Park Programming

Parks Summit

2023 Detroit Parks Summit

Submit a Session proposal

Deadline: October 27, 2023 by 11:59 p.m.

We invite anyone working or conducting programming in a park or public space in Detroit to submit a session proposal for the Detroit Parks Summit.

Who attends the Detroit Parks Summit? The Detroit Parks Summit began in 2020 as a virtual learning series aimed at building connections and growing the expertise of organizations participating in the Pistons Neighbors Program. Now a full-day in person event, the program is designed for park advocates and enthusiasts working in or programming at parks and public spaces in Detroit. The audience includes professionals, volunteers, organizers, City staff, and funders. 

What are we looking for? There are six session slots open, three in each of the two tracks below. Sessions are 45 minutes, including presentation and Q & A. Formats may include presentation, panel discussion, or other formats. Individuals or groups may submit. You may submit more than one session, or be included as a speaker in more than one session. Please know that the selection committee will be seeking a diverse and representative mix of session topics and speakers to fill the six available slots.

Track 1: Skills. Learn tips and tools to strengthen park stewardship organizations or enhance the visitor experience in our parks. For example, session topics could include fund development, volunteer management, evaluation, accessibility, etc.

Track 2: Case studies. From start to finish, learn the who, what, why and how of programming and activations, restoration, preservation, or capital improvement projects that have made our parks and community spaces more accessible and equitable for all.

Speakers will be notified by email on or before November 17, 2023. 

Details at a glance

Date: December 6, 2023

Time: 11 am - 5 pm

Location: Marygrove Conservancy: Madame Cadillac Building

  • 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.