Ribbon Connection at Morningside Park
This project was a result of a national design competition process - four teams where selected by the City of Detroit's Department of Urban Development to design ~2 acre park integrated by former residential parcels at the street crossing location in East Detroit.
Ribbon Connection seeks to build on neighborhood strengths and the collaborative, creative spirit that is already evident at Mother’s Park. The park design is flexible to support a variety of activities, spontaneous and planned, for Morningside residents of all ages and encourage intergenerational interactions. The program areas encourage creative, free play of all types, whether that is physical exercise, organized sports, social gatherings or nature exploration. The durable hardscape and hardy plant materials selected leads to a reduction of some maintenance activities, such as grass cutting; and is designed to allow for simpler maintenance of planting beds. The diverse planting areas, permeable surfaces, stormwater management bioswales and rain garden increase the ecological health of the Morningside community. We see this park as a meeting ground for Morningside residents from all walks of life, and hope it will help neighbors build connections with one another.
More information about Give a Park, Get a Park competition by the City of Detroit:
https://www.gapgapdetroit.org/
Competition boards can be found in this link.
A plan guided by the following design and planning principles
Create a clear and connected framework for redevelopment
Strengthen connections with the neighborhood
Support a healthy, resilient and equitable community
