Eliza Howell Park has received care and support from many organizations.
photo credit - Cheryl Willard
Sidewalk Detroit
Sidewalk Detroit is the nonprofit organization that adopted Eliza Howell Park back in 2016. Sidewalk exists to advance public life and strong social infrastructure through the lens of arts, culture, collaboration design and deep engagement with residents.
Sidewalk was inspired by Eliza Howell Park because of its vast, beautiful landscape and direct connection to the Brightmoor neighborhood. As members of the community and frequent park visitors, we observed that the park was under-utilized by our friends and neighbors. This led us on a journey to discover what would bridge the gap between residents and community members.
In 2015, we began our research with informal conversations with residents. This eventually led to one-on-one interviews with park leaders and a large community dinner, during which attendees shared their hopes, dreams and concerns for the park. After gaining a deeper understanding of the history and conditions of the park, we decided our goal must be to provide neighbors with new, joyful and connected ways to engage in the park.
We knew that our work had to combine both infrastructure improvements and engaging, accessible programming. In 2017, we hired 10 residents to join our Community Leadership Team. These residents represented a diversity of backgrounds and were engaged to inform and guide our decisions as we moved deeper into programming and stewarding the park's development.
Since 2017, Sidewalk has been hosting free public intergenerational programming in the park as well as working to improve park amenities. To learn more about Sidewalk Detroit click here.
Partners and Supporters of Eliza Howell Park
Eliza Howell Park has received care and support from the following organizations. Click on the links to discover more about what they have to offer!
In addition, many organizations have been involved in the revitalization efforts as well as programming in the park. Click the links to see how you can be involved with these fantastic organizations.
photo credit - Mark Schumack
Pictured Above: Big Red Wall Dance Company Photo Credit: Cheryl Willard