Merit Park

Give Merit Foundation partnered with Gensler to design Merit Park, a 60,000-square-foot urban park on Detroit’s west side that provides equitable access to recreation, education, and community programming. The park includes indoor basketball and volleyball courts, a gymnasium with advanced technology, an obstacle course, a splash pad, a miniature turf soccer field, an outdoor rock-climbing wall, and active shipping containers hosting food and retail.

Gensler led the master plan and designed the central athletic building, incorporating input from neighborhood students and community members to ensure the space reflects local needs and addresses historic inequities in public investment. Bold rooflines, angular forms, and a dynamic material palette establish a contemporary neighborhood landmark, while a fluid layout connects indoor and outdoor areas for structured programs, casual play, and community gatherings. Prioritizing adaptability, accessibility, and engagement, Merit Park fosters wellness, life skills, and social connection, creating a vibrant hub for Detroit’s youth and the surrounding community.