It was a cold and rainy autumn day in Detroit this past Saturday; the sort of day when many souls wouldn’t think about venturing off the couch if they didn’t have to. However, for one group of Detroiters who have spent years of their lives preparing for this past Saturday, no amount of rain could possibly keep them away.
It shouldn’t be surprising then that more than 100 Detroiters came out to partake in the official opening of the Minock-Whitlock Park in Warrendale. They were joined by County Commissioner Alisha Bell, Mayor Mike Duggan, Councilman Gabe Leland, State Senator Sylvia Santana, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib were there to cut the ceremonial ribbon and celebrate this moment.
A couple of years ago, a series of three vacant and blighted houses sat on this stretch of land at the northeast corner of Minock and Whitlock Streets. The City of Detroit managed to demolish the dilapidated houses but that still left empty land in its place.
The crew of volunteers who have spearheaded the In Memory Of Community Garden across the street decided to intervene. With support from the City of Detroit, the Land Bank Authority, and corporate sponsors, they were able to transform this vacant land into a safe and fun place for neighborhood kids to play.
This same group of volunteers also worked with the City of Detroit to establish the In Memory Of Orchard, which is near the garden at the southeast corner of Auburn and Whitlocks Streets.
The group plans to expand the existing playscape to include monkey bars once additional funds can be raised.
The Minock-Whitlock Park is open every day from dawn to dusk.
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