Detroit is in store for some major transformations to parks and public spaces, thanks to the late owner of the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

Ralph Wilson Jr. , a Detroit native who founded the Bills and owned the team until his death in 2014, would have been 100 years old on Wednesday.

His foundation, in a Wednesday announcement marking the occasion, revealed plans to spend $200 million on parks and trails in Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

The investment from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation will be split evenly, providing $100 million to each region.

"We are proud and honored to celebrate Ralph's birthday today with a lasting gift that matches in scale the passion and pride he had for his hometown of Detroit and 'adopted' hometown of Buffalo, where he founded and owned the Buffalo Bills," said Mary Wilson, widow of Wilson and life trustee of the organization.

"Ralph was committed to exercise, staying active and enjoying life. It would make Ralph so happy to see people of all ages enjoying these enhanced parks and trails for years to come."

In Detroit, West Riverfront Park will be a focus, and in Buffalo, LaSalle Park will see improvements. Each will be renamed Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.

The Detroit project will be part of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy's plans to develop 5.5 miles of the riverfront from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park.

The organization will provide $40 million for construction and $10 million for sustainability efforts. About $50 million will go toward trails in both regions, and $40 million will be dedicated to "yet-to-be determined projects that close physical gaps in each region's trail systems." Another $10 million for operating and maintaining the trails for several decades.

"With this incredibly generous gift, the Wilson Foundation will help us create a spectacular riverfront park and recreational opportunity that will be enjoyed by Detroiters for the next 100 years," Mayor Mike Duggan said in a news release.

"Equally important is making sure that residents in our neighborhoods have easier access to their city's riverfront through projects like the Joe Louis Greenway. The Wilson Foundation was an early supporter of this effort and we are thrilled that the other half of the foundation's gift will go toward filling gaps in regional trails connecting the city and region," Duggan added.

New York-based architect Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates was selected to redesign the park in an April competition.