DETROIT – There’s a lot of positive buzz around Detroit this week, and right now, some of the city’s unique public spaces are at the center of some of the excitement.
A group of nonprofits and innovators from cities nationwide are in town touring some of the once-neglected spaces and buildings that have been re-imagined into some of our community gems.
They’re on a mission to explore and find motivation.
“So many places,” said Jeanette Pierce of City Institute. “We have a whole east side tour. A whole west side tour.”
The High Line Network is an international group of organizations building public spaces in their respective communities.
“What brings us all together is that we are reusing infrastructure as public spaces,” said Asima Jansveld of The High Line Network.
The High Line Network is touring dozens of public spaces across Detroit this week.
Some members are getting motivation and ideas on projects they could take back to their communities.
“We’re really excited about bringing everyone to Detroit because we feel there are so many wonderful examples here, especially of how they have centered community in their spaces," Jansveld said.
Jansveld is the Chief Programming and Engagement Officer at the High Line in New York City, a popular public park built on a historic, elevated rail line.
As managing director of the High Line Network, she’s excited about her colleagues touring what some might describe as hidden corners of Detroit that have been re-imagined to better serve the community.
“There are over 300 publicly operated public spaces in the city of Detroit,” Pierce said.
Pierce is one of the group’s tour guides this week, and the president of City Institute says she’s making sure the group gets a good look at the range of public spaces across Detroit.
“On the east side here, we’re at Chandler Park,” Pierce said. “Georgia Street Community Collective. The Shepherd Little Village. All on the east side. Also, East Warren Development. There’s so much stuff on the corridor over there. On the west side, we’re checking out Live6 and the Live6 Alliance. Ella Fitzgerald Park, Detroit Pizza Bar."
The group is touring spots like the Detroit Riverfront, the Joe Louis Greenway, art parks, and more for motivation.
“All of the opportunities to really restore community and really heal some of the decisions of the past, that’s exactly what we’re trying to do in Dallas," said April Allen.
Allen is the CEO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation. The Dallas-based nonprofit is building a public park on a bridge above a highway in an area that some say has been neglected for years.
“First of all, I think just the focus on public space and the number of projects that are underway here is amazing,” Allen said. “I was speaking to a resident who’s a volunteer for the Riverfront Project and she was just talking about how amazing it’s been to kind of see the community come together and make that happen.”
The group also exchanges ideas on how public-private partnerships are making these innovative spaces and projects come to life.
“What I hope people leave with is that there is a community of people that are doing the same thing as them,” Jansveld said.
Members of the High Line Network took time to speak with some of its residents and representatives from philanthropic groups like the Gilbert Family Foundation about how those public spaces are making a difference in communities.
The High Line Network’s symposium wrapped up on Oct. 11, 2024.
