Mayor Mike Duggan, alongside Council Member Latisha Johnson and enthusiastic community partners, marked the groundbreaking of the groundbreaking $14 million Chandler Park Fieldhouse. This state-of-the-art athletic center, funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), promises to revolutionize recreational opportunities on Detroit’s east side.
Chandler Park, the City’s fourth-largest park spanning 200 acres, will soon be home to Detroit’s first-ever sports dome. The 130,000 square foot Chandler Park Fieldhouse aims to bridge the recreational gap in the neighborhood, providing year-round sports, fitness, and recreational options for the community.
A Vision Fueled by Community Input
The groundbreaking ceremony was not just a symbolic gesture but the culmination of extensive community outreach. The City of Detroit actively sought input from residents, hosting dozens of meetings where thousands of Detroiters voiced their opinions on the allocation of federal dollars. The resounding message was clear – Detroiters wanted to see funds invested in renovating and expanding recreation centers across the city.
“Thank you to President Biden and the American Rescue Plan Act, Detroiters will now have a great new facility to call their own,” exclaimed Mayor Duggan. “The Chandler Park Fieldhouse will not only enhance the quality of life for residents living near the park, but it will offer all Detroiters a place to go for indoor sports year-round.”
Chandler Park Fieldhouse: A Beacon of Possibilities
The Chandler Park Fieldhouse is not just a sports dome; it’s a multi-sport haven with features that cater to diverse interests:
Multi-use court for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball
Football field and track for various sports, including the popular Soccer in the D programming
Multi-purpose rooms for community activities
Administrative spaces onsite for efficient management
Shower rooms and inclusive bathrooms for residents
200+ space parking lot with bio-swales for sustainable stormwater management
Crystal Perkins, Director of the General Services Department, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “Chandler Park Fieldhouse will be a trailblazer for what’s possible through leadership, community, and engagement.”
Filling the Recreation Gap in District 4
Councilmember Latisha Johnson highlighted the importance of the Chandler Park Fieldhouse for District 4, addressing the lack of recreational facilities. “It is also a step towards filling the lack of recreational
facilities in District 4, where our residents will soon enjoy year-round access to a fantastic venue to view and participate in various sports and recreational activities.”
A Community-Driven Construction
The Construction & Demolition Department of the City of Detroit is overseeing the project, with construction set to be completed in 2025. LaJuan Counts, Executive Director of the Construction & Demolition Department, expressed gratitude to the Detroit City Council, Mayor Duggan, and the dedicated Construction and Demo Team, affirming, “Together, we’re building not just a structure but a brighter future for our community.”
A Win for Detroit’s Youth
Alex Allen, President and CEO of Chandler Park Conservancy, highlighted the significance of this project, saying, “Our community helped design this, and we thank the general service department. This won’t be a recreation center; this will be a place where people come together to do great things for the city.”
The Chandler Park Fieldhouse is more than just a dome; it’s a symbol of progress, inclusivity, and a commitment to providing Detroit’s youth with access to quality recreational facilities. As the construction kicks off, the anticipation grows, heralding a new era of sports and community engagement on Detroit’s east side.
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