Detroit parks get updates worth almost $20 million
Published on Jul 23, 2026, 4:51:52 PM
Total time: 00:03:52
Published on Jul 23, 2026, 4:51:52 PM
Total time: 00:03:52
Eleven Detroit city parks are receiving nearly $20 million in updates and beautification projects this year.
All upgrades were ideas suggested by residents and block clubs in the neighborhoods near the parks.
City Councilman Scott Benson was a persistent advocate for park improvements across the city.
“Recreation is not just a luxury; it is a vital urban asset, and it's a competitive edge for strong, thriving cities," says Benson. "And this is what you see here today. Vibrant parks attract families, improve mental and physical well-being.”
New amenities at the parks include an inclusive play area at Eliza Howell Park, the city’s first BMX bike track at Dorais Park and a multi-sport court at Jane-Lasky Park.
Cruising Woodward is a summer tradition. But many residents near the avenue say vehicles are too loud. That is why legislators hope to crack down on modified vehicles.
Natalie Price is a Democratic state Representative from Berkley. She told WDET’s The Metro on Wednesday that some people are moving away from the Woodward corridor because the noise keeps them up at night.
"We see property values being impacted by this noise. In November, I talked to a constituent [who] did that from out of state not realizing, and now has decided that they can't live in the area due to this excessive noise."
Price is proposing drivers receive ‘fix-it tickets’ instead of fines for driving excessively loud vehicles. She says that would prevent people from paying a financial penalty for driving noisy cars.
Wayne County Public Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus this summer season. The virus has only been detected in mosquito samples; no human cases have been reported in 2026.
Officials say the best way to protect yourself is to prevent bites. West Nile Virus cannot be spread person to person and most people do not see symptoms, however 1 in 5 may experience fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash 2-14 days after a mosquito bite.
To stay safe, limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, use an EPA-registered insect repellent, and empty standing water at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
DDOT seeks council members
The Detroit Department of Transportation is seeking residents to serve on its Local Advisory Council. DDOT is recruiting people who live in Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and an at-large member.
The Council will help plan services for senior adults and people with disabilities.
Applications can be submitted by contacting DDOT’s ADA Coordinator at 313-316-2793.
LGBT Detroit’s Annual Hotter Than July Festival is back and starts today. It’s the city’s longest running Black LGBT Pride event. The event kicks off with a candlelight vigil in Palmer Park by the Blue Spruce Tree at 5:30 PM.
The festival includes a bar crawl mixer tonight at 9 p.m. on the Avenue of Fashion, an Art and Film Festival honoring Duane Belin on Friday, the Palmer Park Picinic on Saturday, strolling brunch on Sunday and more! The festival will also feature a star search competition looking for Detroit’s next Drag Star.
The Detroit Evening Report is a three-minute daily round-up of the news that city residents need to know. Stories focus on the concerns, problems, passions and needs of Detroiters – specifically residents of color. On the weekends, we take a break from the news and spend some time with community members. Hosted by Sascha Raiyn, Jerome Vaughn, Tia Graham, Nargis Rahman, and Hernz Laguerre, Jr. Detroit Evening Report is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station.