Residents and officials of Detroit's northwest side had reason to celebrate as the ribbon was cut on the newly revitalized Kelley Park. The $750,000 project, spanning two years, was a collaboration between Wayne County, the City of Detroit, and philanthropic efforts from the Gilbert Family Foundation, breathing new life into the 4.5-acre park located in the Crary/St. Marys neighborhood.
Upgrades to Kelley Park include a fresh playground, an expanded walking loop, a sleek outdoor fitness area, revamped basketball courts, and the eagerly anticipated addition of a dog park, among other amenities. These enhancements were funded in phases, Wayne County took to heart the call of civic duty, contributing $200,000 through a recent parks millage, and additional support rolled in from the Gilbert Family Foundation, as reported by WWJ Newsradio.
At the re-grand opening, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans underscored the importance of parks, saying, "I love parks, and for the last ten years it's been a passion of ours to try to improve county parks, connect parks to local cities and communities, and to working neighborhoods like this," showing that for Evans, it's more than just policy, it's personal. Meanwhile, locals like Daniel Ferguson, who both reminisced about and anticipated the community's use of the park, told WWJ Newsradio, "It's time to put some muscle behind this hustle, and let's get this thing going. I'm very excited."
In a statement reiterating the city's commitment to reviving its parks, Mayor Mike Duggan said, "Over the past decade, we have completely renovated more than 160 parks in neighborhoods across the city." Not just a field of dreams, Kelley Park stands as a memorial to David P. Kelley Jr., a former resident killed in World War II. This historical facet adds a layer of reverence to a space designed for fun and community gathering, aligning with the city's vision of creating multifaceted public spaces for its residents, as detailed in the City of Detroit.
