A total of five parks now have public WiFi installed as part of a pilot project aimed at improving accessibility in Detroit.
A pilot project between the City of Detroit, the Detroit Parks Coalition and Connect 313 has selected the following parks for expansion at a later date:
- Bradby Park
- Chandler Park
- Clark Park
- McDuffie Park
- Palmer Park
“We’re launching it today as a trial, but I think over time more people will use it and want it. I think the key is getting it into people’s hands and getting people to speak up and say they want it in more places.” “We’re thrilled to be working with Detroit’s Chief Information Officer,” said Art Thompson.
Janet Martinez lives in southwest Detroit near Clark Park, and on Wednesday she visited the park for her daughter’s birthday.
“That’s very helpful.” Martinez said. “Bills are going up. Anytime there’s an emergency, someone needs to do an assignment, everything gets cut off. Let’s say my phone gets cut off right now, I can just come to the park and get instant internet.”
The Detroit Pistons, Rocket Community Fund and Knight Foundation have awarded the project $265,000 in public WiFi grant funding, with construction set to begin in the summer of 2023.
City leaders say the funding is guaranteed for five years.
“We’re here to serve the community, and communities, neighborhoods, tend to focus their investments in places other than downtown because that’s where the people are.” “This is a game changer for the community,” said Autumn Evans, senior program manager at Rocket Community Fund.
The investment is part of the company’s larger mission to invest in urban centers, which began in 2021 and will continue until at least 2031.
$500 million will be invested in community organizations that bring economic opportunity to Detroit neighborhoods: The Gilbert Family Foundation will contribute $350 million and the Rocket Community Fund will invest $150 million.
At least 25,234 people have used the park’s Wi-Fi since January 2023, according to city data.
Internet is provided through Cronus Internet and there is also a solar-powered charging station for devices.
