We’re bringing programming to the parks!
Presented in partnership between the Detroit Parks Coalition, Detroit Pistons Foundation, and City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Division, the Pistons Neighbors Program reflects our commitment to Detroit’s parks and the people who enjoy them. From July – September 2023, parks throughout Detroit will host drop-in activities for all ages, including sports clinics, live music, dance classes, and visual arts.
The Neighbors Program supports community-based organizations in programming in their local parks. Organizations may opt to have DPC and the Detroit Pistons Foundation operate the programming or, for more established organizations, operate the program themselves and receive reimbursement. Organizations may request 1-5 programs, each of which must occur weekly from 4th of July to Labor Day. Selected organizations will be responsible for marketing and evaluating the programs in their park; a stipend will be provided for this work.
Applications for the Pistons Neighbors Program are due on March 1, 2023.
HOW IT WORKS
February 1 – March 1: Community organizations apply to host the Pistons Neighbors Program.
Applicants select the programming they would like to present in their park, as well as whether they prefer to have DPC operate the program or receive a stipend for operating the program.
A sample list of programs will be provided. Applicants may also select their own programs.
Applicants who staff their own programming must demonstrate a two-year history of program operations, proof of insurance, and an ability to comply with standard quality measures (i.e. background checks for all program staff).
All programming must take place from July 5 – September 3, 2023.
March: A selection committee reviews all applications and selects programming for implementation.
April 1: All applicants are notified of decisions.
Selected partners will be responsible for promoting the Neighbors Program in their park. A stipend will be provided for these efforts.
Selected partners must complete a brief final report at the end of the program period.
April– May: Detroit Parks Coalition finalizes arrangements with all selected organizations and programmers.
May 1: Summer 2023 Pistons Neighbors Program is publicly announced. Promotion begins.
July – September: Programming takes place in parks citywide.
November 1: Final reports due to Detroit Parks Coalition.
WHO MAY APPLY
Applicants must be community-led organizations (for example, block clubs or CBOs) who care for and/or provide programs in a Detroit park. Parks must be open for public use. Applicants need not be 501c3 organizations, but may not be for-profit businesses. Applicants who wish to operate their own park programs must demonstrate a two-year history of program operations, proof of insurance, and an ability to comply with standard quality measures (i.e. background checks for all program staff).
Organizations that provide programs that are not affiliated with a specific park should not use this form to apply. If you wish to provide programming as part of the Pistons Neighbors Program, contact us.
Individuals who are not affiliated with a community-based organization but would like to request programming for a neighborhood park should contact DPC directly.
Programmers may be selected from an approved list or nominated by community-based organizations. All programming must be free and drop-in. Programming may be recreational, cultural, or environmental in nature. Religious or political programming is not eligible. All programs must take place onsite in the selected parks.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Selected parks will be spread out geographically throughout the city
All parks must be open for public use. Applicant parks need not be owned or operated by the City of Detroit. However, a majority of the parks selected will represent city parks and highlight Detroit Pistons basketball courts (see map).
Selected community organizations who steward public parks must apply to the City of Detroit’s Adopt a Park program.
