Macomb celebrated the start of construction of William H. Thorpe Park, which is named in honor of the city’s first Black police officer, during a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.
“Bill was well-deserving. Bill was what we call, what is the measure of a man. He was a man that persevered, stayed the course, and did his best,” said his nephew, Carl Thorpe.
Carl came up with the idea for the park, though he credited God with planting the seed.
“It was a vision that came to me from the Lord. I could see it, I could draw it, and it’s now come to fruition,” he said. “I really can’t take any credit for this. It was everybody involved that made this happen.”
Carl said everyone he talked to about the idea was on-board with it. He said the space will promote his uncle’s legacy and will be treasured forever.
The triangular park in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of East Pierce St. will include a walking path lined with storyboards about William Thorpe’s life.
The city hopes to complete the project later this year or by early next year.
William Thorpe grew up in Macomb. The police department hired him in 1961.
Carl said William had to overcome hurdles as the city’s first Black police officer. He had to leave his service weapon at the station when his shift ended, and he was challenged with difficult assignments.
But Carl said his uncle persevered, and served for 22 years, retiring as a sergeant.
William Thorpe passed away in October 2019.
Carl said he never heard his uncle speak badly about anybody, and he never heard anybody speak badly about him.
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