COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE

We have already received donations offline of $1,291 (Thank You!)

LET’S HELP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, SENIORS AND COMMUNITY WITH AN AWESOME GATHERING SPACE LIKE THIS!!!

Check out our project updates and more information about our fundraising efforts here!

April update: RCDC is moving the idea into reality.  On this windy day, April 27, the project manager stakes out the site for the placement of the cement pads the 6-ft. benches will be secured to.  Also markings are placed on the ground to relocate the dumpster from the lot to a more appropriate area for use.  The train is getting ready to leave the station!  Don't you want to get on it?  Donate today.  We need your help to reach the destination~the funding goal.

About our project:

A people-friendly space, on a vacant lot, for low to moderate income families and the underserved to use to bring back and strengthened social ties which are important to the community's  identity, practice, and roles in the city of Detroit. 

The project will give  a) the community a welcoming, safe place to have family gathering,  b) the kids/youth a fun, nice, clean place to gather , and  c) will bring cohesiveness back to the community.  The space will be the “front porches” of our community where we will interact with each other.  This project will show the community residents that they have not been forgotten.

We have canvassed the community for their feelings or thoughts on having a gathering space.  Each person asked had enthusiasm about the project and asked what they can do to help, including cleaning and upkeep.  Their voluntary management, along with RCDC’s advice and support on long term sustainment, will make it successful.  Every resident will have access to a clean, safe outstanding space within walking distance of their homes. 

STEP 1 - April 2017 - Sign contract with contractors.
STEP 2 - April 2017 - Schedule date for installation, order trees and benches.
STEP 3 - May 13, 2017 Contractor pour cement pads (weather dependent).

STEP 4 - May 16, 2017 Contractor install benches (weather dependent).
STEP 5 - May 17, 2017 Contractor plant trees, stake them and place mulch around bottoms.

STEP 6 - June 2017 Create beds with flowers and mulch. Hold dedication ceremony.

Being a part of this neighborhood for years, we remember when it was viable.  Recreation centers and parks are no longer available to the community.  Restoring it to its past glory is demanding and labor intensive.  Our efforts serve to provide a decent quality-of-life; reduce crime; make the area a safe place to live, walk and play; create hope and a positive image; foster social relationships; lower the intensities of maintenance, thus reducing the resources to sustain and maintain.  

This gathering space is as important as the physical improvements that we have already made.  Providing a safe, clean space for those who can’t afford to do it themselves is key to giving the community hope and encouragement to become productive and independent in keeping the community clean.  Two ornamental trees will be planted with mulch and flowers on the lot for beautification with 2 stationary steel benches (including cement pads and anti-theft devices). 

Once completed, there will be community activities such as movie night for kids/youths, the annual kid/youth carnival, meetings can be held outside on nice days instead of inside, groups and seniors can do arts and crafts and other  activities, individuals can sit and/or read, etc.  This is a great opportunity to forge cohesiveness that was once here in the community. The community has already begun to see hope through past efforts.  Some have adopted a lot or lots next to their residence to keep mowed and maintained.  We are working to encourage others to take an active role.