PARK STEWARDSHIP

Parks Summit

Register now for the 2024 Parks Summit on November 12, 2024! Join fellow park advocates and enthusiasts of Detroit’s parks and public spaces for a day full of networking, learning, and having fun alongside park professionals, volunteers, funders, and city staff.

This year’s event is shaping up to be our most informative (and fun!) summit yet. A detailed schedule for the day is below.

2024 Detroit Parks Summit

Date: November 12, 2024

Time: 9 am - 4 pm

Location: University of Detroit Mercy: Student Union


AGENDA

8:30 AM - Registration Opens

9:00 - 10:00 AM / Welcome & Parks Trivia 

Get to know your fellow attendees and test your knowledge of Detroit parks! Winning teams will receive DPC’s new See You in the Parks t shirts. 


MORNING SESSIONS

10:10 AM - 11:00 AM / Stewarding Nature in Detroit’s Parks

Learn about best practices in natural areas management in parks large and small. Speakers will share lessons learned in organizing volunteer cleanups, installing and maintaining native habitats, combating invasive species, and more.

  • Kate Gmyrek, City of Detroit 

  • Birch Kemp, Arboretum Detroit

  • Ryan Myers-Johnson, Sidewalk Detroit

  • Sally Petrella, Friends of Rouge Park

10:10 - 11:40 AM / Park Stewardship 101 

Join the City of Detroit and Detroit Parks Coalition for an overview of park stewardship, including topics such as working with the city, permitting & events, cleanups, and capital improvements. This session is intended for anyone new to park stewardship, as well as existing park stewards who are interested in a complete summary of the work. All attendees will leave with tangible tools to improve their work, from communications directories to funding resources. 

  • Rob Streit, Detroit Parks Coalition & City of Detroit


AFTERNOON SESSIONS

11:10 AM - 12:00 PM / Engaging Youth in Detroit’s Parks 

From camping in Detroit’s natural spaces to creating programming and social media outreach for their peers, Detroit’s young people have plenty of options to get out in nature without leaving the city. Learn about how we connect Detroit’s youth to our parks–and what we’ve learned in the process. 

  • Rachel Felder, Detroit Outdoors 

  • Beto Gallegos, Clark Park Coalition

  • Jac Kyle, City of Detroit

  • Augusta Morrison, Sidewalk Detroit


12:00 PM - 1:00 PM / LUNCH

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM / Communications, Marketing & Outreach 

The best marketing and outreach practices are just as diverse as our parks! In this session, learn how to amplify your park authentically from local leaders in parks social media, mass marketing, and door to door outreach.

  • Ian Solomon, Detroit Parks Coalition

  • Mary Howlett, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

  • City of Detroit Social Media Team

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM / Parks Safety & Security

Meet the officers keeping Detroit’s parks safe, and learn how police, security, and community stewardship groups can work together to ensure a positive experience for all park users.

  • Yvette Pullom-Bass, Detroit Parks Coalition

  • Terence Mathis, GSD Security 

  • Detroit Police Department representatives


3:00 PM - 3:10 PM / Adopt a Park Celebration & Recognition
A brief presentation celebrating the City of Detroit’s 2024 Adopt a Park stewards and all of their accomplishments.


3:10 PM - 4:00 PM / Stories from the Park
We will conclude the summit with a live storytelling session! Four Detroiters will share stories from their parks–and what they meant to them. Coaching by Satori Shakoor.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM / Planning for Successful Fund Development
Effective planning helps your team set clear fundraising priorities and provides staff and board members with a path to achieving success. This workshop will walk you through the essential steps for creating a fundraising plan, including insights on crafting a compelling case for support, expanding and diversifying your organization's funding sources, and developing a concrete action plan. All participants will be invited to join future DPC fundraising seminars.

  • Trish Dewald, Mondo Unlimited


SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

10:10 AM - 2:50 PM /
Live from the Parks

Take a break from sessions and experience parks programming! The ballroom will feature activities from Detroit Parks, including Healthy Hustle from the Pistons Neighbors Program and hands-on stewardship activities by Antonio Cosme, stewardship manager at Friends of Rouge Park. 

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM /
Office Hours

Sign up for a 10 minute slot with DPC staff, experienced park stewards, City of Detroit representatives, or funders to discuss specific issues or opportunities at your park. Sign up slots will be available in person the morning of the summit. 

12:50 PM - 3:00 PM /
Field Trip 

For attendees that are new to Detroit’s parks, we are offering an afternoon field trip to nearby Palmer and Ella Fitzgerald parks, with tours led by community-based park stewards. Since space is limited, $5 pre registration is required.

  • December 6, 2023 | 11 am - 5 pm

    In partnership with the City of Detroit and the Detroit Pistons, the Detroit Parks Coalition invites you to our annual Parks Summit on December 6, 2023.

    The summit is designed for park advocates and enthusiasts working in or programming at parks and public spaces in Detroit. You will spend your afternoon networking and growing with experienced park professionals, volunteers, funders, and city staff, covering topics from park programming and maintenance to the Adopt-A-Park program and acquiring funding.

    Keynote Address: 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. 

    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.

  • January 10th, 2023 | 12–6 pm

    We're excited to bring Detroit's park stewards together for a day of connecting and learning! In partnership with the City of Detroit, Detroit Pistons, and Project Play, the Detroit Parks Coalition invites you to our first Parks Summit. Spend your afternoon networking and growing with experienced park professionals, volunteers, funders, and city staff. We'll be covering topics from park programming and maintenance to the Adopt-A-Park program and acquiring funding.

    SCHEDULE:

    12:00: Lunch & Networking

    12:45: Welcome

    1:00: Opening Plenary: Adopting a Park

    Learn about Detroit’s Adopt a Park program and hear stories about park stewardship from adopt a park partners across the city.

    2:20 Break

    2:30: Breakout Session #1: Planning

    Programming Track

    As you plan your park event, do you have a planning checklist? In this session, explore the anatomy of a park event and all its needs.

    Park Improvement Track

    Long before the first shovel is lifted, park stewards plan their projects and how to implement them. In this session, learn all the things you will need to consider as you get started on your park improvement.

    3:05: Breakout Session #2: Permitting

    Programming Track

    Learn about the City of Detroit’s permitting process for presenting events, reserving shelters, serving food at a park, and more.

    Park Improvement Track

    The City of Detroit requires a Donation Authorization Form for any capital improvement to a park. In this session, learn about the form and how to fill it out.

    3:40: Breakout Session #3: Implementation

    Programming Track

    On the day of your event, what are the keys to success?

    Park Improvement Track

    It’s time for the installation—here’s how to keep your project on track.

    4:10: Break

    4:30: Getting your Work Funded

    Panel discussion with local funders who support park programs, projects, and organizations

    5:30: Ask Us Anything & Networking

  • The Detroit Pistons Foundation partnered with the Detroit Parks Coalition, City of Detroit, and Project Play to host “Let’s Play!” a series of dialogues on programming, capital improvements, safety, and funding for parks. Takeaways and video recordings can be found on the Pistons Neighbors Program website.