PARK STEWARDSHIP

Parks Summit

2025 Detroit Parks Summit

Schedule

8:30 AM | Registration Opens 

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Welcome

Light breakfast served.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Park Stewardship 101

Rob Streit, Resources and Partnership Manager, Detroit Parks Coalition

Are you totally new to park stewardship and wonder how to get started? This session will cover all the basics, from holding events and clean ups, to how to work with the Detroit Parks Coalition and the City of Detroit, and much more in between.

Health & the Built Environment

Sigal Hemy Spiegel, Executive Director, Detroit Parks Coalition

Discover how Detroit’s parks can be powerful drivers of health equity through thoughtful design, intentional programming, and creative community partnerships.

10:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Activating Outdoor & Overnight Programming in Your Park

Jac Gannon, Detroit Outdoors Collaborative, Manager - Nature ‐ Detroit Parks & Recreation

Interested in connecting deeper to your park and those that live near it? Curious about camping but don't know where to start? In this session, we will share some of the lessons learned, resources and partnerships that have helped us launch our camping program, so you can camp with your group or at your park too! 

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Park Stewardship 201

Rob Streit, Resources and Partnership Manager, Detroit Parks Coalition

Are you a park steward that is looking to step up your game? Hear from experts who have been at it for years. Get tips on programming, funding projects, building community around your stewardship, and more. Speakers TBA.

Parks Safety

Yvette Pullom-Bass, Detroit Parks Coalition; Terence Mathis, GSD Security

Learn how police, security, and community stewardship groups can work together to ensure a safe experience for all park users.

11:45 AM  - 1:15 PM | Lunch

Brief Adopt-a-Park recognition ceremony to take place during lunch.

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Plenary: Outdoor Stories

Hear stories of Detroit’s parks from inspiring storytellers Rochelle Wilson Ellis, Angela Lugo-Thomas, Zig Zag Claybourne, and more TBA.

  • Rochelle Wilson Ellis is a U.S. Navy veteran who served on the USS Ross DDG 71 and the USS George Washington CVN 73. A loving mom of two, she received her baker/pastry chef certification from Schoolcraft College of Culinary Arts in 2009. She has worked in health care for many years and is currently a Kidney Hero assisting renal patients in Metro Detroit. In 2021, she was trained as a citizen journalist by The Sarah E. Ray Project to gather oral histories of the people who attended Action House in the ʼ70s and ʼ80s. A woman of many talents, Wilson Ellis enjoys embracing what the Universe has to offer. In the summers she can be found volunteering in neighborhood gardens or taking pictures of the beauty around her—a love for photography inherited from her mother.

  • Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Detroit, Angela Atabex Lugo-Thomas is a land cultivator, emerging journalist, and community leader. For her work in Planet Detroit, Lugo-Thomas won first place for racial justice reporting in 2024 by the Society of Professional Journalists–Detroit Chapter. In 2019, she received a Documenting Detroit Fellowship and created a photojournalism project called “Highland Park: Back on the Map.” Lugo-Thomas is the CEO of Liberty Plaza, an adaptive reuse housing development in Highland Park, Michigan, where she now lives, and co-director of La Casita Cimarrón y Yuketi de Detroit, a community space for Puerto Rican arts and culture. A board member of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op, she is the recipient of the Spirit of Determination Award from the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership. Lugo-Thomas works with Keep Growing Detroit on urban gardening and farming, and served as a local leader for GirlTrek. A founding company dancer of the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy and a Cass Technical High School alumna, Lugo-Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University. In her free time, she enjoys making memories with her family, walking, dancing, and photography.

  • Hailed by Book Riot in 2021 as one of the “6 Black Indie SFF Writers You Should Be Reading,” Zig Zag Claybourne is the author of the newly released fantasy Breath, Warmth, and Dream (2024). Other works include The Brothers Jetstream: Leviathan (2016) and its sequel Afro Puffs Are the Antennae of the Universe (Obsidian Sky Books, 2020); By All Our Violent Guides (Narmer’s Palette, 2013); Neon Lights (Narmer’s Palette, 2011); and Conversations with Idras (Obsidian Sky Books, 2021). His stories and essays have appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Apex, Realm (formerly Serial Box), Galaxy’s Edge, GigaNotosaurus, Strange Horizons, The Year's Best African Speculative Fiction (2021), and numerous anthologies. A 2021 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow, Claybourne is a frequent speaker at libraries, conventions, and learning institutions. www.zzclaybourne.com

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Sharing Our Parks: Communications Best Practices

Ian Solomon, Communications and Engagement Manager, Detroit Parks Coalition; Jacquelyn Jones, Belle Isle Conservancy; Anthony Benividas, Executive Director, Clark Park Coalition; Megan Woods, Communications Manager, City of Detroit General Services Department

From E-Blasts to social media, Learn best practices for your park’s communications from a panel of park professionals with ranging audiences. 

Community Organizing and Starting a Stewardship Organization

Alex J. Allen, III, President & CEO Chandler Park Conservancy (moderator); Susan Stellar, Board Member, O’hair Park Community Association; Carol Pickens, Littlefield Community Association

Learn how to organize community around park and neighborhood stewardship. We’ll cover practical steps for effective and impactful collaboration, from identifying shared goals, to developing bylaws, to sustaining participation over time.

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Creating & Executing a Successful Fundraising Plan

Anne Bowlby, Grants Manager/Development Associate, Detroit Parks Coalition

Learn how to build and execute a fundraising plan that sets clear goals, engages supporters, and streamlines your efforts with practical tools and strategies.

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Sharing Our Parks: Park Photography

Ian Solomon, Communications and Engagement Manager, Detroit Parks Coalition

Together we’ll learn park photography tips and tricks as well as get hands-on training with the DPC Camera, the newest edition to the gear library! 

Planning Events in Your Park

Yvette Pullom-Bass, Detroit Parks Coalition

More details to come.

3:15 PM

Walking Tour: Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park

Optional field trip: join DPC at the end of the day for a walking tour of the newly opened Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park. Bus departs the Outdoor Adventure Center at 3:15pm. Space is limited. Separate pre-registration is required here.

Register Here

Date & Time:

November 20, 2025,

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location:

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207 

  • The Detroit Parks Coalition hosted the 4th annual Detroit Parks Summit on November 12, 2024 in partnership with the City of Detroit and the Detroit Pistons. The summit was free to attend. We were joined by 160 fellow park advocates and enthusiasts for a day full of networking and learning from one another. 

    Stewarding Nature in Detroit’s Parks

    Local stewards of large and small parks across the city shared best practices for natural areas management. Speakers shared lessons learned in organizing volunteer cleanups, installing and maintaining native habitats, combating invasive species, and more.

    Engaging Youth in Detroit’s Parks 

    From camping in Detroit’s natural spaces to creating programming and social media outreach for their peers, Detroit’s young people have plenty of options to get out in nature without leaving the city. Our panel of youth programming experts discussed working with Detroit’s youth in our parks–and what they’ve learned in the process. 

    Park Stewardship 101

    In this session, Rob Streit, Resources and Partnership Manager with the City of Detroit and Detroit Parks Coalition, provided an overview of park stewardship, including working with the city, permitting & events, cleanups, and capital improvements. Attendees were given tangible tools to improve their work, from communications directories to funding resources.  View the slide presentation here.

    Communications, Marketing & Outreach 

    The best marketing and outreach practices are just as diverse as our parks! In this session, local leaders talked about amplifying their park authentically in social media, mass marketing, and door to door outreach.

    Parks Safety & Security

    This session explored how police, security, and community stewardship groups can work together to ensure a positive experience for all park users.

    Planning for Successful Fund Development

    Effective planning helps your team set clear fundraising priorities and provides staff and board members with a path to achieving success. This workshop will walk you through the essential steps for creating a fundraising plan, including insights on crafting a compelling case for support, expanding and diversifying your organization's funding sources, and developing a concrete action plan. All participants will be invited to join future DPC fundraising seminars. View slide presentation here.

    Live from the Parks

    Participants got a taste of popular park programming with special hands-on stewardship activities throughout the summit.

    • Healthy Hustle, hosted by Danjanay Stewart,

    • Stewardship Activities and Invasive Species Management, hosted by Antonio Cosme, stewardship manager at Friends of Rouge Park, swgrows@gmail.com. View slide presentation here.

    • Field Trip to Ella Fitzgerald Park and Palmer Park, led by Stacy Varner of People for Palmer Park and Darnetta Banks of Ella Fitzgerald Park Conservancy

    Stories from the Park

    The summit concluded with a live storytelling session led by three Detroiters with inspiring stories from their parks–and what they meant to them. Thank you to our storytellers:

  • December 6, 2023 | 11 am - 5 pm

    In partnership with the City of Detroit and the Detroit Pistons, the Detroit Parks Coalition invites you to our annual Parks Summit on December 6, 2023.

    The summit is designed for park advocates and enthusiasts working in or programming at parks and public spaces in Detroit. You will spend your afternoon networking and growing with experienced park professionals, volunteers, funders, and city staff, covering topics from park programming and maintenance to the Adopt-A-Park program and acquiring funding.

    Keynote Address: Detroit’s History of Park Stewardship

    Patrick Cooper-McCann - Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, Wayne State University

    Detroit park scholar Patrick Cooper-McCann discussed the history of community-based park stewardship in Detroit – the role it has played over time and opportunities he sees today.

    Resourcing Your Park Project 

    Alexa Bush- Kresge Foundation
    Trish Dewald- Mondo Unlimited
    Gaby McKee- Detroit Pistons Foundation
    JJ Velez- Gilbert Family Foundation
    Greg Yankee- Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
    Moderator: Sigal Hemy - Detroit Parks Coalition

    The panel shared resources for park projects and nonprofits. Panelists emphasized the importance of community partnerships, having clear goals and outcomes, and being ready to apply for opportunities when they arise. The panel concluded by emphasizing the need for collaboration between public and private organizations to equitably resource parks and communities.

    Neighborhood-based Storytelling with Planet Detroit 

    Nina Ignaczak - Co-Founder & Editor, Planet Detroit
    Martina Guzman - Co-Founder, Planet Detroit

    This session outlined the role and importance of community journalism and introduced Planet Detroit’s Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab, which trains community members to write stories about their communities. Participants had the opportunity to work together to craft story ideas and learned ways to get their own stories published. 

    From Acorn to Oak Tree: Lessons in Starting a Parks Stewardship Organization

    Maggie DeSantis - Chandler Park Conservancy
    Moderator: Alex Allen- Chandler Park Conservancy

    This session provided insight into how Chandler Park Conservancy, a park friends-of organization first started. After a major foundation backed out of a plan to build a neighborhood community center, residents’ anger, combined with the pride they felt in their community, swiftly transformed into action. Multiple local organizations banded together to organize, fundraise, and establish the Chandler Park Conservancy.

    Permitting your Park Event 

    John Armstrong - Assistant Director, City of Detroit Parks & Recreation

    This session covered the ins and outs of the City of Detroit’s permitting process for different types of park uses. Highlights include when a permit is needed, how the city works with adopt a park stewards and other community groups, when to anticipate needing to work with other city departments, and upcoming permitting system improvements.

    Permit Contacts:

    • John Armstrong, Assistant Director: John.Armstrong@detroitmi.gov

    • Grace Wimbley, Reservation and Event Coordinator: Grace.Wimbley@detroitmi.gov

    • Gary Miller, Athletic Reservations and Events: Gary.Miller@detroitmi.gov

    Managing Natural Resources in Detroit Parks 

    Sally Petrella - President, Friends of Rouge Park

    Antonio Cosme - Land Stewardship Manager, Friends of Rouge Park

    Ryan Myers-Johnson - Executive Director, Sidewalk Detroit

    Nikki Marcot - Eliza Howell Park Strategist, Sidewalk Detroit

    This session highlighted natural areas restoration and management practices in Rouge Park and Eliza Howell Park. Speakers shared examples and best practices for developing plans, maintaining plantings, combating invasive species, and collaborating with city entities. Important best practices include developing partnerships, making your project look intentional with signage and borders, engaging with local residents and volunteers, and maintaining strong advocacy efforts.

    Deep Breaths, Kicks, and Punches: Summer Programs in O’Hair Park 

    Gail Tubbs - President, O’Hair Park Community Association

    Joyce Daniel - Vice-President, O’Hair Park Community Association

    Susan Stellar - Chair, Open-Space Committee, O’Hair Park Community Association

    This session shared recent programming by the O’Hair Park Community Association, designed to appeal to different ages and interests. The programs included martial arts classes, nature exploration, a walking club, and recreational activities provided by the Pistons Neighbors program. Panelists discussed challenges related to recruitment, scheduling, and park maintenance, while also highlighting positive outcomes, including growth in overall participation and some participants volunteering for other park events.

    Adopt a Park 2024 Program Launch

    Rob Streit - Parks Fellow, Detroit Parks Coalition

    This session shares in depth information about the 2024 Adopt a Park program, which is being managed by Detroit Parks Coalition and includes new resources and benefits for park stewards. Highlights include program requirements, application process, timelines, and a Q&A. 

    Contact Rob Streit: rob.streit@detroitmi.gov, 313-402-6866

    Building Community Gardens in Urban Parks 

    Angela Lugo-Thomas - Garden Manager, People for Palmer Park

    This session provided background on Palmer Park’s community garden program, and offered tips on how to start a community garden in an urban park. Highlights included different models to consider, engaging with park users and nearby residents, the challenges and benefits of gardening in public spaces, and where to access tools and resources to support gardening efforts.

    The Power of a Pocket Park

    Darnetta Banks- Ella Fitzgerald Park Conservancy
    Eric Dueweke - Morningside Community Association
    Jordan Yagiela- NW Goldberg Cares
    Moderator: Rob Streit - Detroit Parks Coalition

    This panel discussed how community organizations have built and maintained pocket parks and the role they play in neighborhoods. Panelists shared tips for beginning stages including engaging the city (council member, district manager, landscape architect), developing a maintenance plan, and identifying programming partners to collaborate with to address community needs. 

    Resource: Public Spaces Community Places, a partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Patronicity where community organizations can do a fundraising campaign and receive matching funds from the State of Michigan to help fund their pocket park projects.

    Park Accessibility

    Alexis Brooks - Au-Some City 313
    Jileesa Irwin - Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
    Marisa Spain - City of Detroit Office of Disability Affairs
    Moderator: Ian Solomon - Detroit Parks Coalition

    As follow up to DPC’s Just Place event in Beacon Park, this panel discussed making parks and recreation programs more accessible for people with disabilities. They talked about the importance of accessible bathrooms, trails, and transportation. They emphasized including people with disabilities in the planning process, advertising accessibility features clearly, and using language that is welcoming to everyone.

  • January 10th, 2023 | 12–6 pm

    We're excited to bring Detroit's park stewards together for a day of connecting and learning! In partnership with the City of Detroit, Detroit Pistons, and Project Play, the Detroit Parks Coalition invites you to our first Parks Summit. Spend your afternoon networking and growing with experienced park professionals, volunteers, funders, and city staff. We'll be covering topics from park programming and maintenance to the Adopt-A-Park program and acquiring funding.

    SCHEDULE:

    12:00: Lunch & Networking

    12:45: Welcome

    1:00: Opening Plenary: Adopting a Park

    Learn about Detroit’s Adopt a Park program and hear stories about park stewardship from adopt a park partners across the city.

    2:20 Break

    2:30: Breakout Session #1: Planning

    Programming Track

    As you plan your park event, do you have a planning checklist? In this session, explore the anatomy of a park event and all its needs.

    Park Improvement Track

    Long before the first shovel is lifted, park stewards plan their projects and how to implement them. In this session, learn all the things you will need to consider as you get started on your park improvement.

    3:05: Breakout Session #2: Permitting

    Programming Track

    Learn about the City of Detroit’s permitting process for presenting events, reserving shelters, serving food at a park, and more.

    Park Improvement Track

    The City of Detroit requires a Donation Authorization Form for any capital improvement to a park. In this session, learn about the form and how to fill it out.

    3:40: Breakout Session #3: Implementation

    Programming Track

    On the day of your event, what are the keys to success?

    Park Improvement Track

    It’s time for the installation—here’s how to keep your project on track.

    4:10: Break

    4:30: Getting your Work Funded

    Panel discussion with local funders who support park programs, projects, and organizations

    5:30: Ask Us Anything & Networking

  • The Detroit Pistons Foundation partnered with the Detroit Parks Coalition, City of Detroit, and Project Play to host “Let’s Play!” a series of dialogues on programming, capital improvements, safety, and funding for parks. Takeaways and video recordings can be found on the Pistons Neighbors Program website.