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Project EverGreen began revitalizing Detroit’s Pingree Park back in November of 2017. Now that summer has finally rolled around, Project EverGreen will again join the City of Detroit, green industry suppliers and volunteers to continue phase II of the Pingree Park makeover this Friday and Saturday, June 8-9.

Pingree Park had fallen on hard times in recent years, the victim of a lack of financial resources to perform basic maintenance, let alone make improvements. As a result, the park could barely be used by neighborhood residents, denying them the chance to enjoy the numerous recreational and environmental benefits it had to offer.

The first phase of Project EverGreen’s initiative to restore Pingree Park to its former glory included updated landscaping, renovated sports fields and pruned trees. Phase II of the project will bring new walkways and play mounds to the park, adding an extra flare that will hopefully connect current neighborhood residents and attract a new generation of park visitors to enjoy this refurbished “jewel” of Detroit’s east side.

The renovation of Pingree Park not only benefits the environment – grass, trees and shrubs in a park are truly the “lungs of a city” – but has the potential to lift an entire neighborhood. Residents will have access to a multi-acre space where they can spend time with family and friends, exercise or simply enjoy the sunshine on hot summer days in a natural green space.

Project EverGreen and the Detroit community could notice the impact that the phase I makeover had already had on the neighborhood. More people have begun to take advantage of the park now that it is more accessible, including baseball teams, dance clubs and families who need outdoor spaces that allow their children to run free.

Phase II continued the great work that phase I brought to the Detroit neighborhood. As the months go on and the renovations continue, the sense of community pride and the raised home values will be maintained. Those in the Pingree Park neighborhood could not be more pleased with the progress of the project.

Project Scope:
Park clean-up
Tree pruning
Tree planting
Mulching
Seeding
Added natural play mounds
Created a walking path

Why Are Green Spaces Important to Detroit?

Green spaces are important to Detroit for several reasons:

• Environmental benefits: Green spaces can help reduce air pollution, absorb carbon dioxide, and reduce the urban heat island effect. They also provide habitats for wildlife and help maintain biodiversity.
• Health benefits: Access to green spaces has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote physical activity. In a city like Detroit, where many residents live in areas with limited access to fresh food and safe outdoor spaces, green spaces can provide important opportunities for exercise and recreation.
• Economic benefits: Green spaces can increase property values and attract businesses, tourists, and new residents to the area. This can lead to increased economic activity and job creation.
• Community engagement: Green spaces can provide a gathering place for community events and activities, fostering a sense of community and social cohesion.

In recent years, Detroit under Mayor Duggan has experienced a revitalization of its green spaces, including the development of urban gardens, parks, and greenways. These initiatives have helped to address the city’s environmental, health, and economic challenges while also promoting community engagement and improving quality of life for residents.

Project EverGreen, its volunteers and donors are proud to help make parks and green spaces in Detroit more accessible to residents and contribute to improving the environmental, health and economic benefits that everyone can enjoy.

Project Donors

Billy Goat
City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Department
Cool Planet
Greenworks
John Deere
Kujo Yard Wear
Lush Lawn
MACC Development
Meijer
Nufarm
Pingree Park Community Group
PBI Gordon
Real Green
Spring-Green
Sun Belt Rentals
Superior Groundcover
The Davey Tree Expert Co.
Teddy’s Lawn + Landscape
Troy Clogg Landscape Associates
Unilock Michigan Inc.
Weed Man Farmington Hills

Food Sponsors:
Absopure
Potbelly Sandwich Works