Construction has begun on a $12 million park in Westland

WESTLAND, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – Construction of a multi-million dollar park in Westland is currently underway.

Since last week, work has been underway to clear the property on Nankin Boulevard near Warren Road to make way for the city’s new park, called Nankin Square.

“This space will be one of the most unique spaces in Southeast Michigan,” said Alex Garza, Westland’s chief business development officer.

Garza says the $12 million project will create a unique atmosphere compared to a traditional park.

Once completed, there will be an amphitheater, play areas for children, a walking path and even space for food trucks along the boulevard.

“One of the things I tell people is that Westland doesn’t have a traditional downtown, so this is another means of really creating that downtown feel. It may not necessarily be the downtown we’re looking for, but it’s a start,” Garza said.

Garza says the city is committed to revitalizing the area around Westland Mall, which is nearby and has been called an eyesore by residents for years.

“Westland Mall has been in decline for a number of years, and I think that’s true of many other malls. I think a lot of the city’s responsibility is to do the best we can with the resources we have. What we can do is create economic opportunities around the mall to really try to enhance that mall as much as possible and stimulate economic development and growth,” Garza said.

Work on Nankin Square has been underway for two years and the park is scheduled to open to the public in September 2025.

More photos from Nankin Square can be found below: