FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Kirk Gibson Foundation has inaugurated The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, marking a significant milestone as the first dedicated Parkinson’s wellness center in Michigan. The ceremony took place on October 6, 2025, at 31440 Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills.
This innovative facility aims to provide comprehensive support for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, offering a range of activity-based and educational programs completely free of charge. The center was transformed from a former automotive office building, with construction starting in March 2025, into a standalone 32,000-square-foot wellness hub designed specifically for those affected by this condition.
Occupying two levels, the center focuses on movement and cognitive therapy, catering to an estimated 8,000 people in the Metro Detroit area. Its strategic location allows it to be within a 30-minute drive for approximately 70% of residents in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation has also moved its headquarters to this new location, creating an integrated support structure for its members. The renovation work was skillfully executed by Gensler, a celebrated architecture and design firm based in Detroit. The design emphasizes accessibility and comfort, utilizing thoughtful color schemes, patterns, and lighting to foster environments conducive to physical, emotional, and social wellness.
Anticipating high demand, the center is preparing for approximately 70,000 visits annually, with plans to offer 75 hours of programming each week in its inaugural month. Since its announcement in 2024, nearly 900 people have registered, leading to over 300 members onboarding and more than 200 actively participating in various classes and activities.
The center embodies the “Movement Matters” philosophy and features a range of facilities designed to enhance health and wellness. These include:
- A large gathering hall equipped with a 360-degree oval walk/run track, promoting physical activity.
- A gym area dedicated to strength and cardio training, alongside a boxing therapy zone.
- Specialized rooms for yoga, tai chi, Pilates, dance, and general fitness classes.
- Workshops covering kitchen safety, nutrition, and various wellness therapies.
- A community lounge and classrooms for educational sessions during the fall and winter.
- Private counseling spaces, changing rooms, and a kitchen area for preparing healthy meals.
The foundation’s programming heavily draws from activity-based methods developed by InMotion, a Cleveland-based organization recognized for its evidence-based Parkinson’s programs. With over a decade of expertise, InMotion has played a vital role in shaping the center’s offerings as well as its cultural framework.
In partnership with the Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF), which has served the Michigan community for over 40 years, the center will offer an array of beneficial resources. These include PD101 classes, wellness workshops, outreach for caregivers, book clubs, and support groups tailored specifically for those with Parkinson’s and their families.
The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness aspires to function as a national beacon of collaborative healthcare for Parkinson’s. A noteworthy partnership with Planet Fitness has resulted in the donation of cardio and strength training equipment, such as treadmills, recumbent bikes, resistance machines, and free weights, further enhancing the facility’s offerings.
Support from volunteers and donors continues to amplify the impact of the center, allowing all programs to remain free of charge. A baseball-themed donor wall now honors the contributions of these supporters, embodying a community rooted in connection, empowerment, and hope.
The efforts of Kirk Gibson and his foundation in fundraising, including a significant lead gift from Mrs. Marian Ilitch, made this opening possible. As this new chapter begins, the foundation plans to keep fundraising to broaden programming, enhance accessibility, and ensure long-term sustainability for the center and its mission.
