Neighborhood Exercise Loop
Central Detroit Christian created fitness-focused neighborhood pocket parks with excercise equipment and connected them with a walking path to foster healthy, active living in the Middle Woodward Corridor. The faith-based organization provides housing, workforce training, neighborhood-beautification, and youth-development services designed to bolster Central Detroit neighborhoods and empower residents.  More about this project >
Read MoreEzekiel Gillespie
Mayor Tom Barrett’s HOME GR/OWN Initiative, Walnut Way and the Walnut Way Housing Committee chose this site to build a new sustainable park. The site formerly consisted of 2 vacant lots and a vacant home, torn down prior to construction. The park was designed & constructed by HOME GR/OWN, UWM’s Community Design Solutions, Simon Landscaping,…
Read MoreWestmoreland Park
A popular Southeast Portland park gets an upgrade with the restoration of Crystal Springs Creek and new play area to help children discover the natural environment. The nature play area — the first permanent one in Portland — incorporates logs, boulders, sand, water, plants, hills, and opportunities for building with “loose parts” such as branches,…
Read MoreNadaka Nature Park
It’s easier to find Gresham’s Nadaka Nature Park these days, thanks to a two-acre expansion supported by a $220,000 Nature in Neighborhoods grant. The park, which was tucked away in the East Wilkes Neighborhood, can now be reached from Northeast Glisan Street. More about this project >
Read MoreGateway Green
Gateway Green is a long-fallow, neglected piece of public right-of-way in East Portland located between I-205 and I-84. The project will turn 24-acres of undulating and partially forested land into a regional recreational destination and green space that includes habitat restoration, multi-use trails, a stormwater treatment demonstration feature, a children’s nature play area, interpretive signage,…
Read MoreCully Park
Once a closed and gated former landfill, Cully Park is being transformed with walking trails, play and picnic areas and a native gathering garden. The nonprofit Verde is taking the lead in the transformation, engaging diverse community groups and neighbors to reclaim this 25-acre site in Northeast Portland.  More about this project >
Read MoreBeer Treehouse
E3CA Inc. aims to be a placemaking resource for all communities. Their recent projects include constructing outdoor spaces and seating areas on vacant lots, like this beer treehouse. More about this project >
Read MoreYoungstown Pocket Park
Mahoning County Land Bank is identifying areas to install flexible-use green space. Kids began playing in the space pictured here while the flowers were still being planted. Three weeks after this space was completed, 300 kids showed up for a safe trick-or-treating event.  More about this project >
Read MoreNeighborhood Landscapes
Trumbull County Land Bank’s employment program has created 6 new full-time positions focused on implementing neighborhood plans. The program has built capacity to complete projects like the landscape installations pictured here.  More about this project >
Read MoreEastside Franklin Park
Community partners raised 9 lots with structures in various states of neglect. Eastside Franklin Park has since repurposed the area with a picturesque park, covered shelter, and garden beds. They love engaging youth and watching them gain a sense of purpose working in the gardens.  More about this project >
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