DETROIT – Residents in Detroit’s Crary/St. Mary’s neighborhood is buzzing about some exciting things happening around Kelley Park.
Neighbors who grew up around Kelley Park are boasting about the revitalization happening at the site.
“Oh, man, this park means a place to gather,” said Scott Loundman.
Many residents gathered near the new playground and picnic shelter to celebrate the completion of $750,000 in renovations and upgrades.
The work has allowed Kelley Park to change dramatically.
“They reached out and said, hey look, they’re about to re-do the park, we need you guy’s input,” said Daniel Ferguson of Brothers of Kelley Park. “We 100% participated.”
A partnership between the city of Detroit, Wayne County, and the Gilbert Family Foundation helped improve the park with major enhancements.
Residents had a voice in what they wanted to see included in the park’s design and amenities.
“My sisters, they would bring me up here,' said Lynn McNeil, a District 1 Community Liaison.
Neighbors said, for years, Kelley Park consisted of a large field, a swing set, and some other minor equipment.
Kelley Park now features an updated playground, a dog park, an expanded walking loop, an outdoor fitness area, an updated basketball court, a new picnic shelter, benches, water fountains, and other amenities.
“They revitalized and gave the kids in this neighborhood a place to come,” McNeil said. “A place to be.”
Neighbors said the partnership that made the improvements happen is about enhancing the quality of life in the community. They don’t want the progress to end here.
“No,” McNeil said. “They want it to continue. They want the growth. They want the revitalization to continue.”