Case Study: Merit Foundation creates an accessible community park in Detroit with Gensler

Merit Foundation creates a 60,000-square-foot community park with Gensler

The Merit Foundation partnered with Gensler to create an equitable public space that would provide recreation, education, and community programming for Detroit's west side. The challenge was to design a new urban park that addressed historic inequities in public investment and reflected the specific needs of the local community.

Gensler led the master plan and designed the central athletic building for the 60,000-square-foot Merit Park. The solution incorporated input from residents and features flexible indoor and outdoor areas, including courts, a gymnasium, and a splash pad, all connected by a fluid layout. The result is a vibrant and accessible community hub that fosters wellness and social connection, established as a contemporary neighborhood landmark through its bold architectural forms.

Merit Foundation