| The Friends of Rouge Park Mission: To protect, restore, and promote a natural, environmentally healthy, and culturally vibrant Rouge Park that engages the community for the benefit and enjoyment of all. We can't do it without your support! |
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17th Annual Butterfly & Prairie Plant Walk |
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Join us to learn how to identify butterflies, pollinators, and native plants in this 70-acre restored tallgrass prairie. Wear long pants and covered shoes to protect yourself from insects, poison ivy, and rough plants. A hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and water are recommended as well as binoculars if you have them. |
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Rhythm & Rouge 2024 Recap |
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From the Program Manager Alex Allen IV: Reflecting on Friends of Rouge Park's inaugural Rhythm & Rouge event on June 22nd, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. We welcomed over 100 participants from our community, all eager to join in a day filled with music, camaraderie, and celebration of our beloved park. Jay and Mani's Pizzeria delighted everyone with their delicious free pizza, ensuring that no one went hungry throughout the festivities. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the USDA Forest Service, Detroit Zoo, and Cody-Rouge Community Action Alliance for their active engagement, setting up informative tables that sparked meaningful conversations and connections.
The day was brimming with activities, including lawn games that added a playful touch to the event. We were thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation in our feedback survey, which rewarded one lucky winner with a family pass to the Detroit Zoo.
Dr. William Langford, known as Will The Poet, set the tone beautifully with his powerful recitation from "Shop Around," complemented by the backdrop of Kendrick Lamar's "The Heart Part 5" instrumental. The open mic segment buzzed with energy thanks to outstanding performances by local talents like LUNA, Novakain, Purplereiign, Jay Mi$fit, and our charismatic host Kaiko Draco. DJ Guru kept spirits high with a vibrant DJ set that had everyone moving to the beat.
The headline performances were simply stellar. Myself, along with Kris Lamar and The High Octane Hittas, Ruby Flwrs, and Jodye Watts & Untitled, enjoyed the opportunity to showcase our talents in front of the community.
We were honored to have President Sally Petrella welcome everyone to the park, Treasurer Yvette Bass shed light on the Detroit Pistons Neighbors Program, emphasizing the positive impact of community partnerships within our park. Land Stewardship Manager Antonio Cosme also shared inspiring words about the dedicated volunteer efforts that contribute to maintaining the park's beauty and sustainability.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Kresge Foundation, whose summer programming grant made this event a reality. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our partners, the City of Detroit General Services Department, Crush One Radio, and the Detroit Parks Coalition, for their invaluable collaboration.
I extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers—Rachel Meeker, Cara Beld, Anthony Henry, and Alex Allen III—who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly.
As we look back on the success of our first Rhythm & Rouge, it's clear that this event has enriched our community in countless ways. From the artists who shared their talents to the organizations that connected with residents, every moment was a testament to the power of community spirit. With such overwhelming positivity, we eagerly anticipate bringing Rhythm & Rouge back next year, continuing to foster connections and celebrate the vibrancy of Rouge Park together.
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Steward Spotlight: Alexis Chingman Tijerina |
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Our Rouge Park community mourns the loss of a cherished steward, Alexis Chingman Tijerina, who passed away last week. Alexis was a formidable figure—a visionary Anishinaabe chef, a two-spirited warrior, and a dedicated leader. She played an integral role in the Detroit Sugarbush, co-leading events with Black to the Land and contributing her time as a volunteer steward in Rouge Park. Alexis collaborated closely with our Land Stewardship Manager to shape the future of the Sugarbush Project. She was known for her ability to connect people, her strategic insights, organizational skills, and her role as a community leader. Her legacy lives on through the genuine care, kindness, and compassion with which she touched countless lives. As we mourn her passing, her impact will continue to resonate within each of us. |
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Sign up for our Senior Bus Tour of Rouge Park on Thursday July 18, learn about it all has to offer, a little of the history of the park and meet the people and organizations working in the park then enjoy a fabulous lunch afterwards. The program is free for all seniors and offered with support from the Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance. The bus will begin boarding at 10:30am sharp and will leave St. Suzanne at 19321 W. Chicago no later than 10:50am. The tour will be followed by a picnic lunch at 12:30pm. |
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Community Spotlight: Detroit Pistons Neighbors Program |
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We're excited to highlight the launch of the Detroit Pistons Neighbors Program, which kicked off on June 16th and is set to run through August 17th. This initiative is already making a significant impact by offering a diverse range of activities and resources to residents of our community. Participants have been enjoying a variety of engaging programs, including Tennis, Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Arts & Crafts, Hustle Classes, and even Free Produce from the Eastern Market. These activities not only promote physical fitness and creativity but also foster a sense of community spirit among participants. For those interested in exploring all that the Pistons Neighbors Program has to offer this summer, we encourage you to visit our website. There, you'll find our full schedule of programs along with additional details on how you can get involved and make the most of this enriching opportunity. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our community as we continue to celebrate and support initiatives that bring us closer together. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhood through programs like the Detroit Pistons Neighbors Program. |
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Alex Jefferson Dedication |
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On Sunday, June 24, Mayor Duggan, elected officials, FORP members, family members and former students gathered at the Jefferson Field on the SW corner of Joy and Spinoza to witness the unveiling of a new statue and plaza commemorating Tuskegee Airman Alex Jefferson. Jefferson was a war hero who fought fascism abroad and discrimination in the U.S. military at home. He served as a pilot during World War II in our nation's first black military flying unit, the Red Tails. He escorted bombers and was renown for the loss so few of the planes. After his plane was shot down he spent 8 months as a prisoner of war in Poland. Coming home to Detroit, he became a public school teacher, and later vice principal, where he inspired countless students, several of whom attended the dedication. Jefferson played in Rouge Park as a kid and flew model airplanes here, inspiring the Detroit Aero Modelers to name the field after him. The beautiful statue of Jefferson was commissioned by Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship, and funded by Cynthia and Edsel B. Ford II on behalf of the Henry Ford II Fund. It was created by fellow black Detroiter Austen Brantley. The statue and plaza are a beautiful addition to Rouge Park and the flying field stewarded by the Detroit Aero Modelers since 1974. Thank you to the City of Detroit for this new addition to the park and to the Henry Ford II Fund for supporting the statue. Thank you to David Oakley for replacing the Jefferson Field sign and repainting the other equipment in the field. Come visit any time. |
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Antonio Cosme Speaks With WDET 101.9 FM |
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Our Land Stewardship Manager Antonio Cosme had the chance to speak with Tia Graham & Nick Austin from The Metro on WDET 101.9 FM. Listen to the conversation highlighting all the great programs happening in Rouge Park. |
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From the Land Stewardship Manager Antonio Cosme: In June, our dedicated team completed significant projects across multiple sites. Highlights include finalizing the cherry orchard pathway, establishing a youth forest play area at Joe Prance Recreation Area, managing woody invasive plants at Sorensen Recreation Area, and removing invasive trees near the Prairie Trail entrance. Our team also enjoyed community-building activities such as a pancake breakfast, refreshments, and numerous plant identification hikes. We invite you to join us and contribute to our efforts. This month, we're thrilled to witness our 70-acre prairie in full bloom. Species including oxeye daisy, dogbane, foxglove beard-tongue, and coreopsis have made way for black-eyed Susans, heal-all, purple and grey-headed coneflowers, swamp milkweed, butterfly weed, mountain mint, false sunflowers, Joe Pye Weed, and rosinweed. The blooms are just beginning, and we encourage you to experience them firsthand. Join our butterfly walk on July 28th and see the prairie's splendor for yourself. |
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Join us August 20th for another Honeysuckle Happy Hour! We will also be hosting a Membership BBQ where park lovers can become Friends of Rouge Park members, learn about upcoming events, and get involved in projects happening at the park. |
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Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse Comes to Rouge Park! |
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We're thrilled to announce that Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse will be launching at Rouge Park starting July 9th! This youth league is open to boys and girls aged 3-15, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn and play lacrosse right here in Detroit. Practices will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, with game days scheduled for Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All activities will take place at the Sorensen Recreation Area located on Sawyer St. & Spinoza Dr. Whether your child is new to the sport or looking to develop their skills further, this league promises to be a fun and supportive environment for all participants. For more information and to register, please visit our website or contact us directly. Let's come together to make this inaugural season of Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse at Rouge Park a memorable one! |
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Sunday Yoga at Rouge Park |
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FORP and the Detroit Parks Coalition are once again partnering with Yoganic Flow to offer outdoor yoga sessions that will lead you through some simple stretches, meditations and poses that will help you release stress and get back in touch with your body. No experience is necessary for these free classes offered next to the basketball court at the Brennan Recreation Area every Sunday at 9:00 am through September. You do need to bring your own yoga mat. |
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Click here to see all of their upcoming events. |
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We would LOVE your help in planning future events in Rouge Park!
Join our Programming Committee here
Brennan Pools ARE OPEN DAILY 12-8pm
more info
Sunday Yoga in the Park
Sundays 9a-10a (ends Sept. 30)
Brennan Recreation Area
Join Yoganic Flow every Sunday morning through September for yoga in the park.
Register Tennis
Mon. & Wed. 3p-5p (ends Aug. 17)
Brennan Recreation Area
Learn the basics of tennis.
Detroit Youth Lacrosse
Mondays 5p-6p (ends Aug. 17)
Brennan Recreation Area
Learn the basics of lacrosse in a pickup and play format. 8-13 boys & girls welcome! Every Monday through August. Free Produce (Eastern Market)
Wednesdays 3p-5p (ends Aug. 17)
Brennan Recreation Area
Martial Arts
Fridays 3p-4p (ends Aug. 17)
Brennan Recreation Area Learn the basics of martial arts.
Basketball
Fridays 3p-4p (ends Aug. 17)
Brennan Recreation Area
Play pick-up basketball.
Arts & Crafts
Fridays 5p-6p (ends Aug. 17)
Brennan Recreation Area
Hustle Classes
Fridays 6p-7p (ends Aug. 17)
Brennan Recreation Area Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse (Jul. 9 - Aug. 20)
Tue. & Thur. 5:30-7:00pm (Practices)
Saturdays 10am-12pm (Gamedays)
Sorensen Recreation Area
Youth Lacrosse league for boys & girls ages 3-15. No experience required!
Register
Senior University Rouge Park Bus Tour
Thursday, July 18th, 10am-2pm
Learn about Rouge Park and all it has to offer!
Register
17th Annual Butterfly & Native Prairie Plant Walk
Sunday, July 28th, 2-3:30pm
Prairie Pathway and Butterfly Garden
Take a walk through Rouge Park's restored prairie and learn to identify butterflies, other pollinators and native prairie plants with Stefanie Steele and Sally Petrella and members of SEMBA.
Register
Birds, Bugs and Plants Walk
Saturday, August 17, 1-3pm
Prairie Pathway and Butterfly Garden
Join FORP and Detroit Bird Alliance in exploring the prairie.
Register Honeysuckle Happy Hour and Membership Barbeque
Tuesday, August 20th, 4:30-7:30 pm Sorensen Recreation Area
Register
Senior University Rouge Park Picnic
Saturday, August 22nd, 11:30am-2:30pm
Details to be announced.
Rouge Park Bat Listening
Saturday, August 24th, 7:30-9:30pm
Lahser Marsh
Join FORP and the Belle Isle Nature Center to discover the mysterious bat population in Rouge Park
Register
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