Detroit Transforms Vacant Lots into Free Outdoor Gyms

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On April 1, 2015, the Kresge Foundation awarded a $110,000 grant to the Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation as part of a $1.6 million grant through the Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit to strengthen Detroit neighborhoods.

The Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation will use the funds to transform vacant lots into pocket parks with free, durable, rust-free exercise equipment, ornamental landscaping, and a connected walking path.

The small patches of vacant land-less than 50 square feet-do not meet Michigan standards for residential zoning. This funding opportunity helps a community group transform existing, yet underutilized, public space into a free physical activity opportunity for the entire neighborhood.

Providing low-income and Latino residents with free physical activity opportunities could have long-term health benefits and may help reduce childhood obesity. This is particularly important in Latino neighborhoods because they face inequitable access to physical activity opportunities due to lack of safe facilities/infrastructure and/or increased barriers.

Learn more about pocket parks on vacant lots in Detroit, here.

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