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Explore: A Stroll Through Hazel Park
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 16, 2020)
Hazel Park, MI –  Hazel Park is a place with plenty to see, and it was a joy to get some steps in along John R., 10 Mile, and 9 Mile and some of the neighborhoods in between. Plus I took a little jaunt across the catwalk to the city’s west side to take a peek at the progress on the I-175 widening, and I checked out the newly-constructed Woodward Heights Bridge.
Along the way I saw beautiful homes with artistic touches, and a mix of interesting businesses.  The central spot for the artsy aesthetic is at John R and Woodward Heights (9 1/2 mile for those who don’t know the area), where Joe Bar and Mabel Grey restaurants have created an corner with murals, sunflowers, and outdoor seating.  They’ve also both gained reputations for their culinary offerings, though on my Hazel Park day they weren’t open yet.  I did return to Doug’s Delight at the end for some amazing sausage and Italian beef from Matt & Mo’s (which you can read about here in the Reporter Food column).
Other businesses sport snazzy murals, including Sullivan’s Continental Bike Shop, whose mural features a row of cyclists, and House of Shamrocks with their intricate Claddagh design.
A point of pride in the 2.819 square mile city is Scout Park, where community members formed a massive volunteer effort to construct a large playground last year.  Details make the park fun, like mirrors with wildly painted frames, and a rock wall that looks like a beanstalk.
Another beautiful place is Edison Max School, which houses Hazel Park School’s program for “for students who need an educationally therapeutic setting because of an emotional and/or behavioral disabilities.”  It’s easy to see how the rainbow paint and fun playground can be good for the kids who attend there.
Though not included in this walk, Green Acres Park is also an amazing place, with tall old trees along a walking path, a sledding hill, and a fitness park, it’s definitely worth checking out.  Here’s more on that in our previous Explore! feature.
There is plenty more to see in the city some call “Hip, Happening, Hazel Park.”  Learn more at the city’s website, and check out our Hazel Park News page to see stories from the community.
Be sure to check out our Places to Explore list. Some are accessible during the crisis, and others may be an inspiration for down the road.