Rouge Park, the largest urban park in Michigan, is receiving funding that will help provide operational support and enhance community gatherings and events.
A $420,000 donation was made by Gilbert Family Foundation to Friends of Rouge Park, a nonprofit organization committed to maintenance, improvement and protection of the park. The donation is the largest in the organization’s history and will provide support to allow more Detroit residents to enjoy one of the city’s greatest resources.
The park, which covers about 1,184 acres, offers diverse ecosystems and a range of recreational amenities, including trails, sports fields and historic pools. It’s also a popular spot for outdoor activities and plays a key role in environmental conservation and community engagement.
Rouge Park hosts activities like nature walks and hikes, sports and recreation, environmental programs, cultural and arts events, and fitness and wellness sessions.
“Quality, inclusive public spaces are foundational to the health, happiness and resilience of our communities,” said Laura Grannemann, executive director of Gilbert Family Foundation. “Rouge Park has been one of the most important green spaces in Detroit for 100 years, and the Gilbert Family Foundation is proud to support even more opportunities for residents around the park to connect with the environment, engage in outdoor recreation and build community.”
The donation comes as Rouge Park commemorates its centennial year. It will support wide-ranging programming that includes activities focused on environmental stewardship, active living, and arts and culture. Additionally, it will also support the execution of the nonprofit’s master plan, which aims to guide the redesign and revitalization of Rouge Park, protect and enhance its natural areas and provide for the recreational needs of the people.
The announcement was made at Friends of Rouge Park’s annual Winterfest celebration, where visitors enjoyed winter activities like sledding, snow shoeing, ice fishing and more. The event also included free food and exhibitions from the Detroit Zoo and Huron-Clinton Metro Parks.
Part of the grant allowed Friends of Rouge Park to hire its first ever executive director, Lindsay Pielack. She previously worked for 20 years with Keep Growing Detroit, an organization with a mission to cultivate a food sovereign city where the majority of fruits and vegetables consumed by Detroiters are grown by residents within the city’s limits.
“We are thrilled to begin this new partnership with Gilbert Family Foundation,” Pielack said. “This generous gift will allow us to engage the community like never before, ensuring we both honor the historic legacy of Rouge Park and ensure its continued growth as an accessible, beautiful asset for all.”
To learn more about Rouge Park, click or tap here.
To learn more about Gilbert Family Foundation, click or tap here.