Detroit, Michigan – Milan Park in Northwest Detroit has just seen notable improvements in a dynamic display of community and city cooperation, hence revitalizing the beloved local park with more than $700,000 worth of adjustments. Located next to Ralph W. Emerson Elementary School in the Evergreen-Outer Drive area, this park has always been a shared center for both leisure and relaxation.
Driven by the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Division (DPRD), the improvement project aimed to update the park and make sure it satisfies the requirements of the community. Extensive conversations with community members, Emerson school families, and teachers directed this ambitious project, which started in early 2024. Their comments were extremely important in directing the redesign to make the park more useful, pleasant, and accessible for all.
“The City of Detroit’s investment in this beautiful park highlights our commitment to Detroiters having up to date and safe spaces to play outdoors,” said General Services Department Director, Crystal Perkins. “We hope families in the neighborhood as well as the Emerson School Community can enjoy all that this park now offers.”
The improvements in Milan Park include a new playground, which makes it the second in the park, and a refurbished soccer field that also supports football with updated combination goals. New pathways, a softball field, and extra facilities like seats, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and outdoor exercise equipment have all helped to shape the park. Improving access to the park’s amenities, a remarkable new entrance off Evergreen Road has also been built.
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Funding for these upgrades was a combination of $450,000 in city money and $300,000 from national and regional partners. Among these are Project EverGreen, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and the Gilbert Family Foundation, all of which seek to improve public green across the region.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the park’s natural environment received attention, with The Davey Tree Expert Co., through a partnership with Project EverGreen, pruning existing trees to enhance their health and aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, a major greening campaign added 120 new trees to the region, therefore improving the park and its environs including Emerson Elementary-Middle School and the adjacent neighborhood.
“Transformations like these aren’t achieved by one person or group alone, it takes a community effort,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “In Detroit, we’ve seen firsthand how well-maintained parks and recreation spaces can strengthen the social fabric of a community, offering a safe and welcoming environment for people to play, exercise, and connect with neighbors outdoors.”
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Detroit City Walls and Space Lab Detroit have commissioned three sidewalk paintings by artist Miranda Kyle, part of the City Walls Blight Abatement Artist Residency Program (BAARP), further enhancing the cultural scene of the park. Chosen by the community, these murals, which are planned to be finished by the end of June, will include lemon trees and provide an artistic touch honoring local legacy and community spirit.
“Our contribution to the Milan Park improvements underscores our commitment to fostering vibrant, safe and inclusive spaces for Detroiters,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “Access to public space improves health outcomes and increases social connection for our communities, and we strive to support safe parks and green spaces within a ten-minute walk of every Detroit home.”
The renovation of Milan Park demonstrates Detroit’s continuous dedication to enhancing its public areas, so guaranteeing they are secure, interesting, and health-promoting locations for all its citizens. Detroit keeps showing the strength of community-oriented urban regeneration with almost 200 parks refurbished since 2015.