Sunny Fields Park came into being through the efforts of Bill Horman, a City of Detroit Recreation Department employee, and his parents. Horman's parents purchased the land in the 1960s, and Horman, who maintained greenhouses on Belle Isle, carried the dream to fruition. Home to over 1,400 different kinds of plants, both local and exotic, Sunny Fields claims a number of trails that weave through the 40 acres of land. The non-profit park is now dedicated to Horman's parents and to his second grade teacher.
Sunny Fields boasts the largest collection of lilacs in Michigan, with more than 300 varieties of the fragrant, purple flower. In addition to lilacs, it also specializes in collecting and displaying evergreens, day lilies and narcissi. These collections, along with the largest collection of ornamental crabapple trees in the state, make Sunny Fields a longtime favorite of horticulturists, photographers and 4-H clubs.
The Lilac Festival, held in May of each year, draws visitors from all over the country. First held in 2005, the two-day festival typically runs during daylight hours since the park lacks nocturnal illumination. Visitors are invited to explore the park and take in its more than 1,000 species of woody plants. While admission is free, donations are welcome and are tax deductible. Please leave pets at home; they're not allowed on the park grounds.
In addition to the festival, Sunny Fields is open to the public from April until October. Visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the park's 25 acres. Tours are generally available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and last 90 minutes. The park encourages tour bookings for groups numbering six to 30. The park is open year round by appointment. Before visiting, please call 810-387-2765.
