Residents urge Detroit council to fund Rouge Park maintenance, rec centers and senior accessibility during budget hearings

Speakers during the Detroit City Council's morning budget hearings urged the council to direct more resources toward Rouge Park, neighborhood recreation centers and senior- and disability-access programs.

Lindsay Pylak, executive director of Friends of Rouge Park, told the council she was honored to join the city at “this moment” for Rouge Park and said the organization is marking the park’s centennial with community programming next year. Pylak noted the park’s role in childhood experiences and lifelong health outcomes and urged sustained city support for maintenance and programming.

The appeals were echoed by Sally Petrella, representing Friends of Rouge Park, who described long-term volunteer stewardship and private grants but said city maintenance capacity is still inadequate. “They don't have the proper resources, they don't have enough equipment, they don't have enough staff…