The Detroit Parks Coalition (DPC), a diverse group of park leaders and advocates working to expand resources and funding for city parks, today announced its extensive summer programming schedule, inviting families to enjoy an exciting lineup of free, community events hosted in Detroit’s beloved parks and public spaces. DPC represents 10 park stewardship organizations, covering more than 20 parks across the city of Detroit.
“These summer programs help further our coalition’s commitment to enhance and uplift Detroit’s green spaces, ultimately improving the quality of life throughout the city,” said Sigal Hemy, executive director of the Detroit Parks Coalition.
FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASSES
Now – Aug. 27
In partnership with Yoganic Flow, DPC is offering free yoga classes in several of its member parks. Yoga classes are accessible to all ages and abilities at the following locations:
§ Eliza Howell Park: Mondays at 6 p.m. by the sculpture
§ Clark Park: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. by the ice rink
§ Belle Isle: Thursdays at 6 p.m. in front of the aquarium
§ Palmer Park: Saturdays at 9 a.m. by the community garden
§ Chandler Park: Saturdays at 11 a.m. on the football field
§ Clark Park: Sundays at 9 a.m. by the ice rink
Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. Yoga class sign-up is available here.
PISTONS NEIGHBORS PROGRAM
Now – Sept. 4
In partnership with the Detroit Pistons Foundation, William Davidson Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the Pistons Neighbors Program hosts free outdoor activities for the whole family at Detroit’s Chandler Park, Palmer Park, Rouge Park, Pingree Park and Romanowski Park.
Summer programming is available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Activities include free sports clinics, dance classes, arts and crafts and weekly food pantries from Eastern Market Farm Stand. A full schedule of events can be found here.
FREEDOM ARTS FESTIVAL
July – October
Supported by a $90,000 grant from the Knight Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides grants for journalism, communities and the arts, the Freedom Arts Festival will connect or reconnect Detroiters to their neighborhood parks through cultural experiences. Each event will feature music, dance, storytelling and art reflecting Detroit’s multicultural tapestry, with original works emphasizing freedom, racial justice, history and connection to place. July events include:
Saturday, July 16, 1-4 pm
Chandler Park Conservancy presents its second annual Community Arts and Music Festival, in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The themes of the event will be freedom and celebrating youth. Hands-on and interactive programming will be offered throughout the day.
Sunday, July 24
On Detroit’s birthday, join Belle Isle Conservancy for Community Fun Day at the Belle Isle Aquarium. An afternoon of art, music, dance, storytelling, activities, food trucks, and more.
WORK FROM THE PARK
Wednesday, July 20
Visitors can shake up their daily routine and spend their workday on the Detroit Riverfront during Work from the Park. Workers can stop by Robert C. Valade Park between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for free Wi-Fi, fresh air and great views. They can also enjoy free coffee from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., lunch specials from noon to 1:30 p.m. and happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
BUTTERFLY AND WILDFLOWER WALK
Sunday, July 24
Nature lovers can take a walk in Rouge Park’s Butterfly Garden and talk with butterfly enthusiast, Doris Applebaum. Guests can take in the natural beauty and learn about the abundant variety of butterflies and native plants in this recently prescribed burned prairie. The walk begins at 2 p.m. at the North Prairie Pathway Trailhead. Participants are encouraged to register in advance.
For more information, visit DetroitParksCoalition.com.