Clark Park is a fantastic public park located in the heart of SW. It's not far from where I live so I'm close enough to take advantage of its tree-lined sidewalks and walking paths during the warmer months. The northern end tends to be more for casual strolling, while the southern end is sport and activity centered.
In the summer, the tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer field, and baseball diamond are all in full use. There's a small children's playground as well. The ballpark is frequently crowded with players and fans alike, as weekend match-ups between hometown favorites and out-of-town cronies cause the streets surrounding the park to fill up with cars, and the bleachers are packed to the brim. I highly recommend watching a game with a cold drink and some food, even if you're unfamiliar with either team. The spirited crowd will just put you in a good summer mood.
Also, in May, Clark Park hosts the never-to-be-missed Cinco De Mayo celebrations. Do yourself a favor and preface your Cinco De Mayo nighttime escapades with an afternoon or evening in the park. There's free live-music all day long (from the Wayne State symphony orchestra to tuba-driven norteño), tons of food vendors serving up hot tacos & ice-cold agua frescas plus elotes & gorditas, a few crafts sellers, plenty of grass space to sit and eat and listen.
In the winter, an ice-skating/hockey rink opens up. Free public skating with skate rentals available, and pick-up hockey games too. Call in advance though, as there's not a good way to tell if the rink has been booked for a private event or game, which happens often enough. Children up to 8 years of age will probably get a kick out of sledding down the small horseshoe-shaped hill in the park's center.
The park, while it's increasingly getting better (as vouched for by the new hand-painted commemorative band-stand that's just been constructed), could still use some city-funds to give it one last major overhaul, taking care of the small amounts of litter (esp. broken glass that clusters around the perimeter), and doing SOMETHING with the old wading pool that's fallen into disrepair - if not renovation, then something equally as creative... right now, the cracked and long-unused wading pool seems to just attract broken bottles.
Otherwise, a brilliant place to spend some summer hours. Grab a guava pastry from Mexicantown Bakery, an iced lemon tea from Café con Leche, and enjoy the green oasis down in SW. read more
