Explore: Red Pole Park in Southfield
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 23, 2023)
Southfield, MI – Perhaps you’ve seen Red Pole Park while driving along Northwestern Highway in Southfield. The name pretty much says what it is – a large art installation made of repurposed utility poles painted red forming an incredible walkway, accented by red dots along the path. At night there are lights on the tops that twinkle.
According to the signage, the color red is highly visible and symbolizes love, energy, and passion. The poles are various heights to recognize ancestors, present-day generations, and the promise of future growth.
It is part of the Northwestern Highway Pathway and Greenway, where other art can also be found. The park was funded through crowdsourcing with matching funds from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and donations from DTE – including the poles. Southfield City Planners worked with HED Architects to design the piece.
While it’s only about 140 feet long, Red Pole Park is an inviting space – with a sign that encourages people to take pictures and a bicycle repair station for those who may need it along the trail. The fun is in looking at the poles from different angles, watching the way the shadows change, and seeing how the three-story poles can frame the beautiful skyscrapers and other features around it.
Investment in public art and place-making has been helping Southfield to develop a city center – with smooth pathways and fun artsy spaces like the famous SFLD letters adorning the municipal complex lawn. Photographers and art-lovers in particular may appreciate the design.
Red Pole Park is located at is located at 26060 Northwestern, adjacent to the Hampton Inn. Learn more about Southfield parks at https://www.cityofsouthfield.com/departments/parks-recreation/park-locations.
