WaterTowns Revitalizes Warren’s Eckstein Park

With assistance from the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC), the city of Warren is working on an ambitious placemaking project to revitalize Eckstein Park and its new skatepark. The plan will make the park more attractive, functional, and engaging while blending recreation with environmental stewardship.

CRWC’s WaterTowns® program—an initiative that champions local environmental responsibility and enhances natural resources—is supporting Warren’s work with a $5,000 mini grant through funding from the Erb Family Foundation. Mini grants like this one have inspired innovative projects across WaterTowns® communities.

Warren’s project began in 2024 and includes permeable surfaces and bio-retention areas that redirect and absorb rainwater. By integrating green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) directly into the skatepark, the design significantly reduces polluted runoff entering the Clinton River watershed.

Warren also plans to incorporate GSI into other areas of Eckstein Park, including a redesigned parking lot slated for completion in 2025.

Warren’s Eckstein Park

WaterTowns isn’t just a collection of local projects—it’s a regional movement. Since 2014, the program has guided 30 communities and one county in developing sustainable, water-oriented ideas.

WaterTowns’ achievements include rain gardens, bioswales, universally accessible canoe and kayak launches, and place-making projects that celebrate our region’s natural assets. These initiatives not only improve the environment but also enhance community spaces, making them more accessible and enjoyable for public recreation and events focused on water quality.

CRWC plans to continue supporting communities through grant writing, technical guidance, and implementation assistance. With a renewed focus on large-scale GSI projects in 2025, we’re committed to helping Southeast Michigan adapt to climate challenges while enriching its urban spaces.