Metroparks Partners with Groups and Organizations to Bring Programs and Events to Detroit Neighborhoods

Summer is officially here, and for many that means finding fun things for the family to do all summer long. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks has been working on implementing a new strategic plan that includes expanding access and engagement with Metroparks services in communities historically underserved by the Metroparks. All year long, you will find the Metroparks hosting programs and engaging in the community in new ways. They’re bringing the Metroparks outside of the parks and into communities with educational and recreational programs.

“The Metroparks are focused on providing great experiences to all the people. All their lives. And as part of that, we are so excited to be working with a long list of great partners this summer to bring interpretive programs to the Detroit District Library Branches, free swim lessons into communities and to help present exciting community public events throughout our region”, said Amy McMillan, Director of Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

One new partnership for the Metroparks is with Tec-Troit. Tec-Troit has made a name for itself in Detroit and was created in 2011 to showcase local, overlooked Detroit electronic musicians. It blossomed into an organization that hosts free music and dance festivals, provides DJ workshops and dance courses, facilitates cross-cultural experience, while bringing people together with shared loves and passion for music and dance.

This summer Tec-Troit, with support from the Metroparks, is bringing Jit Fest back to Detroit for a second year. Jit is a unique style of dance that originated in Detroit. Building on the momentum from its inaugural year, this year’s Jit Fest is on par to bring an amazing lineup of DJ performances, dance workshops, vendors and more. It provides a safe space for attendees to express themselves through dance while reaching a wide range of ages and cultures. In addition to incredible performances by Jit and Breakdance organizations and free dance workshops, there will be a Q&A panel featuring leaders and pioneers of the Jit community.

“Tec-Troit is very excited to be partnering with Metroparks this year on our one-of-a-kind dance and music festival Jit Fest! With this team we can reach a broader audience and introduce this unique Detroit dance style to a crowd that would normally not be aware of it. This will be the best year yet because of the participation of world-renowned musicians, the most elite dance squads in Detroit and the pioneers of the style,” said Moses Malone, event coordinator at Tec-Troit.

Jit Fest is a free event that will take place on Saturday, July 29 in Corktown from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. To get full event information visit https://www.tectroit.com/events.

The Metroparks is also partnering to provide art workshops in Detroit and Wayne County for both adults and youth. In partnership with Mint Artists Guild, local artists will lead participants through hands-on projects from painting to printing to 3D art and more. Art workshops will take place at Palmer Park, Rogue Park, and Willow Metropark. Pre-registration is required to participate, and all workshop details include date, time, and cost can be found at https://www.metroparks.com/artfactory/.

“Mint loves to engage children and adults in creative and art-full activities. And we appreciate the Metroparks commitment to affordable art workshops led by Detroiters,” said Vickie Elmer, executive director of Mint Artists Guild.

Additionally, the Metroparks are working with other great partners, like the Detroit Public Library to bring pop-up programs to library branches throughout the region. Kids, adults, and seniors alike will get the opportunity to learn about the natural world around them, do hands on activities and maybe even meet a live animal from one of the nature centers. Check out a full schedule of pop-up programs at https://www.metroparks.com/detroit-pop-up-programs/.

“As the Metroparks continue serving the region, we want to drive community impact with intentional efforts to develop partnerships and utilize hyper-local listening and outreach. Come join us and our partners this summer at great programs where you and your family and friends can make lasting memories.” Amy McMillan, Director of Huron-Clinton Metroparks.