Downriver Today

The City of Detroit is allocating $45 million to renovate, expand, and reopen a dozen recreation centers in the city. Some think this could be the biggest stretch of investment in these areas in decades. 

The spending consists of $30 million from the city’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funds, $10 million in city bond funds, and a $5 million donation from Roger Penske.

"This is a long time coming," Helen Moore, an experienced community advocate, said on the city's website. "I am so excited to see this development happening and rejuvenating our community. Our community has needed something to give us hope, and Mayor Duggan’s commitment to invest in this neighborhood is doing that."

Political leaders were also pleased with the project.

"In the past eight years, we’ve completely renovated more than 150 parks, giving children and families across the city the opportunity for a quality place to play near their homes," Duggan said. "Now, we are shifting our attention to our aging recreation centers to make sure they, too, are of the quality you would see available in any suburban community."

Some sources emphasized how long-awaited these projects were within the city. 

"For decades, residents have advocated for a space to call their own, and today that dream is reality," the city said on its website. "The Dexter Elmhurst Community Center is the culmination of 30 years of advocacy for a dedicated space, resources, and programming for the residents of District 7. We are grateful to celebrate this milestone with community activists, advocates, and allies such as Ms. Helen Moore, who relentlessly fought to bring the center to fruition. Thank you to everyone who supported this project, especially Mayor Duggan and the City of Detroit Park and Recreations Department for creating a beautiful and safe space for all people to enjoy."

Other community leaders also embraced the new development. 

"As a lifelong Detroiter, I have waited to see A.B. Ford Park and Lenox Center rehabilitated for a long time," Juvette Hawkins-Willliams, president of the Friends of Jefferson-Chalmers Riverfront Parks, said. "This new investment will help bring life to our community to experience a brand new park and state-of-the-art community-based facility."