Zussman Park
Zussman Park, located in the Russell Woods-Sullivan Historic District of Detroit, is a 2.41-acre public park with a history rooted in post-World War II Detroit and named in honor of a Hamtramck native and Medal of Honor recipient. Originally designated as site #20 in the City Master Plan of playgrounds, the park has undergone several changes since its inception, including recent renovations to enhance its recreational offerings. [1]
History
The land for Zussman Park was acquired by the City of Detroit in 1947 through a resolution of necessity, followed by a condemnation case adjudicated by the Detroit Recorder’s Court on February 7, 1949. The acquisition cost totaled $91,866. [2] The park was officially named in honor of Raymond Zussman on October 9, 1947, via Ordinance 151-E. Zussman, a resident of neighboring Hamtramck, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II. The park officially opened to the public on July 17, 1951.
Following its opening, Zussman Park was expanded by .238 acres with the vacation of Holmus Street. For many years, the park served as a local recreational space, featuring both active and passive uses. In 2020, a rehabilitation project was proposed by the City of Detroit General Services Department to update the park’s amenities. [3] This project culminated in a “major makeover” completed in 2021, which included the installation of new features and the removal of older elements.
Geography
Zussman Park is situated at 3959 W. Davison, defining the northern boundary of the Russell Woods-Sullivan Historic District. [4] The park occupies a total of 2.648 acres (originally 2.41 acres, increased by the Holmus Street vacation). The eastern portion of the park is characterized by an open, grassy area, while the western portion historically contained a playground, picnic area, basketball court, and a pavilion.
The park’s landscape is dominated by Honey Locust ( *Gleditsia Triacanthos* ) trees, particularly in the more active areas. However, the 2020 rehabilitation project involved the removal of four mature Honey Locust trees to accommodate new park features. [5] The park is enclosed by a non-historic chain-link fence. Adjacent to the park, at 13301 Dexter Avenue, is the Dexter Waverly Market, a two-story commercial building constructed around 1940.
Attractions
Prior to the 2021 renovations, Zussman Park featured a non-historic playground, a picnic area, and a basketball court. An historic-age flagpole was also present in the eastern portion of the park. [6] The recent “major makeover” significantly expanded the park’s recreational offerings.
The updated park now includes a new playground, a walking loop, an outdoor fitness zone, a basketball court, a drinking fountain, and a picnic area. [7] These additions aim to provide a wider range of activities for residents and visitors. The park continues to offer both active and passive recreational opportunities, catering to diverse interests. The Dexter Waverly Market, located adjacent to the park, provides a commercial element to the area.
Notable Residents
Raymond Zussman, for whom the park is named, was a native of Hamtramck and a recipient of the Medal of Honor during World War II. [8] While details regarding his specific wartime actions are not provided in the available sources, his valor earned him the nation’s highest military honor. The dedication of the park in his name serves as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.
The naming of the park highlights the close relationship between Hamtramck and Detroit, as Zussman was raised in Hamtramck but the park is located within the city limits of Detroit. [9] The park’s existence acknowledges the contributions of individuals from surrounding communities to the broader Detroit area.
Getting There
Zussman Park is located at 3959 W. Davison in Detroit, Michigan. Access to the park is primarily via Davison Avenue, a major east-west thoroughfare. Public transportation options may be available via Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus routes serving the Davison Avenue corridor. Specific bus route information can be found on the DDOT website.
Parking is likely available on surrounding streets, though availability may vary depending on the time of day and local events. The adjacent Dexter Waverly Market at 13301 Dexter Avenue also provides a local landmark for navigation. The park’s location on the northern border of the Russell Woods-Sullivan Historic District places it within a residential neighborhood, offering a community-focused recreational space.
Parks of Detroit
Russell Woods-Sullivan Historic District
Hamtramck, Michigan
Raymond Zussman