Kelley Park in Crary/St. Mary’s neighborhood undergoes $750,000 revitalization, including new dog park

• Kelley Park now has a new playground, an expanded walking loop, an outdoor fitness area, basketball court renovations, a picnic shelter, benches, dog park and more
• Project was a partnership between the City of Detroit, Wayne County, and Gilbert Family Foundation
• Kelley Park is dedicated to the memory of David P. Kelley Jr., a former resident in the neighborhood who died serving his country in World War II

Today the City of Detroit and key partners joined with residents of the Crary/St. Mary’s neighborhood to cut the ribbon on a $750,000 renovation at Kelley Park, that brings an array of new features and equipment to the park. The two-year project was made possible thanks to a Wayne County Parks millage and the philanthropic support of Gilbert Family Foundation.

Previously, the park was largely open land, except for old and obsolete swing sets and play equipment. Beginning in October 2022, residents, businesses and organizations in the Crary/St. Mary’s neighborhood participated in community planning meetings and surveys to share their vision for the project. Construction was done in several phases based on their source of funding:

• Phase 1: New picnic shelter (completed 2023 through Wayne County Parks millage funding)
• Phase 2: New playground, outdoor fitness area, replaced and expanded walking loop, basketball court renovations, horseshoe courts, drinking fountain, benches, picnic tables, and trash bins (completed summer 2024 through City of Detroit and Gilbert Family Foundation funding)
• Phase 3: New dog park (completed fall 2024 through Wayne County Parks millage funding)

“Over the past decade, we have completely renovated more than 160 parks in neighborhoods across the city,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Many of those the city did by itself, but Kelly Park is special because it was a true partnership between the City, Wayne County and the Gilbert Family Foundation. Now, what had been one of the city’s most underutilized parks is now one of its most beautiful and fitting tribute to our local hero David Kelley.”

The transformation of this 4.5-acre Northwest Detroit Park was made possible by funding from the City of Detroit and Wayne County Parks millage and Gilbert Family Foundation.

“One of my top priorities since first taking office nearly a decade ago, after strengthening the County’s financial situation, was to improve the quality of our parks,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Parks aren’t just about recreation; a healthy park system improves the quality of life for the citizens who have access to – and make use of - those parks. I think that’s what all the partners in this revitalization effort realized and agreed on, which is why we came together to make this happen.”

Gilbert Family Foundation recognizes that vibrant, inclusive public spaces are vital for fostering community connections, promoting well-being and improving the quality of life for Detroit residents.

"Kelley Park is a shining example of how strategic investment can transform an underdeveloped community resource into a hub for recreation and community connection" said JJ Velez, Director of Public Spaces, Gilbert Family Foundation. "This project empowered the community to reimagine their park and introduces new opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and connect with their neighbors.”

Kelley Park is named in honor of David. P. Kelley Jr., a former neighborhood resident that was killed while serving his country in World War II.

"I grew up playing basketball at this park and I watched my children along with the children of this neighborhood play here. Now with this transformation, I'm looking forward to current and future families to be able to enjoy this park like we did," said Daniel Ferguson III, of Brothers of Kelley Park. "Our organization looks forward to working with the city and the county in all endeavors at Kelley Park."

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