Who we are
Advocates for Detroit Parks
We are DPC.
The Detroit Parks Coalition (DPC) is an alliance of community members and parks leaders working to support healthy, equitable, and vibrant parks in Detroit. DPC develops and facilitates citywide parks programming, raises money for park improvements, and supports community organizations that care for Detroit’s parks. Together, we are committed to ensuring that all can experience the social, economic, physical, and spiritual benefits of Detroit’s parks for decades to come.
Our Values
Circle of Advocacy
Our coalition brings together parks organizations of varying sizes, geographies, and operating models. Including a diverse mix of voices and perspectives brings success to our collaborative efforts.
Partnership & Collaboration
We are parks advocates who came together to collaboratively grow resources. We approach each other with openness and an intention to share knowledge for the greater good. Our work is interconnected, and we embrace that.
Advancing Community Voice
Neighbors and regular users know Detroit’s parks best. We are committed to helping their visions come to life by supporting grassroots projects in Detroit’s parks.
Place-based Equity
Systemic disinvestment in Detroit and its residents has contributed to racial inequities in park access and quality within our City and region. We are focused on increasing funding to Detroit’s parks and ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources.
Preservation & Respect
Out of respect for and love of the land, its history, creatures, plant life, rivers and streams, we work to restore and preserve nature within the city.
Long-Term Sustainability
We envision a city of welcoming and beautiful parks and public spaces in support of a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving Detroit. Our parks provide quality amenities, preserved natural areas, rigorous maintenance, and creative programming in service of that goal.
Common Ground for All
Parks benefit people of all backgrounds, socio-economic status, race, identity, culture, and ability. They are our common ground—places where we can recognize our similarities over our differences, experience nature, and celebrate life together. Our work ensures that all Detroiters have access to parks’ social, physical, spiritual, and economic benefits.
History
DPC formed in 2010 to advocate for Detroit parks facing closure due to lack of city resources. Today, our coalition serves as a hub for city officials and community representatives to work together, finding innovative and efficient ways to make progress in Detroit’s parks and public spaces.