PEOPLE FOR PALMER PARK
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DETROIT PARKS COALITION TO CELEBRATE LEGACY OF SARAH E. RAY, ‘DETROIT’S OTHER ROSA PARKS’

8/16/2022

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WHEN: Saturday, August 20, 2022, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Outside the Palmer Park Community House, 1121 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit 
PERFORMANCE TIMES:
    Bill Harris and Robert Jones - 1pm
    Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy - 2pm
    A. Spencer Barefield Quintet - 3pm


Free, family-friendly event to pay tribute to late civil rights activist, Sarah Ray, through live music, dance performances, poetry and art on Saturday, August 20 in Detroit’s  Palmer Park . In partnership with the Sarah E. Ray Project, the Detroit Parks Coalition and People for Palmer Park will celebrate Sarah Ray's legacy through world-class music — jazz, blues, gospel, multi-genre — poetry, dance and art that explore both the life of Ray and the fights for equality, social justice, freedom and hope that she and others inspire.

In 1945, Ray, a 24-year-old African American secretary, was denied a seat on the segregated Boblo boat, the SS Columbia. Like Rosa Parks, she refused to back down, taking her fight for integration all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Represented by famed NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall, Ray won her case. Scholars argue that she paved the way for the seminal, 1954 Brown v. Board of Education, which found that separate was inherently unequal. She continued to be a civil rights activist throughout her life, mentoring and inspiring future generations. Ray passed away in 2006. 

Featured artists include the widely acclaimed A. Spencer Barefield Quintet, the talented Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy with DWDA Artistic Director Debra White-Hunt and the impactful duo of Bill Harris and Rev. Robert Jones. Both Barefield and White-Hunt are creating new works to accompany narratives about Sarah E. Ray written by Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, author and historian Desiree Cooper. In addition to Barefield’s new composition to highlight the life of Sarah E. Ray, other pieces will explore themes of peace, racial equality, history and women and the fight for equal rights.

The event is part of the Detroit Parks Coalition Freedom Arts Festival, a citywide celebration with multiple free events over the summer and fall months to connect Detroiters to their neighborhood parks through cultural experiences. The festival series is supported by the Knight Foundation, a national foundation that invests in journalism, the arts and the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
​

Sarah E. Ray Project website: https://www.detroitsotherrosaparks.com/

Detroit Parks Coalition website: https://www.detroitparkscoalition.com/


WDET Interview: The life of Sarah E. Ray will be celebrated at the Freedom Arts Festival
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Metro Times article: https://www.metrotimes.com/arts/freedom-art-festival-to-celebrate-detroits-other-rosa-parks-30789953

Free Press article: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/08/16/downtown-detroit-event-sarah-ray/10336018002/
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Bandshell's new home will be Palmer Park

9/8/2021

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Proposed location of bandshell at Palmer Park from 5/11/21 GSD presentation.
With a final meeting and vote by local community participants, representatives from the City and District 2 make the future move of this historic landmark official and discuss next steps.
When Mayor Duggan first announced the preservation of the historic bandshell in his March 2021 State of the City Address with the goal of relocating it to another site, he said the city's first choice was Palmer Park (District 2)—as long as the neighbors wanted it there. The initiative was supported by Councilmember Roy McCalister Jr. and preservationists from across the region.

After a handful of 2021 online meetings and one final community meeting with District 2 representatives in August, a final vote was taken and the move to Palmer Park was approved.

Public meetings
4/17/2021 - The City of Detroit/General Services Department first presented their three location options at the People for Palmer Park Annual Meeting which sparked the first public discussion on the pros/cons, concerns and questions some of the surrounding community had about the proposed location.

5/11/2021 - The City then held another presentation and discussion on the bandshell relocation at their online April District 2 Meeting. Some support as well as some concerns arose and the three location options were again discussed. Supporters loved the possibilities of free family-friendly cultural events, while concerns about noise levels and more community engagement in planning and design process were also brought forth.

5/27/2021 - The next DISCUSSION MEETING gave members of the surrounding adjacent neighborhoods the floor to share their thoughts, questions and concerns. Supporters argued that this would be an asset to the community, an arts center and that any type of performance/music could be realistically restricted to the type that would not have higher decibel levels such as jazz, folk and classical. Those opposed were worried about establishing controls on impact to the neighborhood, City enforcement issues that are already a concern and the upkeep and maintenance responsibilities for the bandshell.

AUGUST 2021 - Kim Tandy and District 2 representatives as well as GSD/Detroit Building Authority staff held a FINAL community meeting and the community voted to approve bringing the bandshell to Palmer Park. 
Location will be on 7 Mile Road, east of Pontchartrain but closer to Woodward behind the 12th Precinct. Anticipated parking will be for 82-90 cars and 500-person capacity. It was stressed that there will be more community meetings in the future to discuss management, infrastructure and programming. Once cost is determined, the City will work with partners to manage fees associated with the move. Currently the bandshell is completely disassembled and stored at an unknown location.

About the bandshell structure:
  • Heavy timber, wood bolted structure, still in very good condition. City will meet current-day building requirements, transport over to the new site and assemble with same structural integrity.
  • The clapboard/plywood siding is in poor condition and will be restored with new materials to replicate.
  • The move does not include the single story, back-of-house part of structure, which is also to be rebuilt. A smaller back-of-house likely that would serve the bandshell, loading for performance, storing and a green room.
 
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Music of the Spirit: Jazz, Soul, Klezmer & Beyond

8/3/2021

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FREE FAMILY CONCERT • BYO Chairs & Blankets
Saturday, August 21, 2021 • 1-4 pm

On the lawn next to the Splash Park Lot, Community House & Gardens.
Bring your own chairs and blanket. 
The Palmer Park area has a rich history filled with music, culture, churches and synagogues shared by both Black and Jewish communities. Celebrate this legacy with People for Palmer Park and Detroit Unity Temple.
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THE PERFORMERS
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Charles & Gwen Scales Quartet
Gwen (vocals) and Charles Scales (keyboards) with drums and sax will perform an array of jazz, soulful, spiritual, and their own original music. Gwen and Charles have shared the stage with artists such as Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman, Najee, and Hamilton Bohannon; and performed for Bill and Hillary Clinton,
various Detroit mayors and Michigan governors, as well as for crowds at the Detroit Jazz Festival, concerts in Japan and the United Kingdom, and regularly at Detroit Unity Temple.

Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi
Detroit-born Yale Strom (violin), Elizabeth Schwartz (vocals, baritone ukulele) and Greg Powell (bass) will perform Klezmer music, a 1000-year old Eastern European musical tradition played at Jewish weddings, parties, and holiday celebrations. It was nearly extinguished during the Holocaust. Yale is an award-winning filmmaker, violinist, composer, writer, photographer, playwright, historian, and one of the world’s leading ethnographer-artist of klezmer music. Elizabeth is an acclaimed vocalist and first woman to sing in NYC’s 125 year-old Eldridge Street Synagogue/Museum. They’ve performed throughout the U.S. and Europe in festivals, Carnegie Hall, jazz clubs, and synagogues.


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Historic Bandshell will see new life at Palmer Park

3/18/2021

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Photo by Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
Thanks to the amazing work and support of District 2 Councilman Roy McCalister Jr. and the City of Detroit, the historic State Fairgrounds bandshell will be relocated a half mile south to Palmer Park.  

“By preserving the bandshell it saves a piece of Detroit history,” said Rochelle Lento, president of People For Palmer Park. “This is a great opportunity to continue the redevelopment and activation of Palmer Park that the City and People for Palmer Park have collaborated on for the past ten years, and to resurrect a positive attribute for the surrounding communities in an exciting way.”

As the new Amazon fulfillment center and indoor transit center for the Detroit Department of Transportation started to take shape at the longtime site of the Michigan State Fairgrounds, plans to demolish the 83-year old bandshell were not well received by the public and after some media attention, and discussions with Amazon, the City and People for Palmer Park, plans were made to disassemble and move the bandshell to its new home in Palmer. Proposed location is in the old back nine of the former public golf course no longer in use, just north of our community garden.

This move will not be done without community input and the City of Detroit and its Department of Neighborhoods will be engaging residents and community organizations like People for Palmer Park closely on this project as funds are raised and design and location are worked out. We will keep you updated as plans progress.

In 2014, we unveiled our Master Plan Proposal for Palmer Park, and having a bandshell was one part of the vision. Being able to repurpose the existing one is an incredible turn of events for our organization and the potential to see families gathering for cultural events here is exciting.

For more on the bandshell move: 
https://detroitmi.gov/news/councilmember-mccalister-mayor-duggan-preserve-historic-state-fairgrounds
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8th Annual PFPP Membership Meeting

2/7/2019

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Saturday, March 16, 2019
12:30-1:00pm - Meet & Greet w/ Refreshments
1:00-2:30pm - Meeting & Committee Presentations
2:30-3:00pm - Volunteer Sign-up


Detroit Unity Temple
17505 2nd Ave., Detroit 48203 | Across from Palmer Park
Follow the PFPP signs for parking & entry

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SAVE THE DATE!
Learn about our accomplishments from the past year, and the exciting updates on our plans for the future in the park!


AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Hear updates on current park improvement projects: Tennis Courts, KaBoom Playscape, Handball Courts and more!
  • Hear more about upcoming events:
    Palmer Park Art Fair, Log Cabin Day, Annual Fundraiser & Silent Auction,
    and the PGA Tour coming to neighboring Detroit Golf Club in June
  • Recreational Programming for 2019 season
  • Introduction of new “rent-a-bed” program at our Urban Educational Garden
  • PFPP Board update on completed projects, finances & future goals/planning
  • Nominations/Election of new board members
  • First 75 members present or those attending that contribute $25 to
    People for Palmer Park will get a geranium plant to take home this year

We are seeking board of director candidates for election at this meeting. Specific areas of expertise we are looking to fill include but are not limited to: fundraising, finance, legal skills, and membership. If you would like to get more involved as a member of the Board (you must be a current PFPP member), you can find more information by going to our member page where there is a link to our membership application. 

For a list of current Board and Committee members, visit our Board/Committees page.

Help us spread the word! Print and distribute our flier below!

annualmtg2019_flier_2c.pdf
File Size: 194 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Grand Re-Opening of Historic Palmer Park Handball Courts set for 10/6

9/28/2018

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A group of area handball enthusiasts have been working with great determination over the summer to raise the significant funds needed to restore the historic Palmer Park handball courts, and they are now ready for play. 

The Palmer Park Handball Courts, commissioned in 1950, hosted many national handball championships and racquetball matches including the U.S. Handball Association National Three-Wall Championship from 1950-1972. The refurbished facility will allow great play, but will also provide a place for current handball and racquetball players  to "play the game forward." Workshops for young Detroiters will introduce them to a game that builds skills and character. 

Funds were raised for painting, tuck-pointing, sports fence, court surface refinishing, and area beautification and the City of Detroit and People for Palmer Park lent their support


On Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 12:00 to 1:00pm, we are holding an opening celebration/press conference to announce the restoration of the Palmer Park Handball Courts. There will be handball demonstrations, refreshments, and hopefully have some young people to teach.

ALL ARE INVITED!

Parking will be located near the SE entrance of the park, in the Chess Row lot. No parking will be allowed next to the courts themselves. Look for signs.
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Jane's Walk Detroit at Palmer Park May 5th

4/24/2018

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Come discover the beauty, the history and the current
​excitement of a revitalized Palmer Park! 


SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 - 10am-2pm

Jane's Walk is an annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by writer, urbanist and activist, Jane Jacobs. We are happy to be a part of such a great event again, this time FROM PALMER PARK!

Jane's Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover secret stops and favorite places.

The walk is free and starts and ends near the Palmer Park Community House / Splash Park where Pontchartrain meets Merrill Plaisance between 6 and 7 Mile, west of Woodward. Dress accordingly, we will be on trails that could be wet and muddy.


Join the Detroit walk's official Facebook event here.

Read a summary of the earliest Jane's Walk Detroit (pictured below) from 2013.

Jane's Walk official website: janeswalk.org

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Patronicity campaign kicks off to restore Log Cabin windows through crowdgranting

9/1/2016

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Light Up the Cabin: Palmer Park
Let's restore Palmer Park's Log Cabin to its former glory and help open this historic landmark to the community!

As you know, People for Palmer Park (PFPP) has been working very hard over the years to help restore this neglected park. What you may not know is, nestled in the heart of Palmer Park is a Log Cabin. We're excited to share with you an opportunity that will allow PFPP to transform this historical log cabin into an active & magical community gathering space. 
 
The Palmer Park Log Cabin was built in 1895 by Senator Thomas Palmer and his wife Lizzie as their farm and summer vacation home. It was built with a surprising addition for a rustic retreat -- beautiful stained glass windows! They hosted everyone at the Cabin from foreign dignitaries to everyday citizens. Senator Palmer donated Palmer Park and the cabin to the City of Detroit "for the good of everyone." It is this spirit that the People for Palmer Park operate. 
 
The Log Cabin was shuttered by the City in the 1980s and has only been opened once a year, over the past four years, for PFPP's Log Cabin Day. The stained glass windows of the cabin are now in varying states of dire disrepair. One of the greatest challenges in opening the cabin is that the windows are boarded. Once the boards are removed, only the broken, clouded windows remain.  
 
We have launched a campaign to restore the windows so that we can open them more easily and when they are open, let light shine in the cabin.
 
If we are successful in raising $25,000 by the October 28 deadline the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will MATCH our $25,000 allowing us to complete our project of restoring the stained glass windows in the cabin. This will transform the cabin into an active community gathering space in the heart of Palmer Park. 
 
Please visit our Patronicity campaign page to learn more about this wonderful project and make your donation. 
 
We hope that you will join us in supporting this campaign and become a sponsor. 
 
www.patronicity.com/palmerparkcabin

Support our Patronicity campaign!
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The Palmer Park Log Cabin Restoration Campaign

6/26/2016

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Frederick Law Olmsted's sons John Charles and Frederick Law Jr., as well as a gathering of other parks managers and landscape design professionals outside of the "picturesque Log Cabin" at Palmer Park, in late 1890s. Courtesy of Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site/Brookline, Massachusetts.
The City of Detroit announced 6/24/2016 that it will spend $400,000 to stabilize and restore the Palmer Park Log Cabin built by Senator Thomas and Lizzie Merrill Palmer some 130 years ago. The only Log Cabin in Detroit, it is significant from both architectural and historic perspectives. It is a treasured landmark for our community that must be preserved. This work will help to ensure that this important historic structure — which is in an extremely distressed and crumbling state — will survive. This is only the first phase to completely restore the Cabin, which People for Palmer Park has been working so hard to preserve.

When will the Log Cabin renovation be finished? 
City stabilization work should be completed by the fall of 2016. This is only the beginning of all the actual restoration work needed in the Log Cabin.

What exactly is being renovated and repaired by the city? 
City work will include:
  • new cedar shingle roof with new weatherproofing, felts and spacers;
  • cedar ridge capping and repair concrete roof vent;
  • removal of loose bark and treatment of existing bark with wood preservative;
  • demolition of existing sidewalks and planters and adding new positive grade and sidewalks;
  • excavate perimeter of cabin, with new concrete underpinnings to 42” depth;
  • repair existing brick grade beams and install new French drainage system;
  • rebuild porch canopy and rebuild back wall; add new back entry door; environmental remediation to remove all animal feces in the walls and ceilings; and some site restoration.

If the city is paying $400,000 to renovate the Log Cabin, why is People for Palmer Park also raising money for the cabin? 
PFPP’s initial goal is to restore the original stained glass windows on the first floor, which we
estimate will cost between $50-75,000. In addition, there is still a lot of work to be done including: restoring the chimneys; fixing and refinishing all interior woodwork, floors, doors, stairway; fixing historic pocket doors; interior plaster and painting; rebuilding the historic kitchen; and much more. There are no lighting fixtures, no electricity, and no running water or heat.

How could I book my event / wedding / corporate retreat into the Log Cabin? 
You must apply to the City of Detroit for any event for 25 or people. Call 313-224-1100 or fill out the Special Event Form online: www.detroitmi.gov/How-Do-I/Apply-for-Permits/Special-Events-Information. You may also directly contact PFPP, who will have responsibility for events hosted at the Cabin.

When will Palmer Park get bathrooms installed? 
Will the Log Cabin have a toilet? There is a comfort station/bathrooms being renovated by the Splash Pad, which should be completed this summer. No, there will not be a working toilet in the Log Cabin. We anticipate there will be more bathrooms in the park in the future.

Will the Log Cabin still look the way it did when Sen. and Mrs. Palmer lived in it after the renovations are finished? 
Yes, that is the goal, however we may not install their furniture and antiques, which would turn it into a museum. We hope that it will have a number of ways that it will be used, which are being explored.

Will the Log Cabin be open again to the public once the City renovations are complete this year? 
PFPP hopes to host an event or tour once this initial work on the cabin is complete, in late fall. As the additional work progresses, we hope the Cabin will be used and opened more and more.

How can I help? 
PFPP is holding a fundraiser at the Frank Lloyd Wright Turkel home on Sunday, August 28 from
4-7 pm. Funds will be used to restore the stained glass windows.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
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​
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