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Parks Conservancy reviews 2025 work and 2026 projects; DDA grant opportunity highlighted
Summary
The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy presented its 2025 annual report and outlined 2026 projects including stadium improvements, new fitness and tennis courts, and volunteer opportunities; staff also briefed downtown businesses on a Match on Main grant offering up to $25,000 per business.
Tom Habets, speaking for the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy, summarized the group’s 2025 activities and previewed 2026 projects at the council meeting.
Habets reviewed programming and partnerships — including environmental education, a pollinator garden, lead-testing events, community bike rides in collaboration with the Hamtramck Police Department, youth-oriented programming, and stewardship activities in Veterans and Playfair parks. He reported improvements at Hamtramck Stadium (new sod, irrigation, drainage), upcoming electronic scoreboard and lighting to be installed under an existing grant, and awarded projects to renovate tennis courts, install an outdoor fitness court, and add restrooms on the Playfair side with Wayne County support.
Habets appealed for volunteers and donations, described facility-management duties now performed by the Conservancy on behalf of the city, and noted that financial reports are publicly available. The Conservancy also said it is partnering to reopen concessions and restrooms under the stadium grandstand to support tournaments and community use.
Separately, staff (Isabelle) briefed council on the Match on Main program available to Michigan Main Street communities: Hamtramck can sponsor up to two applications with awards up to $25,000 per business; draft applications were requested by April 3 and the city will submit to the state by April 20. The program aims to support façade improvements, interior or exterior renovation, staff training and other investments to catalyze downtown revitalization.
Council members and residents were encouraged to attend upcoming events including an Arbor Day tree-planting/ block party April 18 and a spring cleanup May 2; staff noted sponsorship and logistical details were posted on the city’s Facebook event.
