DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced what it called a landmark expansion of its stewardship over the City of Detroit’s beloved green public spaces.
The DDP 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.
The Partnership had already been managing five parks – including Campus Martius – and the Woodward Esplanade under a previous contract. When the parties gathered to talk about renewing that contract, officials worked out a deal for the Partnership to add two parks – Cadillac Square East and Paradise Valley Park and Plaza – and 10 public spaces to the deal.
“We were in the process of … renewing when the city said, ‘We really do appreciate the relationship. We’ve got a couple other spaces,” said Eric Larson, the Partnership’s chief executive officer. “I don’t know, quite honestly, that there are many other organizations that go in for a contract renewal and come out with doubling the number of public spaces, but it really is an indication that not only the city, but also the residents, value what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. We’re excited. We’re thrilled because we keep making more investments.”
The 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 several monuments and landmarks. 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
- Paradise Valley Park and Plaza
Public Spaces
- Woodward Esplanade
- Third Street Medians and General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Plaza
- Gratiot Avenue Medians
- Washington Blvd Medians
- Jefferson Avenue Medians
- Beaubien Street Medians
- Monroe Street Medians between Woodward and Randolph
- Madison Street Medians
- Broadway Street Medians
- Randolph Street Medians
- 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.
