The Department of Natural Resources announced the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is now officially open to the public.

Phase II development of the park is complete and the construction fences have been removed. Phase II development includes an innovative storm water management design that establishes a wetland environment and serves as a natural water filtration system for storm water runoff from the park and future nearby development properties. Energy efficient LED lighting and plantings native to southeastern Michigan also were included in the Phase II developments.

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is 31 acres in size and is located on a reclaimed brownfield that had been impacted by many decades of industrial use. Coastal wetlands are an important part of the Detroit River ecosystem since they provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Ninety-seven percent of the native coastal wetlands along the river have been lost to development, making the wetlands an imperative, eco-friendly and educational addition to the riverfront.

"I encourage visitors to come see the wetlands and, if you enjoy fishing, toss in a line along 'Anglers Avenue' at the river's edge," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division. "Park visitors will find fishing opportunities on the Detroit River, quiet seating at the Peter Stroh Memorial, two picnic pavilions, a historic dry dock area, the wetlands complex, four learning stations set up throughout the park, and accessible bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect to the Detroit RiverWalk. Also keep an eye out for new residents in the wetlands. Geese, hawks, pheasants, muskrats and foxes have already been reported in the area."

The public harbor has 52 slips for transient and seasonal boaters, and reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling the DNR central reservation system at 800-447-2757.

The park is an anchor to the Detroit RiverWalk development and soon will include a trailhead for the Dequindre Cut Trail Greenway to connect the riverfront to the Eastern Market. A dedication ceremony for the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor (formerly the Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor) was held Oct. 22, to officially rename the park in honor of the longest-serving governor in Michigan history.

The DNR would like to thank the Milliken family, the city of Detroit, the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, the Peter Stroh family, JJR Consultants, Anglin Civil Construction, and the many other partners, contractors, consultants and other state agencies listed on the DNR Web site for their funding, support and assistance in achieving the completion of this Phase II milestone.

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is located at 1900 Atwater St. in downtown Detroit, next to the Rivard Plaza. It is the first urban state park in Michigan. For more information about the park, amenities or accessibility, contact the park supervisor at (734) 289-2715 during the winter months (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired). A Web site for the new park will be available soon at www.michigan.gov/milliken.