Learn what placemaking projects could be coming to two Detroit neighborhoods

Detroit stands to gain both a community garden and an art park.

Crowdfunding campaigns have kicked off in two city neighborhoods to help raise money for the construction of new public spaces.

Each project is part of the state’s placemaking initiative Public Spaces Community Places. Should each campaign successfully raise their goal by the corresponding target date, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will then contribute a matching grant.

In Dexter-Linwood Cordon, an eight-block area within the Focus: HOPE geographical region north of Boston Edison, the local nonprofit Demographics Inspirations is attempting to raise $50,000 for the construction of a series of inter-connected parks and community gardens there.

If the crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal by May 31, the MEDC will contribute an additional $50,000 to the project.

Plans for the Dexter-Linwood Cordon Community Gardens include a Build-A-Garden, green stormwater infrastructure, fitness equipment, gazebo, benches, outdoor firepit, and a shipping container for community tool sharing.

Walking paths will connect the series of parks spread across several vacant lots.

In Northwest Goldberg, a neighborhood located between Woodbridge and LaSalle Gardens, NW Goldberg Cares is working to remake a vacant lot into an art park.

The local non-profit is attempting to raise $5,100 in its crowdfunding campaign. If successful by June 1, the MEDC will contribute an additional $5,100 to the project.

The project, 6102. ART PARK, seeks to celebrate the neighborhood’s history and future through the eyes of local artists. A vacant lot will be landscaped with plants and trees, stonework, pathways, and more. Programming includes commissioned art installations and murals from local artists, spoken word nights, picnics, and more.

6102. ART PARK is located at the intersection of Marquette and 16th streets.

Each campaign is being hosted by the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

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MJ Galbraith is Model D's development news editor. Follow him on Twitter @mikegalbraith.