Rouge Park, Michigan’s largest urban park, will celebrate 100 years of serving Detroit residents this month.
Covering about 1,184 acres, it stands out as one of the most unique urban green spaces in the United States, offering diverse ecosystems and a wide range of recreational amenities, including trails, sports fields, and historic pools.
As a popular destination for outdoor activities, Rouge Park plays a key role in environmental conservation and community engagement. It regularly hosts activities such as nature walks, hikes, sports and recreation, environmental programs, cultural and arts events, and fitness and wellness sessions.
The significance of the park to the surrounding communities is profound. This is exemplified by the Gilbert Family Foundation’s recent $430,000 three-year grant to Friends of Rouge Park -- the largest philanthropic gift in the organization’s 22-year history. The funding will support a variety of programming focused on environmental stewardship, active living, and arts and culture, while also aiding in the execution of the nonprofit’s master plan. This plan aims to guide the redesign and revitalization of Rouge Park, protect and enhance its natural areas, and meet the recreational needs of the community.
[Related: Friends of Rouge Park receives $420K donation to enhance community events and conservation efforts]
The investment is part of a broader $500 million, 10-year philanthropic commitment to Detroit neighborhoods that Gilbert Family Foundation shares with Rocket Community Fund.
The philosophy behind the initiative: Quality, inclusive public spaces are foundational to community health, happiness and resilience.
The goal: Ensure safe parks are within a 10-minute walk of every Detroit home. Click here to learn more.
“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.”
Extending the impact: Milan Park Project
In addition to Rouge Park, the Milan Park Project represents a major revitalization effort, breathing new life into a neighborhood green space in northwest Detroit, near Ralph W. Emerson Elementary School.
Backed by a $700,000 total investment, this project is a collaborative effort between the City of Detroit and philanthropic partners, including the Gilbert Family Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and Project EverGreen.
The project was shaped through a 2023 community engagement process that gathered input from residents, student families and educators to ensure the upgrades reflect the needs and desires of the neighborhood.
The transformation includes a wide range of improvements designed to enhance play, recreation and environmental quality. These features include a second playground, a renovated soccer field, combination of soccer and football goals, updated walkways, a softball field, as well as new benches, picnic tables, barbecue grills and fitness equipment. A new entrance off Evergreen Road will improve accessibility.
[Related: Milan Park shines after $700K worth of improvements]
The project also emphasizes greening and sustainability. Project EverGreen and Davey Tree Expert Co. pruned existing trees and planted 35 new trees, while The Greening of Detroit added 30 more along the school’s border.
Adding a creative touch, artist Miranda Kyle is creating three sidewalk murals featuring lemon trees -- a design chosen by community members -- with completion expected by June 2025.
D.R.E.A.M. Mobile and Come Play Detroit
The Gilbert Family Foundation is supporting another new initiative that aligns with its philosophy to support programs and partnerships that create access to inclusive, thriving public spaces: D.R.E.A.M. Mobile (Detroit Recreation Education Arts + Culture Math + Science).
D.R.E.A.M. Mobile partners with local schools, day camps and after-school programs to bring programming directly to Detroit students.
This initiative is being launched by Come Play Detroit (CPD), a nonprofit that creates active and social experiences through programming and intramural sports leagues in Detroit that include sand volleyball, pickleball, kickball, tennis and more.
“You can sign up as a team, small group or individual,” said Justin Jacobs, founder of CPD. “Our leagues are geared toward a fun a recreational experience for all.”
The D.R.E.A.M. Mobile will be popping up every Tuesday throughout the summer at the Joe Louis Greenway: Warren Gateway, where there will be free games and activities, including sack races, tug of war, giant Jenga, Connect 4 and more.
Additionally, the Detroit Pistons Neighbors Program will take place June 16 through Aug. 16, with free play and programs at 13 parks around the city. Programs will include sports clinics, arts and crafts, dance, Eastern Market, and more.
Jacobs said through its leagues and events, CPD offers young adults the chance to embrace an active lifestyle, foster social and professional connections within their community, and experience mental and emotional benefits and personal growth. The D.R.E.A.M. Mobile is an extension of the nonprofit’s mission, providing engaging programming to students and children of all ages.
Click or tap here to learn more about D.R.E.A.M. Mobile and CPD.
Investing in Detroit
Since, 2015, the city of Detroit has renovated more than 200 parks, and in the 2024 fiscal year alone, 44 parks received major renovations valued at $17.6 million.
[Related: Gilbert Family Foundation commits $1.8 million to support access to jobs and green spaces for Detroiters through the Greening of Detroit | Our Backyard Detroit park champions passionate about parks]
Parks serve as vital spaces for social connection, health and wellness, and community building. The collaborative efforts of the city, the Gilbert Family Foundation and other partners demonstrate the importance of a united approach between philanthropy, government and community organizations in Detroit.
Looking toward the future, this model of community-driven design and collaborative funding will be replicated across Detroit’s park system. It’s equally important to reflect on the past -- where we’ve come from and how we’ve grown. As Rouge Park commemorates its centennial year, it presents an opportunity for the community to gather and reflect on both its history and future.
Rouge Park’s centennial celebration will be held June 27-29 and will feature live entertainment for all ages, food trucks, a family-friendly carnival, a community resource fair, engaging activities, nature walks and programming that highlights the history of the park.
Click or tap here to learn more about the celebration.