Last month, Harmonie Park in downtown Detroit was a popular place for birders due to rare bird sightings of the Kirtland’s Warbler and Eastern Whip-poor-will.
But what many birders overlooked while searching for the birds was the beautiful outdoor terrazzo artwork in the park.
Installed in 2010, the pictorial mural “Paradise Valley” was created by local Detroit muralist Hubert Massey.
When I met other birders at the park, I quickly pointed out the gorgeous Paradise Valley murals.
The murals feature Detroit musicians, public figures, and buildings from the area dating from the 1920’s through the 1960’s.
You’ll find murals of boxer Joe Lewis as well as the Frederick Butzel Memorial Building the 120 foot x 38 inch installation in the terrazo tiles.
With its shade, dappled sunshine in summer, and beautiful murals, Harmonie Park is one of my favorite pocket parks in the city.
