The William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor (formerly named Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor) is a state park in Michigan, and the state's first to be situated in an urban area. Located just east of downtown Detroit along a portion of the city's International Riverfront, it covers 31acre on the Detroit River, and includes a 52-slip harbor of refuge. A 63ft conical brick light-house tower marks the harbor entrance.HistoryThe park consists of the former city-owned St. Aubin Park and Marina and an adjacent reclaimed brownfield. The park area was taken over by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 2004 as Tri-Centennial State Park. Phase I of the park's development, which included refurbishing the marina and construction of the light tower, opened on May 20, 2004. Construction of the 6acre Phase II, or expansion, phase of the project began in summer 2008 and concluded in summer 2009. The Phase II project encompassed a parcel of post-industrial property adjacent to Rivard Plaza.On October 22, 2009, Tri-Centennial State Park was renamed in honor of Governor William G. Milliken. The Lowlands section of the park was officially opened to the public on December 3, 2009.EcologyMuch of the William G. Milliken State Park has been redeveloped as restoration wetlands, intended to mimic the riverine wetlands that once bordered the Detroit River. The Michigan DNR hopes that these wetlands will be an attractive location for migratory birds. Ninety-seven percent of the former Detroit River wetlands have been lost to development; the de-development of Detroit in the 2000s created an opportunity for wetlands restoration.
