Detroit Parks Coalition Announces Grants, Parks Fellow
Photo: Belle Isle Conservancy
The Detroit Parks Coalition, an alliance of park leaders and community members working to support healthy, equitable, & vibrant parks in Detroit, is pleased to announce its second round of funding for member organizations.
This is the first distribution from a $2.6 million grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, awarded in late 2022. The grants comprise $158,000 for a cross-section of programming, park improvements, and capacity supports that will immediately and tangibly improve park experiences, while strengthening the stewardship organizations that lead these efforts.
Chandler Park Conservancy: $40,000 to hire Chandler Park Conservancy’s first Development Director. This new position will develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for CPC, allowing for continued operational stability and supporting the organization’s master plan for programming and capital improvements. Additional funding will support CPC’s Program Coordinator, who manages events and recreation in the park.
Clark Park Coalition: $20,000 to 1) build CPC’s capacity through strategic planning and a marketing & social media consultant, and 2) hire seasonal programming staff who will activate the park’s newly upgraded sports fields and exercise equipment. The funding will help Clark Park Coalition step into its next phase of organizational development and leverage Strategic Neighborhood Fund upgrades to create better experiences for park users.
Friends of Rouge Park: $27,500 to expand FORP’s Program Manager position from part-time to full-time and create a staffing and fund development plan for the organization. These resources will allow FORP to grow its presence with park users while planning to scale the organization and effectively leverage resources for years 2 and 3 of this grant program.
People for Palmer Park: $30,500 to 1) build PFPP’s capacity by hiring a part-time bookkeeper, updating the organization’s membership database, and engaging a strategic consultant to define PFPP’s future staffing needs and 2) continue restoration of Palmer Park’s historic log cabin, including wood restoration, lighting, and alarm system repair. This funding will allow PFPP to transition from an all-volunteer to a staffed organization while supporting membership, the organization’s primary source of earned revenue, and the log cabin, a significant landmark in the park.
Sidewalk Detroit: $40,000 for 1) capital improvements to Eliza Howell Park, including a limestone trail loop, ADA accessible rail and stairs, and renewed interpretive signage; and 2) artistic and recreational programming in the park to connect community members to the park and new improvements. These projects will implement phase 3 of the community-informed master plan for capital improvements to Eliza Howell Park.
As part of the same grantaward from the Wilson Foundation, DPC has also hired Rob Streit as its inaugural Parks Fellow. Streit, who is employed by DPC and placed at the City of Detroit, will work to liaise between the City of Detroit and community-based park stewardship groups, as well as strengthen connections between the Detroit Parks Coalition and the City of Detroit’s Adopt a Park Program.
Jim Boyle, VP of Programs and Communications at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, expressed his support: “The Detroit Parks Coalition plays a vital role coordinating and distributing funding for community informed priorities throughout the many neighborhoods they serve. The new fellowship further strengthens the relationship between DPC and the city of Detroit, continuing their goals of collaboration and coordination. We look forward to seeing the impact these grants have on parks, play, and overall community health.”
