O'Hair Park

Located within the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, O'Hair Park seamlessly combines verdant outdoor spaces and community engagement. The community offers a diverse range of housing styles, well-cared-for parks, diverse culinary experiences and accessible retail amenities, making it a treasure appreciated by its residents. The community is a 20-minute drive to downtown Detroit.

A drive down the residential streets will reveal modest Cape Cods and ranch-style homes that sit on single lots. Formal sidewalks allow residents to take long walks. Street parking is available, although many homes have driveways. Many residents get around by car; however, bus stops are available on major roads that border the neighborhood, including Evergreen, Southfield and Eight Mile Roads. There are some vacant homes and vacant lots; however, there is a larger percentage of well-maintained homes with equally tidy lawns, showcasing the pride homeowners have for their community. Home prices range from $45,000 to $175,000.

At the heart of the community is its namesake park, named after Mrs. Willis Watts O’Hair, founder of the Detroit Recreation Commission. This favored green space is a haven for residents to connect with nature and engage in recreational opportunities and cultural events. O'Hair Park offers a range of amenities to cater to its residents, including sports fields and courts for various athletic activities. Additionally, it provides picnic facilities for outdoor gatherings and walking paths for leisurely strolls. Pitcher Woods, named after former mayor Dr. Zina Pitcher, has nature trails enriched with interpretive signs to educate and engage visitors. The park also features playscapes for children, workout equipment for those seeking an active lifestyle, and picnic shelters for outdoor dining.

O'Hair Park recently set the stage for the inaugural City of Detroit 2023 Peacenic, an event that brought together over thirty community organizations and various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, all uniting with residents for a memorable day of peace and unity. The Peacenic was a resounding success, featuring a wide range of activities that captivated attendees of all ages. Kids had a blast participating in flag football, interacting with an exotic petting zoo, and enjoying colorful face painting, all fostering a sense of engagement and non-enforcement interaction. Beyond the fun and festivities, the event offered valuable resources to enhance the quality of life for those in attendance, including opportunities for restoring licenses and job recruitment. Moreover, local artists graced the event with their presence, delivering messages of peace and urging everyone to adopt a proactive mindset, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful responses over impulsive reactions. The event culminated with residents joyfully line-dancing to their hearts' content, celebrating a day filled with unity, peace, and unforgettable memories.

Education is a top priority in O'Hair Park, with the neighborhood hosting a selection of both public and private schools, ensuring that students of all ages have access to quality education. Ralph W. Emerson Elementary-Middle serves students from Pre-K through 8th grades and earns a Niche score of a B, with teachers and diversity earning the highest accolades. Emerson provides an educational foundation for students before they ascend to Henry Ford High School. Henry Ford High also earns a Niche score of C-minus, with teachers, sports and clubs/activities receiving the highest applause. The school takes pride in its dance program, known as the Henry Ford Dance Company. Additionally, Ford High had one of its seniors selected for the District Travel Abroad to France program.

At each corner of the community there are dining options. El's Kitchen Food Court is your destination for delicious hibachi-style dishes, while D Town Fish and Soul caters to those seeking classic soul food, pizza, and the nostalgia of old-school Kool-Aid. Nicky D's Coney Island is a drive-thru eatery that offers fast-food-style options, including breakfast items, burgers, and more. For an at-home culinary experience, neighborhood grocer Apollo Market provides produce and good necessities.

The closest retail hub is Seven and Evergreen Plaza with anchor stores like Foot Locker and Family Dollar. Major retailers like Nike and H&M, are all located in downtown Detroit.

Written By

LaTasha James

Photography Contributed By

JC Knopf

Video By

Taylor Gilbert