All Saints Neighborhood Park – Our prototype Park project

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Starting points:

• 7 vacant lots and a drug house; 28,800 sq. feet in all
• People in the neighborhood saying, “There is nothing here for children to do.

Objectives:

• Challenge young people of all ages to vigorous activities at their levels
• Make it an attractive place for adults to spend hours here with their children
• Make this Park such a center of community pride that it will stimulate residents to invest further in their homes

Ingredients:

• Playing field for pickup games, all ages; soccer leagues for young children
• 1/9 mile 8’ wide curving paved trail for walking, biking, skating, jogging
• Playscape for elementary aged children
• Tire swing – all ages
• Benches – attract adults and children to stay for socializing
• Pavilion – cultural and social events
• Gardens – perennials on various themes including an “edible garden” between trail and fence to enhance interest and beauty

Major Partners:

• Wayne County Division of Parks
• John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
• James and Mary Kurz
• The Edw. C. Levy Co.

Results:

• Constant use by all ages
• Increased sense of safety through broadened social networks
• Improved health by many participants
• An object of intense community pride
• Increased residential investment