2026 Summer Park Programming Support
We’re gearing up for another greAt summer!
In summer 2026, there are five ways to partner with the Detroit Parks Coalition to bring resources to your neighborhood park:
1) Host the Pistons Neighbors Program
Presented in partnership between the Detroit Parks Coalition, Detroit Pistons Foundation, and City of Detroit Parks & Recreation Division, the Pistons Neighbors Program brings fun and accessible recreational programming to parks throughout Detroit. Through the Neighbors Program, DPC will bring pop up programming and staff to your park, free of charge.
2) Apply for Summer Programming Regrants.
In partnership with the Kresge Foundation, DPC will award grants of up to $20,000 for youth and family summer parks programming. Grants will be awarded to community organizations with a demonstrated connection to a neighborhood park and the capacity to manage their own programming and staffing. Funding will support outdoor youth and family programs or events that occur at least once per month in a neighborhood park. 10-20% of all program budgets must support organizational operations.
3) Apply for Health & Fitness Parks Programming Grants
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, DPC will award grants of up to $20,000 and minigrants of up to $5,000 for organizations to host fitness, physical activity, and/or healthy eating park programming. Funding will support weekly park programming connected to measurable health outcomes over the course of the summer. 10-20% of all program budgets must support organizational operations.
4) Apply for Organizational Capacity Regrants.
In partnership with the Gilbert Family Foundation, DPC will award grants of up to $20,000 for park stewardship organizations to expand or support short-term organizational capacity needs. Examples may include hiring summer staffing support, staffing or consulting costs tied to a capital project, strategic planning consultants, contractors, auditors, etc. Ongoing funding for full-time staff is not eligible; however, 10-20% of all program budgets may support overhead expenses.
5) Request a Free Little Library and/or Born Learning Trail.
In partnership with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a minimum of 7 sites will receive a Free Little Library or Born Learning Trail. Sites will be selected and installed in partnership with the City of Detroit. This opportunity is pending funding approval.
Organizations may apply for all of the above resources. However, please note that the selection process is designed to spread resources to as many applicants and parks as possible. All selected organizations will be invited to share in resources and technical assistance provided by DPC, including:
Optional lunch & learns for networking, learning, and connecting with DPC and the City of Detroit;
Access to a shared library with programming and park cleanup supplies;
Templates for advertising your programming on print and social media;
A contact directory for relevant City of Detroit staff;
Inclusion in DPC’s citywide park events calendar.
All organizations will also be invited to an orientation to park stewardship on April 18 from noon-4 pm and a summer season launch on May 27. Please save the dates!
