Palmer and Annapolis Roads. Open year-round daily from dawn until dusk. No admission fee.
At over 150 acres, Jaycee Park is Westland’s largest park and the crown jewel of the city’s parks system. Conveniently located northwest of Wayne Road and Avondale Street near Westland City Hall, Jaycee Park bursts with amenities and activities. It contains something to delight people of all ages and interests.
Sports lovers can’t miss the Walt Jenkins Recreation Complex within Jaycee Park. This large sports complex contains several baseball and softball diamonds perfect for casual and league play. The park also contains a popular inline hockey rink and skate park with ramps, rails and obstacles. Six tennis courts allow for competitive and social matches within a convenient central location.
Nature lovers will adore exploring Jaycee Park’s sunny open spaces and peaceful wooded areas. A lushly wooded section surroundsPatch Pond, where you can observe turtles, ducks, geese and other wildlife. Well-maintained walking trails wind through the woods and circle the pond. You can fish in designated areas if you purchase a permit.
Jaycee Park contains Westland’s most popular playground, which keeps kids entertained for hours. The massive, colorful play structure with multiple slides satisfies daredevils. Other playground components like climbing equipment, swings, see-saws and spring riders appeal to all ages. Parents can relax at the playground’s picnic tables and benches.
The park’s scenic beauty makes it ideal for picnics, family reunions and summer birthday parties. Several picnic shelters with grills allow for outdoor gatherings in the open grassy areas. Holiday events like egg hunts, festivals and concerts also take place in the expansive park.
Jaycee Park’s long list of amenities includes:
- Walt Jenkins Recreation Complex with baseball/softball diamonds, inline hockey rink, skate park
- Tennis courts
- Patch Pond with walking trails, fishing opportunities
- Playground with massive play structure and picnic shelters
- Wooded areas and open green spaces
- Picnic areas with grills and tables
With so much packed into one park, you’ll want to spend a full afternoon exploring Jaycee Park. The recreational opportunities, scenery and amenities available make this Westland’s top park.
2.Westland Bowl Park
Name and Location: Westland Bowl Park is located at 5940 N. Wayne Rd, Westland, MI 48185 across from Westland Shopping Center.
History and Significance: For over 60 years, Westland Bowl’s mini golf course has served the community as a family entertainment center. The park offers affordable recreation through its well-landscaped putting greens amid a relaxing environment. A popular tradition for generations.
What to Expect: This compact course sprawling behind Westland Bowl and Westland Shopping Center provides 18 holes of mini golf fun playable for all ages and skill levels. The site also has picnic tables for enjoying food and snacks with family and friends.
Visitor Information: Westland Bowl Park is open from early spring through late fall, seven days a week, weather permitting. It costs $7 for adults and $6 ages 10 and under to play a round.
Westland Bowl Park offers a nice contrast to Jaycee Park with its community atmosphere and neighborhood vibe. Located northeast of Warren Road and Central City Parkway, this petite park delivers big fun on just 4 acres. It acts as a central gathering place for residents of the Norwayne neighborhood and greater Westland community.
The park gets its name from the slopes and dips in the landscape that resemble a bowl. Mature trees provide shade over most of the park. Visitors enjoy the well-maintained walking paths and grassy hills perfect for picnics, games and relaxation. Two age-appropriate playgrounds allow both older and younger children to play safely on the equipment.
What really makes Westland Bowl Park stand out is the charming Ralph Liberato Community Center. The small stone and shingle building adds vintage character and serves as a valued neighborhood asset. Inside, families play games like foosball, air hockey and pool at no cost. The community center also houses a small lending library where locals can borrow books and movies for free.
Outside the community center, you’ll find picnic tables, grills, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pit. These amenities get plenty of use during community events like summer concerts and festivals hosted by the city. Although small, Westland Bowl Park holds major importance for locals as a place to gather, play, relax and connect with neighbors.
Top features of Westland Bowl Park include:
- Walking paths and open green space
- Playgrounds for younger and older children
- Ralph Liberato Community Center with games and free lending library
- Picnic area with tables, grills and bocce ball/horseshoe pit
- Concerts and community events in summer
Despite its compact size, this cozy neighborhood park delivers an abundance of charm and recreational opportunities. The community center and location make Westland Bowl Park a beloved spot for residents.
3.Attwood Park
Name and Location: Attwood Park spans 96 acres at 31900 Park Lane just south of Cherry Hill Road bordering Middle Rouge Parkway Trail.
History and Significance: For over 50 years, Attwood Park’s mix of expansive athletic facilities set amid mature trees and open green space has provided residents premier space to connect through recreational programming and leisure activities. A Westland showpiece.
What to Expect: Visitors enjoy 8 ball diamonds, soccer fields, 3 sand volleyball courts plus playgrounds, shuffleboard, bocce ball, walking paths, fishing and picnicking space surrounding a picturesque pond ideal for wildlife viewing.
Visitor Information: Attwood Park open daily dawn to dusk. Certain amenities like athletic fields require permit for organized events which can be arranged via Westland’s Parks & Rec department. No general admission fee.
Nestled along the Lower Rouge River, Attwood Park charms visitors with its diverse landscape. Located north of Ford Road and west of Central City Parkway, this 73-acre park contains a lovely mix of open spaces, woods and river access. Visitors flock to Attwood Park to walk, play sports, fish and simply admire the scenery.
Attwood Park contains a popular 1-mile loop trail that follows alongside the Lower Rouge River. This peaceful, wooded trail allows you to spot herons, turtles, hawks and other wildlife native to southeast Michigan. Interpretive signs describe the native plants and animals found within the trail area. Paths then bring you out into open, sunny sections with wildflower meadows.
Sports lovers utilize Attwood Park’s athletic fields and courts for seasonal leagues and practice. Well-groomed baseball/softball diamonds host league games for adults and youth. Volleyball courts allow for competitive and casual play. Families also enjoy the playground’s modern equipment and splash pad area during warmer months.
Anglers frequent Attwood Park for the fishing access to the Lower Rouge River. The banks provide ample shore fishing space, so you don’t need a boat. Attwood Park has a universally accessible kayak launch platform for easy access to the water as well. Whether fishing from shore or exploring the river by kayak, the park satisfies outdoor lovers.
Top amenities at Attwood Park include:
- 1-mile wooded trail along the Lower Rouge River
- Baseball/softball diamonds
- Volleyball courts
- Playground with new equipment and splash pad
- Fishing areas along the Lower Rouge River banks
- Universally accessible kayak launch
Attwood Park appeals to nature lovers, athletes and anglers alike thanks to its diverse landscape. The mix of woods, trails, river access and sports facilities make this a gem within Westland’s parks system.
4.Voss Park
Name and Location: Voss Park stretches 10 acres at 6700 Central City Parkway just east of Henry Ruff Road adjacent Central City Park.
History and Significance: Named for resident Harold Voss who served 4 terms as Westland mayor between 1963 and 1985, Voss Park provides space for passive recreation while preserving a portion of the city’s natural wetland ecosystem amid its grounds. A scenic community green space.
What to Expect: Meandering paved pathways wind through Voss Park’s scenic woods and pond ecosystem among benches, wildflowers, interpretive markers detailing native butterflies and bird species which inhabit the landscape alongside turtles, frogs and more wetland wildlife.
Visitor Information: Voss Nature Preserve open daily without fees or permits required. Sunrise to sunset access for walking, fishing and quiet reflection within its natural surroundings.
Formerly a farmstead, Voss Park wonderfully balances open spaces and wooded areas over its 22 acres. Located northeast of Henry Ruff Road and Ann Arbor Trail, this charming neighborhood park offers both sunny and shaded spots perfect for play. The mature trees, rolling landscape and central pond have scenic appeal as well.
Two age-appropriate playgrounds allow both older and younger children to enjoy the equipment safely. Parents appreciate the nearby benches circled around the play areas. Picnic tables also scatter around the open grassy fields, providing spots for snack time or board games.
A scenic pond rests at the heart of Voss Park, where families can view ducks, geese and other birds. Benches situated around the pond allow visitors to relax and gaze at the waterfowl while children play. Paved pathways encircle the pond for leisurely strolls as well.
The most unique aspect of Voss Park is the optimist solar garden and solar panel tree. This small solar field generates sustainable energy while serving as an educational display. Solar panels sit low enough on the structure for children to view up close. Informational plaques describe how the technology works to create electricity.
Top features you’ll find at Voss Park include:
- Playgrounds for younger and older children
- Benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the open areas
- Central pond habitat for ducks, geese and other birds
- Paved walkways encircling the pond
- Unique optimist solar garden and solar panel tree
Both scenic and recreational, Voss Park offers visitors lovely views and family-friendly activities. The playgrounds, pond and solar energy garden make this neighborhood park a stand-out in Westland.
5.Corrado Park
Name and Location: Corrado Park lies at 36601 Hunter Avenue between Warner and Hanover Roads within a residential Westland neighborhood.
History and Significance: Serving the nearby community for over 50 years, Corrado Park offers open recreation space for sports plus play structures amid its shady landscape. Dedicated to the Corrado family prominent in Westland civic affairs since the city’s incorporation.
What to Expect: Visitors find playground equipment for both older and younger children including climbing apparatus and slides set within a wood chip pit. Also two lighted softball diamonds and open grassy areas for casual play or picnicking.
Visitor Information: Corrado Park stretches north from Hunter Ave to Annapolis Park open daily from dawn until dusk without admission fees or permits required. Street parking available off Hunter.
For sports lovers, Corrado Park can’t be missed. Located northeast of Ann Arbor Trail and Henry Ruff Road near John Glenn High School, this 10-acre park packs numerous athletic fields and courts into a compact space. Baseball, softball, soccer, tennis and basketball players flock to Corrado Park to play pick-up games and league sports.
The park contains four baseball/softball diamonds perfect for practices, scrimmages and league play. Backstops, dugouts, scoreboards and bleachers make the diamond area feel like a mini stadium complex. Adjacent open grass areas allow for soccer and football as well. Four tennis courts offer space for singles and doubles tennis matches.
At Corrado Park, kids aspiring to be the next basketball superstar practice their moves on the full-sized, outdoor court. Ball hoops at adjustable heights allow players of all ages to get some shots up. Parents appreciate the bleacher seating around the perimeter of the court.
Top features at Corrado Park include:
- Four baseball/softball diamonds with dugouts, scoreboards and bleachers
- Multi-use open field space for soccer/football
- Four tennis courts
- Full-sized outdoor basketball court with bleachers
The sheer variety of athletic facilities packed into this neighborhood park is astonishing. Sports teams and athletes across Westland rely on Corrado Park for practices, games and tournaments. The courts and fields stay active year-round thanks to the dedicated sports community.
Whether you want to play a pick-up game or join a league, Corrado Park offers space for all types of athletics. The park’s facilities can accommodate any popular ball sport.
6.Tattan Park
Name and Location: Tattan Park spans 10 acres at 35750 Marquette between Newburgh and Wayne Roads one mile north of city hall complex.
History and Significance: For 50+ years, Tattan Park’s athletic amenities like lighted baseball diamonds, soccer fields and basketball courts have hosted youth recreation leagues sports contributing to community bonds built through athletic participation and friendly competition.
What to Expect: Visitors find two Little League baseball diamonds with dugouts, electronic scoreboards plus a separate tee ball field and backstop for introductory levels. Also a soccer field, basketball court, play structure and picnic shelter.
Visitor Information: Tattan Park open daily dawn to dusk without admission fees. Visitors should schedule athletic field/court reservations via Westland’s Parks & Rec Department if planning organized team activities.
Families with young children will love visiting Tattan Park thanks to its colorful, modern playground. Located northeast of Carlson Road and Marquette Avenue, this petite neighborhood park packs a big punch when it comes to fun. Vibrant blue, green and yellow equipment inspires creative play and motor skill development.
Young kids delight in climbing the arched ladder to access the tall, twisting slide. Shorter slides built into faux boulders offer quick thrills as well. Parents appreciate the nearby benches circled around the perimeter of the playground area. Swings and bouncy rider features entertain toddlers, while older children navigate the balance beams and climbing apparatus.
A few picnic tables also scatter around the playground for snack time or family gatherings. Lush grass and beautiful mature trees surround the tables, offering shade. Tattan Park offers a quiet spot for families to spend afternoons together thanks to its secluded residential location.
Top features at Tattan Park include:
- Colorful, modern playground equipment with slides, climbers and swings
- Picnic tables circled around the playground
- Lush grassy areas and mature shade trees
- Peaceful, residential location
Although small in size, Tattan Park delivers huge entertainment for families with its interactive playground. The equipment provides physical and mental stimulation for young children’s development in a safe environment. It’s the ultimate neighborhood playground!
7.Westland Veterans Park
Name and Location: Westland Veterans Park is located at 33400 Sims Ave sitting along the historic Rouge River just northeast of city hall complex.
History and Significance: Opened November 2004 for Veterans Day, the park serves as lasting tribute to Westland residents who served in America’s armed forces with monuments honoring hometown military personnel contributions and preserving greenspace along the Rouge River.
What to Expect: This patriotic park features brick pathways with iron bench dedications, informational plaques and majestic views across the Rouge River’s tranquil flowing waters. Located aside the heavily trafficked Wayne Road, its a surprisingly peaceful memorial site.
Visitor Information: Westland Veterans Memorial Park lies just east of Wayne Road north of city hall complex open free to visitors dawn to dusk all year with ample adjacent parking.
Honoring the men and women who served our country, Westland Veterans Park commemorates the sacrifices of local veterans. Situated southeast of Wayne Road and Avondale Street, this 1.5-acre park provides a place for quiet reflection along a memorial walkway. Bronze plaques engraved with veterans’ names line the paved path.
A central memorial pillar anchored by a Huey helicopter pays tribute to Vietnam veterans specifically. Surrounded by five flag poles, this prominent monument recognizes those who served in Vietnam. Visitors will also spot POW/MIA flags waving in the open grass field within the park.
Other features include benches along the memorial walkway, flower gardens and several structures from decommissioned Army tanks. While small, Westland Veterans Park provides a meaningful, tranquil space to honor veterans of all conflicts and show gratitude for their service. Its location near Westland City Hall makes it easy to access and view local history as you explore the city.
Key elements of Westland Veterans Park:
- Memorial walkway lined with bronze plaques engraved with local veterans’ names
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial with central pillar and Huey helicopter
- POW/MIA flags displayed prominently
- Benches for resting and reflecting
- Flower gardens and decommissioned Army tank components
Whether you want to pay respects or learn more about Westland veterans, this park delivers history and inspiration. The memorials offer visitors plenty of reasons to reflect on service and sacrifice.
8.Merriman Hollow Park
Name and Location: Merriman Hollow Park sits a half mile south of Michigan Ave spanning 10 acres behind Long elementary school off Danvers Street reached via Hollow Park Drive cul-de-sac.
History and Significance: Merriman Hollow serves Westland youth recreation needs having offered ball fields and open community space for residents over 35 years. Its secluded site features scenic surroundings and elevated topography unique among Westland parks.
What to Expect: Park amenities include a Little League baseball diamond and backstop, basketball court plus playground equipment, all nestled amid hollow’s mix of open field and mature trees that provide shade. Picnic tables scattered about for family gatherings.
Visitor Information: Merriman Hollow Park stretches west through the Merriman Road hollow from 9415 to 9550 Danvers Street. No admission fees. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Nestled alongMerriman Road south of Avondale Street, Merriman Hollow Park charms visitors with its lush landscape. Shady groves of mature trees cover much of this petite, 3-acre park. Walking paths wind below the tree canopy to offer cooler spots for strolling on hot summer days.
An intricate rope pyramid structure tucked back into the trees challenges older kids. Climbing ropes attached to poles allow children to stretch their limbs like squirrels and test balance. Nearby swings and playground equipment entertains younger kids within view of parents resting at benches.
Several picnic tables scatter around the playground and open grassy areas. Grills allow for cooking lunch or dinner outdoors during family gatherings. The wooded landscape screens out city noise and provides a secluded, peaceful feeling during visits to Merriman Hollow Park.
Top features at Merriman Hollow Park include:
- Shady mature trees and wooded areas
- Walking paths under the cool tree canopy
- Playground with rope pyramid climber and other equipment
- Swings for all ages
- Picnic tables and grills for outdoor meals
Tucked out of sight from main roads, Merriman Hollow Park remains one of Westland’s best-kept secrets. The shade and seclusion offer families a serene setting for play away from city hustle and bustle. Exploring the wooded landscape almost transports you to the countryside.
9.Rotary Park
Name and Location: Rotary Park spans 7 acres at 37550 Marquette between Newburgh and Wayne Roads under a mile north of Westland Shopping Center.
History and Significance: Named for Westland Rotary Club which sponsors the site, Rotary Park preserves open green space for public enjoyment offering visitors walking paths, gardens, arts, and space for community gatherings both small and large scale.
What to Expect: Park features pedestrian pathways, butterfly gardens, veteran memorials and mature deciduous trees plus space accommodating events like craft fairs, walking fundraisers and city festivals overflow. Also links to Westland’s Crossing community trail system.
Visitor Information: Rotary Park lies just north of Marquette Blvd behind Westland city hall/library complex. Open year-round dawn to dusk without fees or permit requirements.
Rotary Park packs loads of fun into its compact, 5-acre footprint thanks to the modern playground and splash pad. Conveniently located northeast of Warren Road and Central City Parkway, this lively neighborhood park entertains families for hours. Vibrant colors and interactive elements define the flashy playground area designers created for wide age appeal.
Kids of all ages navigate the multi-level equipment with climbing apparatus, twisted slides and obstacles. Interactive musical components allow children to bang a xylophone or drums to create imaginative songs. For toddlers, a separate gated area contains bouncers and swings scaled to small bodies. Shade sails connecting towers provide refuge on hot days.
Nearby, the splash pad with dumping buckets, springs and sprayers delights kids during summer. Colorful padded ground covers the entire splash pad area for injury prevention. Picnic tables fringe the playground and splash pad for birthday parties and summertime gatherings. A small pavilion provides further shade when the sun beats down.
Top features at Rotary Park include:
- Multi-level, interactive playground equipment with musical elements
- Splash pad area with pads, buckets, sprayers
- Designated toddler playground space
- Shade sails over equipment
- Picnic tables and pavilion
Thanks to the flashy playground and conveniently located splash pad area, Rotary Park is one of Westland’s most popular parks. Kids can expend energy while parents relax knowing the facilities are completely modernized for safety.
10.Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center
Name and Location: Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center is located at 32150 Dorsey St just north of Palmer Road abutting Wildwood Golf Course.
History and Significance: Opened 2017, Jefferson Barns converted the historic Dorsey Farm and barns into a multifaceted community center providing amenities like a spray park, fitness track, gardens, banquet spaces and event venue rentals across its bucolic 12 acre landscape.
What to Expect: The adaptive reused barns feature flexible interior event space for up to 300 guests, outdoor patios and picturesque grounds popular for photos, weddings and community gatherings both public and private facing the golf course.
Visitor Information: Jefferson Barns open daily 8am-10pm with free general admission. Some features have fees including fitness center, spray park and facility rentals starting at $100 per hour.
Jefferson Barns delights visitors with its historic stone barns and modern amenities after undergoing a massive renovation. Situated northwest of Jefferson Avenue and Carlson Road, this 22-acre community park preserves pieces of history while offering new gathering spaces. Two former dairy barn structures built in the 1920s now house a cafe, theater, banquet rooms and museum displays.
Outside, a large patio connects the two barns with plenty of seating. Visitors enjoy al fresco dining on the patio during events or daily hours of operation. Colorful murals painted across the barns’ exterior showcase historical scenes of Westland’s agricultural heritage. Well-manicured green lawns stretch between the patio seating and the historic farmhouses onsite.
The two farmhouses also impress visitors with their immaculate restoration and charming appeal. One houses park offices, while the other holds historical exhibits inside. Their eye-catching exteriors retain the 19th century architectural detailing.
Key features at Jefferson Barns Park include:
- Two restored 1920s stone dairy barns
- Connected patio space for outdoor dining/events
- Cafe, theater, banquet hall and museum displays inside barns
- Two 19th century farmhouses restored for
- Historical murals painted across barns
- Well-maintained open green space surrounding amenities
Whether you come for a meal at the cafe or tour the museum, Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center packs modern amenities into historic structures. The painstaking restoration of the 1920s barns and 19th century farmhouses transforms agricultural heritage into a community asset. It’s both a glimpse into Westland’s past and a unique community center.
11.Westland Historic Village Park
Name and Location: Westland Historic Village Park stretches 12 acres at 857 N. Wayne Rd just north of city hall and library between Marquette and Cherry Hill.
History and Significance: Opened 2004 around existing 19th century buildings preserved in place, the village recreates late 1800’s life with restored Victorian era shops, homes, mills and a one-room schoolhouse that explore Westland’s early settler days as pioneer farming community.
What to Expect: Costumed docents guide visitors through over a dozen historic buildings were blacksmiths, merchants, teachers and tradesmen practice early crafts and trades from Westland’s past. Special events occur seasonally like Civil War reenactments, antique car shows and more.
Visitor Information: The village stretches north from city hall complex to near Cherry Hill Road open Tuesday-Sunday 12-4pm, April through November. Admission free.
Take a deeper dive into local history with a visit to Westland Historic Village Park. Located next to the Jefferson Barns complex, this compact open-air museum contains over a dozen historic buildings related to Westland’s past. Structures relocated here from other sites represent various time periods and uses. Interpretive plaques describe each building’s unique history and function for self-guided exploration.
Some of the most impressive buildings date back to the mid-19th century.The bright white Octagon House served as part of the Underground Railroad, while the Greek Revival-style Rowe House hosted Abraham Lincoln in 1849. One log cabin remains from the earliest pioneer homesteads in the area.
Other buildings highlight Westland’s agricultural roots, like the dairy barn, windmill and carriage house. See a one-room schoolhouse, tin shop, cider mill and other heritage structures as well. Special events and classes allow hands-on learning inside select buildings. Visitors gain insight into how early Westland residents lived and worked thanks to the breadth of buildings preserved here.
Key features at Westland Historic Village Park:
- Over 12 historic buildings related to Westland history
- Octagon House, Rowe House, log cabin from 1800s
- Agricultural structures: dairy barn, windmill, carriage barn
- One-room schoolhouse, tin shop, cider mill
- Interpretive plaques describe origins and uses
By relocating Westland’s most significant historic buildings to one site, the city created an intriguing outdoor museum. Visitors can see structures and artifacts up close while touring the grounds. If you want a glimpse into early local life, Westland Historic Village Park delivers.
12.Central City Park
Name and Location: Central City Park borders Henry Ruff Road spanning 75 acres from Carlson south to Warren Road with lighted walking paths across its expansive grounds.
History and Significance: For over 40 years, Central City Park has provided space for community gatherings and celebrations with annual events like Blues Fest and Fall Festival that attract thousands to utilize its flexible open grounds accommodating visitors with food trucks, carnival rides, live music and large scale temporary facilities.
What to Expect: Besides hosting Westland’s premier public events, the park offers year-round walking trails, gardens, athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters and unique amenities like horseshoe pits, shuffleboard and bocce ball across its sprawling acreage.
Visitor Information: Open year-round dawn-to-dusk without admission fees. Some features like athletic fields require reservations via Westland’s Parks & Rec Department for organized events and team sports.
For nearly 50 years, Central City Park has brought Westland residents together for beloved community traditions. Nestled along Carlson Road between Ford Road and Marquette Street, this 36-acre park hosts many of the city’s most popular annual events. Its spacious Community Center building also provides year-round rental space for meetings, parties and receptions.
During summer, locals flock to Central City Park on Monday evenings for Concerts in the Park. Families spread out blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy live bands performing on the pavilion stage. Food trucks satisfy hungry concertgoers with all types of cuisine as well. The Summer Blast event packs even more food, music and family activities into one exciting August day.
From late November through December, Fantasy of Lights brightens up Central City Park with dazzling light displays. Visitors drive slowly along illuminated pathways to view over 50 scenes featuring festive characters, dinosaurs and Arctic animals. Special events like princess tea parties occur on select nights. The park transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland.
Top features at Central City Park include:
- Community Center with year-round rentals
- Concerts in the Park summer music series
- Location for Summer Blast festival
- Fantasy of Lights winter light display event
- Open green spaces and pathways
For decades, Central City Park creates lasting memories through concerts, celebrations and seasonal displays. Locals rely on the park as central gathering place for community building events and traditions. The legacy of activities hosted here make the park an integral part of Westland life.
Discover Westland’s Amazing Parks
Westland’s over 80 beautiful parks span nearly 900 acres total, delighting outdoors lovers. You’ll find amazing amenities like recreation complexes, universal access kayak launches and solar panel trees. Historical parks and buildings showcase the city’s agricultural roots and prominence.
The 12 parks highlighted above boast features that make them must-see destinations. Convenient locations across Westland make most parks easily accessible off major roads and side streets. Well-maintained grounds and facilities reflect the heavy investments the city proudly makes in its parks system each year.
Whether you live nearby or are just visiting Westland for the day, be sure to explore some standout parks. Pack a picnic lunch or the whole family and create memorable moments together outdoors. Parks help build community connections, provide spaces for recreation and preserve nature areas for all to enjoy. Discover for yourself why Westland’s stunning parks system stands out in southeast Michigan.