Planting trees, improving grass play areas and painting backstops in November doesn’t seem to fit with the season when leaves and temperatures are falling, but the transformation of Detroit’s Pingree Park is starting to bloom right before the eyes of neighborhood residents.

Project EverGreen in collaboration with local business partners, including Troy-Mich.-based Magna International, community groups and the City of Detroit, started the renewal of the 18-acre park November 3-4 when about 200 volunteers pruned and planted trees, filled in ruts in the natural grass playing area, painted backstops and removed weeds and sticks from the playground.

The project, however, is more than an aesthetic makeover for this park, it represents the revival of a community hub that serves as a gathering area for generations of east side Detroit residents, and new families moving into the Pingree Park neighborhood.

The renovation work will boost the health and well-being of the neighborhood, raise home values and serve as a spark for nearby development. They will also provide increased safety for kids playing on the grass sports fields and establish a community hub for nearby residents to connect with one another.

“Pingree Park and its neighbors are the real winners,” says Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “The improved space generates enough oxygen for nearly 15,000 people per day and the living, breathing park functions as the lungs of the surrounding neighborhood.”

Minnie Knox, a 50-year resident of the neighborhood says, “This is the boost we needed to help return Pingree to its former glory. Our kids and grandkids grew up here. I’m just so happy.”

Magna International is a key partner in the project and previously donated $100,000 to help get the project off the ground. The company’s employees will also participate in the volunteer effort.

“An important part of the Magna culture is to give back and support the communities where we live and work,” said Jim Tobin, Magna’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We also support the development of healthy habits like exercise and outside play for children of all ages, and it’s a great fit for us to get involved with Project EverGreen’s mission.”

Improvements will provide residents with better use of the park, increased safety for kids playing on the grass sports fields and generate community pride. It will also create a central community hub for people to gather and connect with one another.

Plans for the second phase of the project call for creating new walking paths, building a grass amphitheater and planting new trees on E. Forest Ave. These updates are scheduled to take place in the spring of 2018.

Donors

Advanced Turf Solutions
Billy Goat
City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Department
Cool Planet
Greenworks
Kujo Yard Wear
Lush Lawn
MACC Development
Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association
Nufarm
Pingree Park Community Group
PBI Gordon
Real Green Systems
Spring-Green
Superior Groundcover
The Davey Tree Expert Co.
Troy Clogg Landscape Associates
Weed Man

Food Donors – Absopure, Potbelly

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.