Hidden in Plain Sight

The Lost Legacy of Water Works Park

Episode Summary

May 26, 2026 ~ In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, Dr. Robert Livernois transports listeners to Detroit’s east side to uncover the forgotten legacy of Water Works Park. Once a sprawling 110‑acre civic treasure along Jefferson Avenue, the park featured lush landscapes, recreational amenities, and its iconic water tower—an early symbol of the city’s skyline and ambition. Livernois traces the park’s rise as a beloved gathering place, its layered history stretching back to early French settlers, and its eventual decline and closure in the mid‑20th century. The episode also highlights the remnants that remain today, offering a glimpse into a remarkable piece of Detroit’s past that still lingers.