A 1.5 acre park on the west side of downtown is set to open July 20. Beacon Park could be like a second Campus Martius, located off Grand River across from the Grand Army of the Republic Building. Our photographers Michelle and Chris Gerard recently stopped by to check on the progress and what we can expect.

Beacon Park has a huge central lawn, with a stage on one end and a restaurant, Lumen (set to open spring 2018) on the other. The path around is all landscaped. Running from opening weekend through August 27, there will be illuminated see-saws available all day to guests. Guests can also check out illuminated sculptures this week, plus projections by Mindfield on nearby buildings.

The opening weekend is packed with activities, including concerts by Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Lord Huron, a movie screening, a Detroit makers market, food trucks, and a gospel brunch.

Need a ride down there? Lyft is offering a discount with the code VISITBEACON. Here are a few more photos just days ahead of opening.