City of Detroit to Renovate Park, Asks for Community Donations

By Isabel Funk, Salem Statesman Journal

The City of Detroit, Oregon announced a new project to revitalize its downtown park with a new playground, accessible pathways and sustainable landscaping.

Collage of three computer generated images showing the future play structures of the park, a park visitor doing an activity, and the text: Nature-Themed Playground - Assist us in securing our matching funds for the grant application to fully finance the project!The city said the project “promises to bring stunning natural design, increased accessibility and new family-friendly amenities” to the newly named Dam Park located at 110 S Patton Road.

“This project is about more than just upgrades — it’s about creating a space that reflects the spirit and resilience of Detroit,” City Councilor and park liaison Michele Tesdal said in a news release. “We want ‘The Dam Park’ to be a place where families, neighbors, and tourists come together to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the outdoors.”

Tesdal said many of the trees in the park that got overheated during the 2020 Labor Day wildfires were removed. The remaining unhealthy trees with split bark also will be removed and new trees will be planted to replace them.

The project will include a heavy timber pavilion, improved walking paths, an accessible playground and shaded areas and concert area.

The city hopes to secure a matching grant through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, said Tesdal, but needs to raise 20% of the $1.05 million estimated project cost through donations.

This article appeared in Yahoo! News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

This project is being spearheaded by RARE AmeriCorps member Justin Montrie.