Cass Park

Cass Park is a 1.1-acre public park located in Detroit, Michigan, and is also the name of a historic district encompassing 25 significant buildings. Established in 1860, the park has undergone numerous transformations, from a proposed lakefront park to an aviation testing ground and municipal airport, before becoming the recreational space it is today. The surrounding Cass Park Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, recognizing its architectural and cultural importance.

History

The land comprising Cass Park has a complex history of acquisition and repurposing. Initial purchases by the City of Ithaca began in 1908 with areas intended for a municipal lakefront park. However, dredging the Inlet for the Barge Canal in the early 1900s led to the filling of marshland and a failed attempt at establishing a peach orchard. This area was then leased to the Thomas-Morse Aviation Company for airplane testing and aviation school operations before, during, and after World War I. This ultimately evolved into a municipal airport, recognized as the third-oldest airport in the United States.

Further land acquisition occurred in 1925, with parcels put in trust for the city by former Ithaca Mayor Newman and others, and in 1929 with the purchase of property known as “Silent City,” a collection of abandoned shacks removed as part of the park project. The final parcel was acquired in 1966 from the Lehigh Valley Railroad, including an old railroad loop. Development of Cass Park as a recreational facility progressed through the early 1970s, with the construction of the Allen H. Treman Marina by the State and the park itself. A covered ice rink opened in November 1972, followed by an Olympic-sized swimming pool and several ball fields the following summer. The park's development involved using dredged material from a flood control channel to fill the southern portion of the park.

Geography

Cass Park encompasses 1.1 acres of land within the city of Detroit. The park’s landscape has been significantly altered over time, initially consisting of marshland that was filled in with dredged material. This material was sourced from the construction of a flood control channel, effectively reshaping the park’s southern portion. The park is situated near the Inlet and was originally envisioned as a lakefront park, though this plan evolved.

The surrounding Cass Park Historic District is defined by Temple, Ledyard, and 2nd Streets in Detroit. The district’s boundaries encompass a collection of 25 historically significant buildings. The area’s topography has been influenced by its proximity to the railroad tracks and the Inlet, factors that played a role in the park’s development and the removal of structures like the “Silent City” shacks.

Attractions

Cass Park offers a variety of recreational facilities. These include a covered ice rink, opened in 1972, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, also opened in 1972. The park also features athletic fields – a total of 20, with four of them lighted – for various sports. Additionally, Cass Park provides four tennis courts, playground equipment, an exercise trail, a large picnic pavilion, and the Ithaca Children's Garden.

The surrounding Cass Park Historic District is notable for its architecture, with the Detroit Masonic Temple being a prominent landmark within the district. The district’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places recognizes the architectural and cultural significance of the buildings within its boundaries. The Allen H. Treman Marina, located near the park, provides boating and waterfront access.

Neighborhoods

Cass Park is situated within the city of Detroit, and its surrounding area comprises several neighborhoods. The historic district encompasses streets like Temple, Ledyard, and 2nd Streets. The area once contained a settlement known as “Silent City,” consisting of shacks that were later removed during the park’s development.

The park serves as a regional hub, attracting residents from various parts of Tompkins County. The development of the park and marina contributed to the transformation of the surrounding area from marshland and industrial use to a recreational and residential space. The presence of the Detroit Masonic Temple and other historically significant buildings adds to the cultural fabric of the neighborhoods surrounding Cass Park.

Getting There

Information regarding specific transportation options to Cass Park is not detailed in the provided sources. However, given its location within Detroit, access is likely available via city roads and public transportation routes. The park’s proximity to the Inlet and the railroad tracks suggests potential access points from those areas.

The Allen H. Treman Marina, adjacent to Cass Park, is accessible by boat and provides waterfront access. The park’s development included the construction of infrastructure to support recreational activities, implying the presence of parking facilities and pedestrian access points. Further details regarding transportation options would require additional sources beyond those provided.

Parks of Detroit Historic districts in Michigan Detroit