Free public Wi-Fi is now available in five city of Detroit parks

• Bradby, Chandler, Clark, McDuffy and Palmer Parks now have Wi-Fi networks installed and available for free public use as part of a pilot project
• Pilot project is a partnership between City of Detroit, Detroit Parks Coalition and Connect 313
• $265,000 in grants from the Detroit Pistons Foundation, Rocket Community Fund and Knight Foundation were awarded to the project
• Construction started Summer 2023
• More than 25,000 people have used the Wi-Fi networks since installation, according to Connect 313 data

Today city leaders and community partners, Detroit Parks Coalition and Connect 313 are excited to announce the completion of free public Wi-Fi installed at five City of Detroit parks. This pilot project, announced in June 2023, aims to expand internet accessibility and bridge the digital divide for Detroiters.

“This project gets us one step closer to ensuring that everyone can access Wi-Fi while contributing to the overall vibrancy and connectivity of our neighborhoods,” said Crystal Perkins, director of City of Detroit General Services. “The internet is now essential in our day-to-day lives so having free access to it in our parks plays a crucial role in enhancing community life.”

Detroit residents and park visitors can now access free public Wi-Fi at Bradby, Chandler, Clark, McDuffy and Palmer Parks. About 12,600 residents are within a half-mile walking distance of the five parks featured in the pilot program.

“Access to the internet is a fundamental resource, and by bringing free Wi-Fi to these five parks, we're not just creating spaces where everyone in Detroit can connect, learn, and thrive, but also making strides toward greater digital equity,” said Sigal Hemy, executive director of Detroit Parks Coalition. “This initiative reflects our commitment to making our parks multi-use, accessible and valuable resources for all residents.”

This pilot project would not be possible without the $265,000 in grants from the Detroit Pistons Foundation, Rocket Community Fund and Knight Foundation. Funding includes installation and internet service through provider Cronus Internet as well as the installation of solar powered charging stations for devices.

“We are excited to continue our work with the Detroit Parks Coalition and Connect 313 by assisting with the funding of the city’s Wi-Fi pilot program to help expand internet accessibility and close the technology gap in Detroit,” said Megan Churches, Executive Director of the Detroit Pistons Foundation. “Through the Pistons’ ‘Basketball for All’ program, our team has made a concerted effort to impact the city’s parks by renovating 60 basketball courts, including playing surfaces at Bradby, Chandler, Clark and Palmer Parks. We view the Park Wi-Fi Pilot program as an extension of our court renovation project and an opportunity to continue to make an impact on the city’s parks.”

The project is a perfect example of the strategic collaboration driving Detroit’s digital inclusion ecosystem, which has grown stronger and more cohesive since Connect 313 was first launched at the 2020 Rocket Mortgage Classic PGA TOUR Event.

"Detroit has made remarkable strides on digital inclusion since 2020,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of Rocket Community Fund and Chair of the Connect 313 Board. “Together, we have transformed Detroit from a city where less than half of households were digitally connected to one that is nationally recognized for its digital inclusion model. By expanding Wi-Fi access in public spaces like Clark Park, we are creating a more connected and equitable city, ensuring that all Detroiters have the opportunity to thrive in the digital age."

Construction started summer 2023. Construction finished at Chandler Park (wetlands area) in June 2024, September 2023 in Palmer Park (community house/basketball court area and tennis courts/pavilion/log cabin area), August 2023 in Bradby and McDuffy Parks, and July 2023 in Clark Park.

Connect 313 and Detroit Parks Coalition did a study looking at internet accessibility and usage in the parks from January 2023 to June 2024. Results revealed that 25,234 people had used the Wi-Fi networks, and that number is expected to have increased once the installation at Chandler Park was completed.