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ST. CLAIR SHORES — Memorial Park at 32400 Jefferson Avenue opened to the public on Aug. 24, 1945. The Village of St. Clair Shores had received the land in lieu of taxes the year before. The park development was championed by the local Women’s Civic League.
In 1923, the Detroit Masonic Country Club had opened on the property, but poor economic conditions and severe storm damage forced the club to close in 1932. Sections of the property languished, even as other country clubs were established on the DMCC’s golf courses.
In 1952, the park was slated for redevelopment, as seen in this photo from Oct. 21, 1953. Trees were planted and the grounds were reconfigured.
In 2000, the park was renamed Veterans Memorial Park. It has amenities such as bocce ball, fishing, playgrounds, shuffleboard courts and a splash pad. The park hosts summer music concerts, a farmer’s market and food trucks.
To view this and other historic images, please visit the Digital Media Archive at sbrb-montage.auto-graphics.com.
— Submitted by Heidi Christein, archivist, St. Clair Shores Public Library
