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40 Detroit Parks, Playgrounds In Line For $11.7M Overhaul

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit's mayor says 40 neighborhood parks and playgrounds will be renovated over the next two years under an $11.7 million plan.

Mayor Mike Duggan on Thursday announced the plan with city parks officials at Simmons Playground on Detroit's northwest side, one of the parks getting improvements.

Anticipated improvements, which still are being finalized through an ongoing community participation process, include new playgrounds and equipment, new walkways, landscaping and more.

"These are not the City's large marquee parks that already have seen improvements.  These are the local parks that many families can walk to from home without ever having to cross a major road," Duggan said, in a media release. "As we bring back neighborhoods across this city, we are making sure we bring back the neighborhood parks along with them."

Park Upgrades (2)
(credit: Zahra Huber/WWJ)

[Renovations Map]

The money comes from bonds sitting in accounts since the 1980s, the mayor said.

Ardenia Johnson, who is part of a local community council, said the renovated parks will serve many purposes.

"Places for our children and families will help turn around distressed residential areas near the park, enhance property value, bring in home buyers," she said.

Ten parks will be renovated this year and Duggan says the remaining 30 will be updated next year — with all the work expected to be completed within the next 18 months.

Community input is being sought to plan park upgrades.

[Details Of The Park Plans]

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