2025 Summer Park Programming Support
Summer fun isn’t too far away!
In summer 2025, there are three ways to partner with the Detroit Parks Coalition to bring resources to your neighborhood park:
Hosting the Pistons Neighbors Program
Presented in partnership between the Detroit Parks Coalition, Detroit Pistons Foundation, and City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Division, the Pistons Neighbors Program brings fun and accessible recreational programming to parks throughout Detroit. Through the Neighbors Program, DPC will bring pop up programming and staff to your park, free of charge.
Applying for Youth & Family Parks Programming Grants
In partnership with the Kresge Foundation, the Detroit Parks Coalition will award grants of up to $20,000 for youth and family summer parks programming. Grants will be awarded to community organizations with a demonstrated connection to a neighborhood park and the capacity to manage their own programming and staffing. Funding will support outdoor youth and family programs that occur at least once per month in a neighborhood park. 10-20% of all program budgets must support organizational operations.
Applying for Health & Fitness Parks Programming Grants
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, DPC will award grants of up to $25,000 for organizations to host fitness, physical activity, and/or healthy eating park programming. Funding will support weekly park programming connected to measurable health outcomes over the course of the summer. 10-20% of all program budgets must support organizational operations.
Organizations may apply for all of the above resources. However, please note that the selection process is designed to spread resources to as many applicants and parks as possible. All selected organizations will be invited to share in resources and technical assistance provided by DPC, including:
Optional lunch & learns for networking, learning, and connecting with DPC and the City of Detroit;
Access to a shared library with programming and park cleanup supplies;
Templates for advertising your programming on print and social media;
A contact directory for relevant City of Detroit staff;
Inclusion in DPC’s citywide park events calendar.
All organizations will also be invited to an orientation to park stewardship on April 10, 2025 from noon-4 pm. Please save the date!
