[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 177 (Friday, October 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE RALPH C. WILSON, JR. CENTENNIAL PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SHRI THANEDAR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 2025

  Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of 
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in Detroit on October 25, 2025.
  Each year, more than three million people visit the Detroit 
Riverfront, one of the highest-rated riverfronts in the United States, 
bringing in revenue and exposure to our community. The Ralph C. Wilson. 
Jr. Centennial Park is a 22-acre park that will have a 4-acre 
playground, a sports house with basketball courts, and a 2.5-acre water 
garden. The opening of this park is part of a 5.5 miles long 
revitalization project along the riverfront, part of a larger 
commitment by the city of Detroit to reinvest into the community and 
continue our city's historic revitalization.
  The namesake of this park, Ralph Cookerly Wilson Jr., was raised in 
Detroit, Michigan, the son of a salesman and who had ambitions for 
bigger and better things in life. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Wilson 
embodied the true virtues of leadership, sacrifice, and service to his 
country and community. Most famously, he is known for founding and 
owning the Buffalo Bills football team, at one point being the oldest 
owner of a National Football League (NFL) team. His contributions, like 
those being made through his foundation, will be remembered and felt by 
the Detroit community for years to come.
  Since I became the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 13th 
congressional district in 2023, I have been incredibly proud to see the 
amount of work being done by the community and the funds being brought 
in for reviving Detroit and the surrounding neighborhoods and 
townships. Projects like the Michigan Central Station, the New Center 
project, and the building of new affordable housing are all promising 
developments that will bring more opportunities and improve the quality 
of life for all Detroiters. Developments like the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. 
Centennial Park build on the Motor City's greatness, and I look forward 
to continuing this work through efforts made in the halls of Congress.

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