Magna International contributed $100,000 to Project EverGreen to support the national nonprofit organization’s efforts to renovate a Detroit park.
Pingree Park spans 18 acres in a multigenerational neighborhood on Detroit’s East Side. The renovation work was determined with support from community groups and will include:
- Improving the natural grass surface through grading, aeration, overseeding and nutrients;
- Pruning the tree canopy to enhance the health of the trees and to create a safer, more inviting park;
- Installing new trees along E. Forest Ave.;
- Creating a neighborhood gathering spot for picnics, movies and music; and
- Expanding park pathways.
According to Project EverGreen, improvements will provide residents with better use of the park, increased safety for kids playing on the grass and sports fields and generate community pride. It will also create a central community hub for people to gather and connect with one another.
The renovation is scheduled for Nov. 3-4 with a second phase taking place in spring 2018. It’s a collaborative effort between Mayor Mike Duggan’s office, local businesses, neighborhood residents and Project EverGreen.
The project aligns with the mayor’s initiative, aimed at reducing blight and restoring community pride, to renovate 40 smaller parks across the city. Those 40 parks total 121 acres or 5.2 million sq. ft.
“An important part of the Magna culture is to give back and support the communities where we live and work,” said Jim Tobin, Magna’s chief marketing officer. “We also support the development of healthy habits like exercise and outside play for children of all ages, and it’s a great fit for us to get involved with Project EverGreen’s mission to create healthy parks for kids.”
Project EverGreen has completed renovation projects covering millions of square feet of urban green spaces in locations, including East Harlem in New York City; Chicago; Cleveland; Greensboro, N.C.; and Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth, Texas.
These efforts, to date, account for actively growing grass, trees, shrubs and flowers that produce enough clean air daily for nearly 76,000 people.
“Pingree Park and the people living in the surrounding community are the real winners,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “With Magna’s generous support, this park will get a much-needed facelift. The improved park space will result in a greener, healthier, cooler park, functioning as the lungs of the neighborhood.”
