Milan Park

Project Overview

Milan Park, located at 19820 Curtis Street in northwest Detroit, has undergone a renovation that included planting 30 new mature trees, repairing and extending the park’s walking/exercise paths, installing an inclusive playground, renovating the park’s softball/baseball diamond with the addition of new infield mix, reseeding the soccer/football field, and cleaning up the park’s landscape by removing overgrown plants, weeds and dead trees.

The renovated 12-acre park will provide numerous benefits environmental, economic and social benefits for more than 5,000 Detroit residents through improved access to recreational green space where they can exercise, connect with friends and family, and simply enjoy nature.

This is the fifth GreenCare for Communities park renovation project the national non-profit has done in Detroit since 2017.

Milan Park Project Scope

• Pruning dead wood and hazardous branches from mature trees throughout the park. This improves the health of the trees as well as their beauty.
• Removal of several dead trees from the park.
• Installing 30 new trees throughout the park.
• Grading and re-seeding combo soccer/football field.
• Installing new combo soccer/football goals.
• Renovating softball field – removing weeds, grading, replacing in-field mix
• Improving access to the park through pathway repairs and additions.
• Creating new park entryway off Evergreen Road

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.

Mayor Mike Duggan Detroit 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 EverGreen and the Gilbert Family Foundation plan to work with the city to identify additional park renovation projects in the city in 2023 and beyond.

“Parks play a vital role in the health and well-being of youth and adults alike. Connecting people to their parks enhances social well-being, relationships and environmental health,” said Code. “Together with the Gilbert Family Foundation’s  generous grant and in collaboration with the City of Detroit, local businesses and the residents, we can create a healthy, thriving park for generations to come.”

Additional sponsors and supporters of the project include the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan,  Premier Group Associates, and Re-Tree, LLC.