Detroit's Milan Park has undergone a $700K transformation, complete with updated playgrounds, renovated sports fields, and more, thanks to collaboration between the city and various community organizations. The City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Division has completed the extensive renovation, located in Northwest Detroit near Ralph W. Emerson Elementary School, as reported by the City of Detroit.
Before the renovation, Milan Park already had amenities like a playground and a football field, but the recent upgrades include additional features based on community input. Crystal Perkins, Director of the General Services Department, stated to the City of Detroit, "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." After construction began in early 2024, the park now includes an additional playground, a renovated soccer field, new walkways, and more. Funding for the improvements came from a combination of sources, including $450K from the city, $300K from Project EverGreen, and contributions from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Gilbert Family Foundation.
The project has led to the planting of over 120 trees by professionals from The Davey Tree Expert Co. and The Greening of Detroit, enhancing the area’s green space. Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen, noted the collaborative nature of such efforts, “Transformations like these aren’t achieved by one person or group alone, it takes a community effort,” in a statement obtained by the City of Detroit. This reflects the ongoing investment in Detroit, where more than 200 parks have been upgraded since 2015, with 44 parks receiving major improvements totaling $17 million in 2024 alone.
Milan Park will also feature three new sidewalk murals, commissioned by Detroit City Walls and Space Lab Detroit, depicting lemon trees. The murals are part of the City Walls Blight Abatement Artist Residency Program (BAARP) and are being created by artist Miranda Kyle. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Gilbert Family Foundation, highlighted the significance of the improvements to Milan Park, noting, “Our contribution to the Milan Park improvements underscores our commitment to fostering vibrant, safe and inclusive spaces for Detroiters,” she told the City of Detroit. The initiative aims to improve health outcomes and strengthen social connections, with the goal of providing every Detroit resident with a revitalized park within a ten-minute walk from their home.
