DETROIT – A group of young residents on Detroit’s East Side is tackling a challenging project this summer by transforming neglected neighborhood lots into a vibrant pocket park on the 14,000 block of Flanders.
Throughout the summer, these youngsters have been hard at work cleaning up and revitalizing old, overgrown lots that were once considered nuisances in the community.
“It was looking a mess. I’m talking bottles everywhere. People walking by, throwing stuff on the ground. But, now it looks clean.” Said Surrayyah Lee, a summer worker involved in the project.
Commissioned by the Denby Neighborhood Alliance, the team is turning a space previously used as a shortcut to the liquor store into a welcoming pocket park. The park will feature walking paths, a horseshoe pit, raised garden beds, benches, and more.
Myah Asberry-Goss, part of the Grow Detroit Youth Talent Program and a summer worker on the project, expressed pride in the work being done.
“Just seeing this little park transform,” she shared, “My favorite part about the park is the trees in the back. Us painting the little thing. I love to paint.”
The group includes community members of all ages, including 6-year-old Kameron, who proudly made a sign for the park. The young workers have been dedicating four days a week since June to this effort.
Adrian Brewer, another summer worker, commented on the value of the work.
“This is the best way you can spend your time. Just helping your community, even if you are not getting paid,” Brewer explained.
Mentors with the Denby Neighborhood Alliance emphasize that this project is more than just a summer job—it’s a valuable lesson in life, service, and community pride.
Myah Asberry-Goss hopes the park will be a positive addition to the neighborhood.
“I hope this park is very meaningful to somebody. Like, I know a place where we can go, and it’s safe,” Asberry -Goss said.
The group aims to complete the pocket park by the end of the month and welcomes volunteers of all ages to help Monday through Thursday.
For more information, contact Sandra Turner-Handy at the Denby Neighborhood Alliance at 313-926-9811.