Alton C. Parker was Canada’s
first African Canadian Police Detective (see People – Law)
An annual summer highlight was Uncle Al’s Kids’ Parties,
held at Broadhead Park (see Celebrations). In 1976 Broadhead
Park was officially renamed Alton C. Parker Park. The 1.39
acre park located at Broadhead St and Howard Ave.
The Alton C. Parker Foundation placed a statue of a policeman
holding the hand of a child in tribute to Detective Parker
and his commitment to Windsor’s youth. The inscription
reads, “A lot of people talk about doing something
for these kids. I don’t just talk. I want to do it”
Fred
Thomas Park
Fred Thomas has
been an honouree in the Essex County Sports Hall of Fame
since 1981. He was inducted into the Afro-American Hall
of Fame in 1994 and the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame
in 1995. In 1981 Glengarry Court was renamed Fred Thomas
Park in his honour. The 4.15 acre area was redeveloped
in the 1960’s.
Wigle
Park
Wigle Park was
the first official park in Windsor. It holds a special
place in the hearts and memories of many current
and former neighbourhood residents. This park at the corner
of Erie and Mercer Streets once featured a large sports
stadium with grandstand. Baseball games and horse races
once drew large crowds to the site. The African Canadian
Community Centre restored the stone caron in the park.
Wigle park is now the site of the annual McDougall Street
Neighbourhood
Reunion.
The
opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.
Alton
C. Parker Park 
