2024 Parks Summit
Thanks to the over 200 attendees of the 2024 Detroit Parks Summit! Photos and session summaries are shared here.
Detroit’s History of Park Stewardship
Patrick Cooper-McCann - Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, Wayne State University
Detroit park scholar Patrick Cooper-McCann discussed the history of community-based park stewardship in Detroit – the role it has played over time and opportunities he sees today.
Resourcing Your Park Project
Alexa Bush - Kresge Foundation
Trish Dewald - Mondo Unlimited
Gaby McKee - Detroit Pistons Foundation
JJ Velez - Gilbert Family Foundation
Greg Yankee - Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Moderator: Sigal Hemy - Detroit Parks Coalition
The panel shared resources for park projects and nonprofits. Panelists emphasized the importance of community partnerships, having clear goals and outcomes, and being ready to apply for opportunities when they arise. The panel concluded by emphasizing the need for collaboration between public and private organizations to equitably resource parks and communities.
Neighborhood-based Storytelling with Planet Detroit
Nina Ignaczak - Co-Founder & Editor, Planet Detroit
Martina Guzman - Co-Founder, Planet Detroit
This session outlined the role and importance of community journalism and introduced Planet Detroit’s Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab, which trains community members to write stories about their communities. Participants had the opportunity to work together to craft story ideas and learned ways to get their own stories published.
From Acorn to Oak Tree: Lessons in Starting a Parks Stewardship Organization
Maggie DeSantis - Chandler Park Conservancy
Moderator: Alex Allen - Chandler Park Conservancy
This session provided insight into how Chandler Park Conservancy, a park friends-of organization first started. After a major foundation backed out of a plan to build a neighborhood community center, residents’ anger, combined with the pride they felt in their community, swiftly transformed into action. Multiple local organizations banded together to organize, fundraise, and establish the Chandler Park Conservancy.
Permitting your Park Event
John Armstrong - Assistant Director, City of Detroit Parks & Recreation
This session covered the ins and outs of the City of Detroit’s permitting process for different types of park uses. Highlights include when a permit is needed, how the city works with adopt a park stewards and other community groups, when to anticipate needing to work with other city departments, and upcoming permitting system improvements.
Permit Contacts:
John Armstrong, Assistant Director: John.Armstrong@detroitmi.gov
Grace Wimbley, Reservation and Event Coordinator: Grace.Wimbley@detroitmi.gov
Gary Miller, Athletic Reservations and Events: Gary.Miller@detroitmi.gov
Managing Natural Resources in Detroit Parks
Sally Petrella - President, Friends of Rouge Park
Antonio Cosme - Land Stewardship Manager, Friends of Rouge Park
Ryan Myers-Johnson - Executive Director, Sidewalk Detroit
Nikki Marcot - Eliza Howell Park Strategist, Sidewalk Detroit
This session highlighted natural areas restoration and management practices in Rouge Park and Eliza Howell Park. Speakers shared examples and best practices for developing plans, maintaining plantings, combating invasive species, and collaborating with city entities. Important best practices include developing partnerships, making your project look intentional with signage and borders, engaging with local residents and volunteers, and maintaining strong advocacy efforts.
Deep Breaths, Kicks, and Punches: Summer Programs in O’Hair Park
Gail Tubbs - President, O’Hair Park Community Association
Joyce Daniel - Vice-President, O’Hair Park Community Association
Susan Stellar - Chair, Open-Space Committee, O’Hair Park Community Association
This session shared recent programming by the O’Hair Park Community Association, designed to appeal to different ages and interests. The programs included martial arts classes, nature exploration, a walking club, and recreational activities provided by the Pistons Neighbors program. Panelists discussed challenges related to recruitment, scheduling, and park maintenance, while also highlighting positive outcomes, including growth in overall participation and some participants volunteering for other park events.
Adopt a Park 2024 Program Launch
Rob Streit - Parks Fellow, Detroit Parks Coalition
This session shares in depth information about the 2024 Adopt a Park program, which is being managed by Detroit Parks Coalition and includes new resources and benefits for park stewards. Highlights include program requirements, application process, timelines, and a Q&A.
Learn more and apply: detroitmi.gov/adopt-a-park
Contact Rob Streit: rob.streit@detroitmi.gov, 313-402-6866
Building Community Gardens in Urban Parks
Angela Lugo-Thomas - Garden Manager, People for Palmer Park
This session provided background on Palmer Park’s community garden program, and offered tips on how to start a community garden in an urban park. Highlights included different models to consider, engaging with park users and nearby residents, the challenges and benefits of gardening in public spaces, and where to access tools and resources to support gardening efforts.
The Power of a Pocket Park
Darnetta Banks - Ella Fitzgerald Park Conservancy
Eric Dueweke - Morningside Community Association
Jordan Yagiela - NW Goldberg Cares
Moderator: Rob Streit - Detroit Parks Coalition
This panel discussed how community organizations have built and maintained pocket parks and the role they play in neighborhoods. Panelists shared tips for beginning stages including engaging the city (council member, district manager, landscape architect), developing a maintenance plan, and identifying programming partners to collaborate with to address community needs.
Resource: Public Spaces Community Places, a partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Patronicity where community organizations can do a fundraising campaign and receive matching funds from the State of Michigan to help fund their pocket park projects.
Park Accessibility
Alexis Brooks - Au-Some City 313
Jileesa Irwin - Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Marisa Spain - City of Detroit Office of Disability Affairs
Moderator: Ian Solomon - Detroit Parks Coalition
As follow up to DPC’s Just Place event in Beacon Park, this panel discussed making parks and recreation programs more accessible for people with disabilities. They talked about the importance of accessible bathrooms, trails, and transportation. They emphasized including people with disabilities in the planning process, advertising accessibility features clearly, and using language that is welcoming to everyone.
