DETROIT – Though Detroit’s parks are currently blanketed in snow, city officials say plans are moving forward to improve safety and security at several public green spaces.
The General Services Department has finalized design schemes to add lighting and security cameras at four parks: Rouge North, Chandler, Eliza Howell and Maheras-Gentry. City officials say the upgrades are a proactive response to a rise in security incidents at those parks.
“We want people to come out and enjoy our parks. But we want everyone to feel safe and welcome while doing it,” said Crystal Perkins, Director of Detroit’s General Services Department. “We want to make sure that our green spaces are safe for people. We want to make sure that when you come with your family, your family can enjoy the park without any unwanted activity. Without any negative impact to your mental health and physical health.”
Local park visitor Greg Brothers, who visits Rouge North regularly, said he supports the improvements.
“It really gets dark. It definitely gets too dark,” he said. “I think that will be a tremendous idea. The lights and cameras and stuff, ongoing, it would be perfect.”
Officials say the city is expected to publish a report on the Lighting and Camera project in the coming days. The effort will begin with the four parks named, but city leaders indicated this may not be the end of broader safety upgrades across Detroit’s green spaces.
A virtual public meeting to discuss the plans is scheduled for December 22. The city has asked residents to watch for details on how to join and how to submit feedback.