Federal funding for urban parks announced at Belle Isle

The U.S. Department of the Interior came to Belle Isle today to announce a new round in funding for city parks

Federal officials were on Belle Isle Friday to announce new funding for urban parks.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is providing $192 million through its Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership. Belle Isle has received more than $1 million through the program in the past that paid for an athletic complex and trail.

Brad Dick runs parks and recreation for the city of Detroit. He says Heilmann Park on the city’s northeast side could use the funding.

“The park of Heilmann, it really needs complete updating. It has a new basketball court which is nice, but other than that a lot of the amenities are older,” Dick said. “It lacks trees, it lacks green infrastructure and this grant would be to take that and put that towards it. Plus the community are asking for picnic shelters as well.”

Dick says Heilmann Park already secured $900,000 through the federal program. He hopes to double that amount in the new round of funding. Dick says other park improvements in Detroit could also get funded.

Photo Credit: Eli Newman, WDET

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  • Eli Newman
    Eli Newman is a Reporter/Producer for 101.9 WDET, covering breaking news, politics and community affairs. His favorite Motown track is “It’s The Same Old Song” by the Four Tops.