Patton Park (Detroit) facts for kids

Patton Park is a large, 93-acre (38 ha) park located in southwest Detroit, Michigan. It was named after General George S. Patton, a famous US military leader from World War II. The park officially opened in the early 1950s. A local landowner named Jacques Baby gave this land to the City of Detroit to be used as a park. There's a special agreement that says the city must always keep it as a park. If they don't, the land could go back to Baby's family.

Discover Patton Park's Recreation Center and Pond

Inside Patton Park, you'll find the Patton Park Recreation Center. This center was once famous for having America's first indoor-outdoor swimming pool! It had special doors that could open up two walls. This allowed swimmers to go out onto a raised patio. From there, they could see tennis courts, a racquetball court, and a pond.

Patton Park also has a big pond and marsh area. It's located right behind the recreation center. This pond used to be a popular spot for swimming and fishing. That was until the mid-1970s. The recreation center even had a special entrance to locker rooms for people using the pond. There was also a rowing boat for the pond.

The Story of Patton Pond and Baby Creek

The Patton Pond naturally formed from nearby springs. These springs were located near Lonyo and Dix Streets. The area around the park was even called Springwells Township because of all the natural springs. Until the early 1960s, water flowed freely as Baby Creek. This creek was named after Jacques Baby, the first landowner.

Baby Creek flowed through Patton Park. It went under Vernor Highway and along Woodmere Cemetery. It then flowed into the Woodmere Cemetery pond. Finally, it reached the Rouge River. In the early 1960s, Baby Creek was put into tunnels under Patton Park. It also went through Woodmere Cemetery.

A Royal Opening and Historic Events

The grand opening of the Patton Park Recreation Center was a very special event. It happened eight years after America won World War II. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands even attended the opening! This was a way for the Netherlands to thank America.

The City of Detroit Recreation Department made sure Patton Park was a top-notch facility. Detroit was known for having one of the best recreation departments in the country back then.

Patton Park During the 1967 Detroit Riots

Patton Park became important during the 1967 race riots. A landing strip was quickly built there. This was to bring in supplies for the National Guard. A National Guard camp was also set up at the park. Luckily, no problems happened in or around the park during that time.

Fun and Games at Patton Park

Patton Park was a central place for celebrations in Southwest Detroit. One of the biggest events was the post-parade party for the annual Fourth of July Parade. This parade went along Vernor Highway. The day always included family barbecues, games, and swimming at the recreation center. It all ended with a fireworks show over the Patton Park Pond.

The fireworks display was so big it went over the Dearborn–Detroit border! A funny story says that Dearborn officials called, worried about fireworks in their city. Patton Park staff told them the fireworks were "on the Detroit side," which made them happy.

Sports and Facilities at the Park

Patton Park once had many sports areas. There were two separate tennis court areas. It also had three softball fields, including one with lights. There was even a baseball field. The park had permanent restrooms, four drinking fountains, and a stocked fishing pond. There was also a small amphitheater and two picnic areas.

The recreation center had an indoor stage-theater in the gym. On the second floor, there was a large community room. Dances and social events were held there. Later, this area became a weight room. Another big room on the second level had a hardwood floor. It was used for dances and community meetings. There was also a small kitchen nearby.

Park Renovations and Changes

The Patton Recreation Center has been updated several times. It closed for two years in 1978 for a big renovation. During this time, the gym floor was replaced. The stage-theater was removed. The locker rooms were also updated.

Another renovation happened in 2002. The center closed for three years this time. This renovation cost $10 million. It was paid for by Detroit's Water & Sewerage Department. They built a new facility within the park.

How the Neighborhood Around Patton Park Changed

The area around Patton Park has changed a lot over the years. This is because of economic changes in Detroit. Many businesses closed in the Vernor-Springwells area. This happened after General Motors' plants closed in the early 1980s. People who worked at these plants moved away. A tough recession and the opening of a new mall also made shopping in the area less popular.

In 2006, a new paved trail was built along the Dix Road side of Patton Park. This trail cost $9 million. It starts at Norman and Woodmere Streets and goes south to Dale Street. The trail has benches, trash cans, and many new trees. This trail is now part of the Southwest Detroit Greenways Link. This link is a series of bike paths that connect to other bike lanes in Detroit's Mexicantown and Corktown neighborhoods.