A thank you from Imogene Johnson … How can I say thanks … to God our Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for providing the children of the Fletcher Field community with upgraded and safe play equipment? All honor, glory and praise to our God!!! As I watched 6-year-old Johnny and 7-year-old … Continue Reading →
Eight years ago, I was sent back to my childhood neighborhood to report on its condition, which led to this blog, an amazing coalition and a revitalized Fletcher Field. On that July morning of 2007, I met Leon, whose house sits just two doors down from where I grew up at 8271 Dobel. I now … Continue Reading →
Because so many of you cared, the joy and laughter continues at Fletcher Field. IMG_3658.MOV The grand reopening of the park ranks right up there with so many special days we’ve had there over the past eight-plus years.
If you’re interested in seeing the new playscape at Fletcher Field, we’ll be celebrating the grand reopening of the park tomorrow, Saturday, between 2 and 5 p.m. Hope to see you soon!
City of Detroit representatives Brad Dick, Alicia Bradford and Tim Karl met with us at the park Friday afternoon, and I’m happy to report that construction on a new playscape at Fletcher Field commences on Tuesday. The initial plans are attached here: Fletcher field Proposed Play Equipment July 2015 As of now, six pieces of … Continue Reading →
Just reviewing yesterday’s email chain with City of Detroit officials. In response to my email requesting the city stop deconstruction at the park, Alicia C. Bradford, director of the Detroit Recreation Department, said this at 10:53 a.m.: “… We are reviewing information and budget to determine if we will be able to replace equipment.” Brad … Continue Reading →
Exact email from Brad Dick, deputy director of Detroit’s General Service Department: “Michael. As we’ve said we are meeting with folks on Friday. The plan is to move a new and safe play scape to Fletcher Field one that won’t harm children playing on it. Thank you.” We’ll hold him to it …
Friends, I need your help IMMEDIATELY. The City of Detroit, in all its wisdom — and with blight, hopelessness and safety concerns around every corner — is threatening to pull the playground equipment from the park, citing “safety issues,” in essence closing the park. I don’t think they fully understand the amount of people involved … Continue Reading →
Next week (Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18) a busload of youth (about 40 kids between the ages of 14 and 18) will be working in and around Fletcher Field. The undertaking, which is through Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will include four work ventures in the morning and early afternoon, then art projects … Continue Reading →
It’s been nearly eight years since the resurrection of Fletcher Field. I remember back when this whole thing began, writing about my vision for the future of the neighborhood surrounding the park. That vision of an entirely rebuilt, diverse community within a decade has proven to be — to say the least — unrealistic. But … Continue Reading →
