City Parks and Green Spaces
Austeja Uptaite
Hello! My name is Austeja (pronounced Aw-Stay-Yah). I wouldn’t say I am an expert, but I have a humble belief that parks and green spaces are an invaluable asset to cities and their residents. I studied Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Northern Michigan University. At school, I took an interest in urban geography and biophilic design. I loved going to school in the UP. It grew my love for the outdoors and I spent most of my free time hiking and swimming in/around Lake Superior. Once I moved back to Detroit, I was excited to find spaces in the city that would continue to connect me to nature!
Parks are the soul of a city and Detroit is filled with more than 300 different parks! I encourage everyone to turn off their phones and find a favorite park bench.
1
Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park - Pleasure Drive, Detroit MI
A historic staple of the city of Detroit. Belle Isle was designed by Frederick Olmsted, the co-designer of Central Park and one of my other favorites parks—Presque Isle Park in Marquette, Michigan. My favorite reason to visit Belle Isle weekly is to watch the sunset at Sunset Point. You get a great view of the Detroit skyline accompanied by a humbling sunset. Also, check out Belle Isle Beach in the summer and Whitcomb Conservatory and Belle Isle Aquarium year-round.
2
Northwest Goldberg Art Park
2398 Marquette Ave - Detroit, MI 48208 USA
This small art park is in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood. A once blighted lot has been transformed into a charming pocket park in the neighborhood by the nonprofit organization NW Goldberg Cares. The park will eventually be completed with a mini-library and art pieces. Check out the nonprofit on Instagram @nwgoldbergcares.
3
Pallister Park
Pallister Park - Pallister, Detroit MI
A hidden gem. This is my neighborhood park located in New Center. The park oozes with charm and history. Take a walk around the park and down the pedestrian-only street, lined with well-maintained historic properties.
4
Beacon Park
Beacon Park - Grand River Avenue, Detroit MI
My go-to place for entertaining out-of-town guests. Events are always happening at this park. From interactive art installations, to silent disco, and free game nights.
5
Fisheye Farms
Fisheye Farms - Van Dyke, Detroit MI
Shoutout to this small urban farm for their Wine and Weeding event every Wednesday from May to October. Help weed their farm and drink free wine!
6
Lafayette Greens
The Greening of Detroit - Lafayette Greens - West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit MI
I love visiting this green space in the summertime. Lafayette Greens showcases how vital urban green spaces are to the health of the city and its residents. The park provides a place for city people to garden, learn about different ecosystems, and ultimately take breath and a moment to themselves. The space also offers yoga classes and live music.
7
New Center Park
New Center Park - West Grand Boulevard, Detroit MI
Located across from the Fisher Building. The park hosts FREE outdoor movie nights during the summer. They have a bar to purchase drinks and snacks for the film too! Also, they sometimes have theatre performances and jazz music. My favorite thing to do is grab a bite at Avalon Bakery and enjoy my treat on the park bench.
8
The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative
The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative - Brush Street, Detroit MI
An urban farm located in the North End neighborhood. If you have ever had any interest in urban farming this is the place to check out. They do volunteer day every Saturday! Bring some friends, family, or even assemble a group of coworkers to come down, get their hands dirty and learn about agriculture and sustainability!
