July is Parks and Recreation Month. Parks and recreation brings individuals together, strengthens health and well-being, and builds vibrant communities. Here at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM), we believe everyone deserves access to the power of parks and recreation. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, 83% of U.S. adults agree it is important to have access to indoor and outdoor recreational areas, classes and activities to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Our SNAP-Ed team works alongside community partners to help create opportunities that make healthy living accessible for all. One example is our collaboration with the Norwayne Community Citizen’s Council, Friends of the Rouge, the City of Westland, and Wayne County Parks. Together, we have gathered community input and planned improvements at Venoy Dorsey Park, an underutilized park local to the cities of Wayne and Westland. These efforts, which have been in the works for a few years, have helped shape the new Rosie Gateway Plaza. The Plaza features public art that honors the legacy of Rosie the Riveter and the Norwayne community. Construction is also underway on additional enhancements across the park, including walking and biking trails, outdoor activity spaces, and improved sports facilities. Furthermore, universally accessible kayak launches providing access to the Lower Rouge River Water Trail is in progress. By offering a variety of ways to be active, we are helping create a park where everyone can find an activity they enjoy and return to for years to come.
Access to Venoy Dorsey Park is available at 3133 Venoy Road, Wayne, MI and 2919 Merriman Road, Westland, MI. Not local to Venoy Dorsey Park? Use SEMCOG’s Park Finder tool or check out our physical activity tips for other ways to get moving this month.
This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation.
