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Rocket Community Fund

Antonio McDuffy Park’s Extreme Makeover Completed

Detroit, Antonio McDuffy Park Makeover
Earlier this month, the dedication of Antonio McDuffy Park at the corner of W. Philadelphia St. and 3rd Ave. in Detroit marked the culmination of an ambitious project to increase community connection, promote the benefits of parks and public green spaces, and improve the health and well-being of area residents. Located in the city’s New Center Historic District, McDuffy Park (formerly Philadelphia Park) is an important community gathering space for residents of the Piety Hill neighborhood. It was re-named for Tony McDuffy, a beloved neighborhood resident who was a tireless advocate for the community. “We bring people together to make a difference in communities. We are determined to improve neighborhood parks since they play such an important role in establishing confidence and community pride, offer an outlet for physical and mental well-being, and benefit the environment,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen to a gathering of neighborhood residents, donors, volunteers, city officials and the McDuffy family. “It is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Tony McDuffy that this park bears his name.”   A new 1/8-mile concrete walkway, inclusive playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, benches and a horseshoe pit were part of the nearly $300,000 project that will double the size of the park to about 1.5 acres. Additionally, the planting of new trees will provide needed shade and cooling in the heat of the summer, and a new open grass play area were also completed. A boost to the health and well-being of the neighborhood, ...

Antonio McDuffy Park’s Extreme Makeover Completed

Earlier this month, the dedication of Antonio McDuffy Park at the corner of W. Philadelphia St. and 3rd Ave. in Detroit marked the culmination of an ambitious project to increase community connection, promote the benefits of parks and public green spaces, and improve the health and well-being of area residents. Located in the city’s New Center Historic District, McDuffy Park (formerly Philadelphia Park) is an important community gathering space for residents of the Piety Hill neighborhood. It was re-named for Tony McDuffy, a beloved neighborhood resident who was a tireless advocate for the community. “We bring people together to make a difference in communities. We are determined to improve neighborhood parks since they play such an important role in establishing confidence and community pride, offer an outlet for physical and mental well-being, and benefit the environment,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen to a gathering of neighborhood residents, donors, volunteers, city officials and the McDuffy family. “It is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Tony McDuffy that this park bears his name.”   A new 1/8-mile concrete walkway, inclusive playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, benches and a horseshoe pit were part of the nearly $300,000 project that will double the size of the park to about 1.5 acres. Additionally, the planting of new trees will provide needed shade and cooling in the heat of the summer, and a new open grass play area were also completed. A boost to the health and well-being of the neighborhood, ...

Rocket Community Fund Invests In Greener, Healthier Detroit

Rocket Community Fund
The Rocket Community Fund recently announced a $280,000 grant to Project EverGreen to support park renovation projects in Detroit. The donation is the largest received to date by the national nonprofit whose mission is to promote a greener, healthier, cooler Earth by creating and maintaining underserved urban green spaces. Parks, playgrounds, playing fields, community gardens and other green spaces are the “lungs of a city,” and the Rocket Community Fund is making breathing a little easier for residents of its hometown of Detroit. “We know the importance of inclusive, vibrant public spaces, now more than ever,” said Laura Grannemann, vice president of the Rocket Community Fund. “Our partnership to develop Antonio McDuffy Park will unlock a new space where residents can come together safely and build strong social bonds that will support the resiliency of the entire city. We are proud to have worked closely with local leadership, partners and residents to envision and execute together.”   Funds from the grant will be used to renovate and provide significant upgrades to Detroit’s Antonio McDuffy Park (formerly Philadelphia Park), located in the city’s New Center Historic District. The park serves as an important community gathering space for residents of the Piety Hill neighborhood. It was re-named for Tony McDuffy, a beloved neighborhood resident who was a tireless advocate for the community. The renovation work will double the size of the park to about 1.5 acres, as the city recently acquired adjacent lots from both the Central Detroit Christian CDC and private ...

Rocket Community Fund Invests In Greener, Healthier Detroit

The Rocket Community Fund recently announced a $280,000 grant to Project EverGreen to support park renovation projects in Detroit. The donation is the largest received to date by the national nonprofit whose mission is to promote a greener, healthier, cooler Earth by creating and maintaining underserved urban green spaces. Parks, playgrounds, playing fields, community gardens and other green spaces are the “lungs of a city,” and the Rocket Community Fund is making breathing a little easier for residents of its hometown of Detroit. “We know the importance of inclusive, vibrant public spaces, now more than ever,” said Laura Grannemann, vice president of the Rocket Community Fund. “Our partnership to develop Antonio McDuffy Park will unlock a new space where residents can come together safely and build strong social bonds that will support the resiliency of the entire city. We are proud to have worked closely with local leadership, partners and residents to envision and execute together.”   Funds from the grant will be used to renovate and provide significant upgrades to Detroit’s Antonio McDuffy Park (formerly Philadelphia Park), located in the city’s New Center Historic District. The park serves as an important community gathering space for residents of the Piety Hill neighborhood. It was re-named for Tony McDuffy, a beloved neighborhood resident who was a tireless advocate for the community. The renovation work will double the size of the park to about 1.5 acres, as the city recently acquired adjacent lots from both the Central Detroit Christian CDC and private ...