Special Assignment — Documenters in the Park, District 4

Parks

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
12:00 a.m. EDT

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District 4

This fall, we’re documenting the state of neighborhood parks across the city! These smaller parks don’t get the attention of say, Belle Isle, Chandler or Rouge Park. But there are so many and they offer a variety of amenities.

Each week in September and October, we’ll post an assignment to document neighborhood parks in a specific city district.

For this assigment, you will spend some time in a neighborhood park doing an activity of your choosing. While you’re there, you will document the conditions of the park using a checklist that will be included in your notes document.

You must choose a park in your assigned district from this neighborhood parks list. Search for one with the amenities you need for your activity. (Basketball hoops, dog area, playground, exercise equipment, etc.) We’ve also created a map to help find these smaller parks by location.

Two Documenters will be assigned to each district, so you will need to coordinate with one another to ensure you don’t document the same park. (You can communicate with a “reply all” to the assignment email.)

When you’re done, fill out the checklist, write up a short description of your time spent in the park (1-2 pages), and upload at least 3 photos you took on location. The more photos, the better!

You will have 1 week to complete the assignment, and will be paid for 5.5 hours total ($99).

This assignment is due on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Reporting

Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team

Note-taking by Ambirr Momon

Ambirr noted that O’Brien Playground has a nice playground tucked away, but she said the park seemed to be ignored by passersby. She said the park looks like an empty field from the street and the playground only seems suitable for younger children.

Note-taking by October (Meg) Krausch

October walked with a friend through a peaceful rustic meadow and freshly planted trees in Skinner Park, adjacent to Denby High School in District 4. The city’s reservation portal, however, listed shelters that didn't match with reality and a soccer field that couldn't be found.