By Danny Fenster
Mayor Mike Duggan is upping his commitment to maintaining city parks, thanks to the help of volunteers from community groups and businesses.
Duggan said Monday the city will maintain 150 parks. On top of that, 65 community groups and businesses have agreed to adopt 65 additional parks, bringing the total of functional parks to 215.
To maintain the 150 parks, Duggan said the city has doubled it's seasonal work staff from 75 to 150. Of the city's 300 parks, only 25 were regularly maintained last year.
"If people want to see how real the change is in the city of Detroit, this partnership is the perfect example," Duggan said.
Bishop John Henry Sheard, of the Greater Mitchell Temple COGIC, on Curtis near Schaefer, was eager to adopt adjacent Diack Park—abandoned by the city last year—when the mayor's staff approached him earlier this year.
The parks are an important part in making the city a place where people want to live, Bishop Sheard said.
"It improves quality of life. It improves property values, and it improves public safety," he said.
The groups that adopt a park have agreed mow, weed and keep the areas free of trash between May 1 and Oct. 31, according to the mayor's office. In exchange, adopting groups will receive a sign with their name on it installed in the park, along with first shot at hosting events in the park.
The mayor's office says there are still 21 parks eligible for adoption. They are listed on the city's website at www.detroitmi.gov.
Those interested in the Adopt-A-Park Program can call (313) 224-1258.
