Joe Louis Greenway Picnic Area, Detroit
Somewhere between feeling that familiar crunch of fishflies on a morning walk and hearing fireworks pop across the neighborhood until well past bedtime, it happened. Summer is officially here in Southeast Michigan. Some may see these indicators as a nuisance, but I like to think they just add to the buzz of the season when our outdoor spaces become most alive with:
- the harmonizing of a playground full of kids
- pulsing of bike tires down a trail
- complementary new shades of green across the landscape.
Humming beneath the flowers and sunshine, there is a deeper story to celebrate – one about building connections and community while investing in a better future for us all. With two recent events – a tour of urban parks and conservation efforts, and the MI Trails 2050 Summit – SEMCOG has been busy this season, highlighting just how powerful our region’s outdoor spaces can be when people come together around a shared vision.
Eliza Howell Park’s “Rainbow Bridge,” Detroit
For the parks tour, we teamed up with the City of Detroit, Detroit Parks Coalition, and Heart of the Lakes to host funding partners from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with other recreation leaders from across the state to explore a variety of parks and greenways in Detroit and Oakland County. This wasn’t just a walk in the park – it was a firsthand look at the transformational impact of partnerships and investments in public spaces. Highlights of the tour included Detroit’s Joe Louis Greenway, Eliza Howell Park, Viola Liuzzo Park, and Oak Park’s innovative improvements along the County’s 9Line greenway corridor. Each of these places tells a unique story – of reconnecting neighborhoods with active amenities, of honoring local history and community stewards, and of preserving natural spaces where you might not expect to find them.
“Stickwork” sculpture in Eliza Howell Park, Detroit
This brought together a diverse group of stakeholders around a shared purpose: to experience how collaborative partnerships and investments in outdoor spaces are improving quality of life for the people who live here. It was a great reminder that exploring our parks is one of the best ways to experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty that our region offers. (Pro tip: use the Southeast Michigan ParkFinder® to discover your next favorite park!)
With the same spirit of collaboration, SEMCOG partnered with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA) to host a Trail Summit for Southeast Michigan as part of the MI Trails 2050 initiative. This gathering was all about looking ahead, and imagining what our trail networks could become over the next 25 years. Community leaders, planners, advocates, and everyday trail users came together to share ideas, voice concerns, and brainstorm visions for the future.
Viola Liuzzo Park, Detroit
At its core, MI Trails 2050 is about more than trails – it’s about people. It’s about creating accessible, connected pathways that promote health, foster economic vitality, and strengthen our communities. And while the summit may be over, the conversation is still going. If you missed the event, there’s still time to share your thoughts through the stakeholder input form – because shaping the future of trails should include everyone’s voice. (2nd pro tip: check out the Southeast Michigan Trail Explorer to find your next ride, walk, or paddle!)
9Line, Oak Park
Whether experiencing a revitalized park space or envisioning the future of trail systems, both events remind us that these outdoor spaces are powerful settings for connection. They reflect our values, strengthen our communities, and offer fun ways to celebrate summer together in Southeast Michigan.
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