Detroit Nonprofits Collaborate on Core City Community Hub, The Giving Trees Park
Detroit Nonprofits Launch Community Space Initiative in Core City
In an inspiring community-driven initiative, two Detroit-based nonprofits, We Are Culture Creators and Permaculture Princess, have joined forces to transform a vacant lot in the Core City neighborhood into a vibrant public space named The Giving Trees Park. This project is part of a broader mission to repurpose unused urban areas into thriving food and community hubs.
The Giving Trees Park project will feature the planting of apple and maple trees and the creation of a natural amphitheater designed for outdoor performances and community events. This innovative space aims to foster community engagement and enhance the quality of life for local residents.
Dan Gilmartin, the Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, emphasized the project’s importance in a recent interview with Model D. “The Giving Trees Park will provide the residents of the Core City neighborhood with a spot for community gathering that provides greenspace and the opportunity to teach and foster land stewardship for now and future generations,” Gilmartin said. He further highlighted that this initiative is a “genuine example of placemaking and designing spaces to improve the quality of life for its residents.”
The project has garnered significant support through Michigan’s placemaking initiative, Public Spaces Community Places, which is a collaborative effort among the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. To kickstart the fundraising efforts, The Giving Trees Park organizers have launched a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign on Patronicity. In a show of support, the Michigan Municipal League has committed to match the fundraising with an additional $50,000 grant if the target is met by January 12, 2025.
Community members and supporters who wish to contribute to the transformation of this vacant lot into a cherished community asset can visit the Patronicity platform to learn more and donate.
This project not only aims to beautify the neighborhood but also to empower its residents by providing a space where culture, nature, and community can intersect to create lasting positive impacts.
