Eliza Howell

At the intersection of I-96 and US Highway 24 sits the site of the third-largest park in Detroit. Considered a natural gem for its abundant wildlife, Eliza Howell Park is also surrounded by a bedroom community — bearing the same real estate developer’s name — full of residents who not only appreciate the nature of the neighborhood but also use it to keep themselves actively engaged in the betterment of the area.

Shaded sidewalks lined with trees wind through the streets of Eliza Howell. With a 250-acre natural landscape going right down the center of the area, the residents of the Eliza Howell community have never-ending green space right outside their doors. Simple brick ranches can be found throughout the community on sizeable lots approaching 6,000 square feet. Each home has hints of design influences from other styles, including Tudor, Colonial Revival and Craftsman, all with large picture windows in front. Price tags in the area generally top off around the mid-$100,000s; however, some homes can be priced under $100,000.

As part of the Detroit Public Schools Community School District, students have plenty of options for schooling. At Gompers Elementary-Middle School, STEAM education is the priority, offering programs like robotics, i-Ready and the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP). At Cody High School, students can receive college credit and certification in health sciences, information technology/app development and public safety. According to Niche, Gompers has an overall grade of C, while Cody has a C-minus.

The Grand River Mejier is nearby for groceries, home goods and electronics. TM African Market is nearby for fresh cuts of meat and international ingredients. For dinner without having to do the dishes, a quick drive up Telegraph Road brings the family to Motor City Soul Food, serving downhome dishes like leg quarters, pork chops, oxtail and vegetarian options. Get more than just pizza at Happy’s Pizza, with a menu that includes wings, subs and barbecue dinners.

A portion of the 250-acre Eliza Howell Park splits the neighborhood in half, with one side bordering the Western View community and the other bordering Brightmoor. Home to all kinds of plants and wildlife, the park is an excellent place to learn about these species as visitors stroll along the two miles of trails that community residents and park volunteers maintain. The park is also the site of arts-focused programming and events for Eliza Howell residents, developed and implemented by Sidewalk Detroit. This local nonprofit enhances the quality of life in the park’s surrounding neighborhoods. Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork Sculpture is one of the most visited art installations spearheaded by Sidewalk Detroit. The piece comprises natural materials, is entirely handwoven and was completed by 150 artists, residents and volunteers.

The park has also applied for a trust fund grant to bring more play structures to the park. “The park there is such a large area and has always played a huge part in the community. In my days as a boy scout, we used to camp out in Elisa Howell Park,” says Harrison R. Duke, a Detroit native and regional historian. “There’s been a lot of talk and activity about the park being revitalized, and I know the residents have events there all the time. A lot of vacant lots have appeared in the area recently, but the community is working to build it back up through organizations like Sidewalk Detroit.”

Eliza Howell Park is also the site of several community events. The annual Earth Day Community Clean-Up and Spring Wildflower Nature Walk happen every April, and the Summer Family Fun programming takes place from June through August. Sidewalk Detroit also hosts a Songs of Freedom series, led by artist Billy Mark, where participants take an introspective and interactive journey through the park's woods to define a personal meaning of life.

Written By

Kent Olden

Photography Contributed By

Gregory Hayes

Video By

Syd Silberman