DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced a landmark expansion of its stewardship over the City of Detroit’s beloved green public spaces. The Downtown Detroit Partnership has officially begun the management of 18 parks and public spaces – tripling its previous oversight and reinforcing its pivotal role in shaping the heart of Detroit.
This expansion underscores the enduring partnership between the Downtown Detroit Partnership and the City of Detroit, following Campus Martius Park’s back-to-back recognition as the No. 1 Public Square by “USA Today” readers. The newly extended contract, running through 2039, not only reflects the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s track record and expertise, but also its commitment to enhancing urban life for all Detroiters.
“We are honored to be entrusted with an expansion of our long standing leadership of the Downtown parks and public spaces, which have proven to be dynamic centers of activity for our community,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “This expansion allows us to further our mission of creating meaningful, people-first places that have garnered international attention. Each unique park and public space we manage is a testament to our pride in our city.”
The expanded management agreement now includes eight parks, nine public spaces and one memorial. These spaces, from the iconic Campus Martius Park to the historic Paradise Valley Park and Plaza, play a critical role in the daily lives of Detroit residents and visitors alike. The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s enhanced role will ensure these areas continue to thrive as hubs of activity, culture and community engagement.
“This expansion represents the City of Detroit’s confidence in our collaboration with the Downtown Detroit Partnership regarding the stewardship of public spaces,” said Detroit’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer Jessica Parker. “Thanks to this partnership with the Downtown Detroit Partnership, Detroiters and visitors alike will soon experience an enhanced and consistent level of service across Downtown.”
The following is the complete list of parks and public spaces (new ones in bold) now managed by Downtown Detroit Partnership:
Parks
- Campus Martius Park
- Cadillac Square
- Cadillac Square East
- Grand Circus Park
- Capitol Park
- Beacon Park
- Woodward Esplanade
- Washington Promenade
- Paradise Valley Park and Plaza
Public Spaces
- Third Street Medians and General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Plaza
- Gratiot Avenue Medians
- Jefferson Avenue Medians
- Beaubien Street Medians
- Monroe Street Medians between Woodward and Randolph
- Madison Street Medians
- Broadway Street Medians
- Randolph Street Medians
Memorial
- Gateway to Freedom International Memorial
As the Downtown Detroit Partnership steps into this expanded role, it remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the City of Detroit and the community to ensure these spaces continue to flourish as vibrant, safe and accessible areas for everyone now and in the future.
About Downtown Detroit Partnership
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic, and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the surrounding community. DDP is responsible for programming, managing, and operating several of Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit DowntownDetroit.org.
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