Ford Field

NORTHVILLIANS,

This week, I will open a new series on the various community task forces we have in action, including Ford Field, the Rouge Restoration & Riverwalk, Farmers Market and the Sustainability Team. The first civic activity that we will explore in this communication will be that of our FORD FIELD CENTRAL PARK.

Let’s look at activities where our citizens are engaged for the benefit of our community’s future. The first area we’ll explore will be our Historic Ford Field Central Park.

Northville’s Ford Field has a colorful and eventful history. Activities at this location date back to the early 1800’s, when there was a mill in the area and people gathered to grind their crops.  The mill was located on the west side of Griswold, most likely where the Mill Race Village and Mill Pond sit today. The Yerkes Family had the flour mill and the Dubuars had a lumber company in the area.  Around 1919 Henry Ford purchased these properties for the first of his Village Industries and eventually built an Albert Kahn state-of-the-art plant.

In the 1940’s, Henry Ford gifted the use of a portion of the land to the Northville community as a greenspace.  In 1946 the Exchange Club took the lead in sponsoring a project to begin work on the “Ford Recreation Field” which would be used by the School District and the recreation department.  The thought was that the City could use the greenspace for sports of all kinds, build a skating rink and hold community gatherings. The football & baseball fields were laid out, and a natural amphitheater with seating for events was added. Thus, the Ford Recreation Field project was born.

The Field was dedicated under the lights at its first major event, a football game between Northville & Plymouth where over 3,500 attended.

In 1950 a modern scoreboard was added on the southwest corner of Ford Field.  By the early 60’s, some of the greatest teams from Northville played on this field under the leadership of Steve Juday, the All-American quarterback. He went on to lead MSU to a National Championship in 1965 and was inducted into MSU’s Hall of Fame. That group of local athletes won all their football, basketball & baseball games.

Through the years Ford Field has hosted many other activities including: Donkey Softball games, circuses, festivals, concerts, public speeches, ice rinks and movies.  In recent times, we’ve also hosted special rallies, Food Truck events and much more.  It has been a central gathering point for all of us.

Renovations & grant opportunities have also emerged over the years. In 2001 at a Ford Field rededication Mayor Chris Johnson stated, “As we begin to rebuild our nation, we are also rebuilding our community.”

Ford Field Facts

• 1820’s – Site of first mill in the Northville community
• 1940’s to 1960’s – Used by Northville School District as athletic fields
• 1970’s – Used by youth baseball and soccer programs
• 1993 – City receives ownership of the property from Ford Motor Company
• 1997 – Fort Griswold playscape is built by the Northville community
• 1999 – City of Northville receives grant to renovate Ford Field

Today, the Ford Field Task Force team led by DJ Boyd is working diligently on revisioning this outstanding greenspace.  Their goal is to build on the foundation of what Ford Field has meant to us in the past, looking to its future and what it could mean for our children and grandchildren.  At this location we are truly surrounded by the beauty of what Northville is all about:  Hills, Water & Greenspace.   We are enthused about the possibilities of this Central Park treasure. I appreciate all that are involved in this project.

If you desire to share your time & talents on this or any other project or just want to learn more, click on https://northvillecommunitysupportfund.com/, or call me anytime to talk about the future of this community we love.

Keep that Northville Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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