DETROIT – The Detroit Parks Coalition (DPC) has announced an enhanced summer programming schedule and substantial accessibility improvements for 30 parks in Detroit.
Related: Movie nights, tacos and trivia, outdoor yoga: Here’s a list of free summer events in Detroit
The Detroit Parks Coalition has introduced two new initiatives for 2025. The “Pocket Guide to Detroit Parks” is a free, 120-page guidebook designed to help residents explore and navigate local parks. Additionally, the “We Walk Detroit” program offers one-hour social and fitness walks in various Detroit parks throughout the summer.
---> Pocket Guide to Detroit’s Parks
Yoga in the Parks (Expanded for 2025)
June 1 – September 30
In 2025, Yoga in the Parks will expand to nine parks across the city in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative will offer daily sessions and involve four different yoga providers.
- Mondays, 6 p.m. - Eliza Howell Park, by the Stickwork sculpture (Yoganic Flow)
- Mondays, 6:30 p.m. – Patton Park (Physical Fitness by Roberto)
- Mondays, 7:30 p.m. - Pallister Park (Full Lotus Yoga)
- Tuesdays, 6 p.m. - O’Hair Park, Greenspace on Pembroke at Edinborough (Yoganic Flow)
- Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - Clark Park, by the ice rink (Yoganic Flow)
- Thursdays, 6 p.m. - Milliken State Park (Urban Solace Studio)
- Fridays, 10 am - Milliken State Park (Urban Solace Studio)
- Saturdays, 9 am - Palmer Park, by Community Garden (Yoganic Flow)
- Saturdays, 10 am - Chandler Park, across from tennis courts (Good Vibz Yoga)
- Sundays, 9 am - Rouge Park Basketball Court (Yoganic Flow)
We Walk Detroit (New for 2025)
June 1 – September 30
The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is partnering with We Walk Detroit to offer a one-hour social and fitness walk in various Detroit parks. Community members familiar with the parks will lead these walks, and participants can register for free online through the Detroit Parks Coalition website. All attendees will receive a We Walk Detroit Parks t-shirt.
- Chandler Park - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 7-8 am. Meet at outdoor fitness equipment.
- Clark Park – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.. Meet at community center.
- Detroit Riverfront - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8-9 am. Meet at Cullen Plaza.
- Eliza Howell Park - Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30 am. Meet at Stickwork sculpture.
- Patton Park - Wednesdays & Fridays, 6-7 p.m.. Meet at recreation center.
- Rouge Park - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.. Meet at driving range.
- O’Hair Park - Mondays & Wednesdays, 9-10 am. Meet at walking path at Stahelin & Hessel.
- Palmer Park - Saturdays, 9-10 am; Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.. Meet at Community House.
Sounds from the Park
June 14 – September 11
Detroit saxophonist and composer Marcus Elliot, a Joyce Award winner, is commissioned by DPC to create “Sounds from the Park,” a suite of five improvisatory pieces that celebrate Detroit’s parks and neighborhoods. These site-specific compositions, developed in collaboration with Sidewalk Detroit for community engagement, will honor the stories and dreams of local community leaders, elders, and youth, and be performed at the 2025 Freedom Arts Festival.
Marcus Elliot’s performances honor Detroit’s parks by creating music that reflects each park’s unique heritage and neighborhood. These compositions celebrate the parks as essential spaces for community, rest, and recreation, highlighting their unique character and shared importance in Detroit’s cultural landscape.
- Chandler Park - June 14, 2-4 p.m. -- Joy, Beauty, and Respect
- Clark Park - July 17, 6-9 p.m. -- Family and Resilience
- Eliza Howell Park - August 2, 7:30-8:30 p.m.-- Reverence for Nature
- Palmer Park - August 23, 2-4 p.m. -- Legacy and Mentorship
- Belle Isle – September 11, 6:30-8 p.m. -- Memory and Transformation
Pistons Neighbors Program
June 16 – August 15
The Pistons Neighbors Program, a collaboration between the DPC, Detroit Pistons Foundation, and City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Division, aims to enhance Detroit’s parks through free activities for all ages. Managed by Come Play Detroit and funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and the William Davidson Foundation, the program features sports clinics, live music, dance classes, and visual arts in partnership with local vendors and park organizations.
- Boyer Park – Tuesdays, 11 am – 3 p.m.
- Chandler Park - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 am -3 p.m., Saturdays 2-6 p.m.
- Charleston Colston Park -Tuesdays, 12-4 p.m.
- Clark Park – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.
- Cool Cities Park – Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m.
- Farwell Park – Mondays, 2-6 p.m.
- James T. Hope Playfield – Wednesdays, 11 am – 3 p.m.
- John R. Watson Park (even weeks) - Fridays, 4-8 p.m.
- Kelley Park (odd weeks) - Thursdays, 9 am - noon
- O’Hair Park - Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.
- New Center Park – Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.
- Rouge Park - Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 9:30 am -1 p.m.
- Van Antwerp Park - Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.
- Yates Park – Saturdays, 9:30 am – 1 p.m.
Culminating Activities:
- Citywide Tennis Tournament - August 9 in Palmer Park
- 3v3 in the D - August 16 at the Pistons Performance Center
More information can be found on the official Detroit Parks Coalition website here.