Support Detroit Parks and Recreation

Donation Authorization

The Donation Authorization process consists of submitting a Donation Authorization Form (DAF) with the supporting documentation of a gift (donation) letter, site plan, a picture or rendering of the proposed donation and either project/donation item specifications or a scope of work. Once a DAF is submitted it will begin the process of review. The review process takes approximately 6-8 weeks for completion depending on the scope of the donation project.

For questions, information and to get started, please e-mail: Tiffany Franklin / [email protected].

Examples of donations:

• Benches
• Gardens
• Memorial Gifts
• Park Amenities

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Athletics

Our athletics program is equal parts fun and grit. Community members ages 4 - 17 can participate in low-risk individual and team-play sports to learn new skills, build strength, and meet new friends. Our sports leagues run year-round and make full use of our sports fields, recreation centers, and partnerships with professional and local university sports teams. Ready to get in the game?

• Basketball
• Street Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Lacrosse
• Archery
• Coaching Clinics and Certifications

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Aquatics

Our aquatics program can keep you cool and even save a life. We prioritize access in aquatics, with classes and programming designed to help community members of all ages learn how to swim safely and strengthen their muscles through low-impact exercise. From open swims to competitive teams, there is something for everyone to enjoy and support!

• Parent and tot, youth, and adult swim classes
• Competitive swim
• Senior water aerobics
• Open swim

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Nature Programs

Connecting with nature is fun and has positive mental and physical benefits for all ages. Lower stress? Check. Better classroom performance? Check. We’re investing in the outdoor spaces of our community to redevelop natural spaces in parks. Our nature programs are committed to providing access and education.

Whether you’re feeling anxious or like you just need some fresh air, our city has bountiful - and beautiful - options for all.

• Outdoor winter programming
• Immersive K-12 science program
• Nature programming at rec centers
• Nature-themed Day Camp
• Outdoor youth leadership programs

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Food Programs

We proudly partner with federal and state governments to provide delicious and nutritious meals to members of our community who are in need. Our meal programs do more than just fill bellies. We create welcome spaces to gather, eat, and connect as a community.

• Meals during the school year for children and adults
• Two meals provided after school for At-Risk youth
• Breakfast and lunch provided in the summer
• Congregate meals for seniors that are nutritious and social

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: After School Programs & Camps

The Detroit Parks and Recreation department offers an after-school program that serves youth of all ages. We offer a broad range of structured activities which include academic support, mentoring, youth development, and sports/recreation. Our programs provide and safe and supportive environment for the social and emotional development of its participants. The youth enrolled in our after-school program have access to the following:

• Highly training staff
• Non-traditional sports
• Community Resources
• High quality enrichment programs/services

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Enrichment Programs

We proudly offer year-round comprehensive enrichment programs for youth, teens, and adults to try something out and learn something new. These programs are designed to teach new skills, develop community, and enhance your quality of life in a supportive environment.

• Literacy-focused programs for all ages
• Renovating rec center libraries
• 21st Century Skills for all ages, including

STEM for youth and computer literacy for seniors

• Adult and Senior Fitness Classes
• Financial Literacy Classes
• Music Lessons
• Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet Folklorico, and Modern Dance Classes
• Language Classes
• Gymnastics

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Special Events

The City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, Special Events Division is responsible for planning and permitting a wide variety of special events for the community at large and much more.

Our goal and objective is to provide quality events within our premier parks and public spaces. Annual events have included Breakfast with Santa, Easter Fun Fest, Day Camp Day, Fishing Derby, Senior Friendship Day, Kite Day and many other events that look to have a positive impact on the demographic it is focused on serving.

Permitting community members for small, medium and largescale events is also a function of the Parks and Recreation Special Events Division. From a family picnic to a community-based fair or securing a field for a team sport, we assist with obtaining all the proper permits to ensure a fun and safe outing.

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Parks

Our city is more beautiful year-round thanks to the parks, gardens and public space beautification investments we make. This program creates and maintains beautiful outdoor public spaces for all to enjoy, from parks to gardens, to inspire and bring all members of our community together.

• Tree plantings
• Park amenities
• Gardens Renovating rec center libraries

Support Detroit Parks & Recreation: Joe Louis Greenway

Our city is safer, more beautiful, and better connected thanks to our growing network of greenways! This program supports the expansion of our greenway network as well as enhancing existing greenways with gardens, amenities, and programming.

• Memorial gifts such as dedicated benches and trees.
• Greenway improvements including amenities like bike repair stations, drinking fountains, perennial gardens, trailhead improvements, or neighborhood signage.
• Greenway extensions, providing improved connectivity throughout the city.