“We needed this space.” New community park opens on Detroit’s west side

DETROIT (WXYZ – There is a new park in the Warrendale/Cody Rouge neighborhood. It has a swing, a jungle gym and even fitness equipment.

“It’s beautiful, it’s a wonderful thing for the city,” said Patty Checkle of Detroit.

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Checkle lives across the street from the park at the corner of Tireman and Minock streets, and has witnessed the park’s transformation from the former site of Dixon Elementary School to its current site.

Flyover: Drone video shows new Tireman-Minock Park

“It’s been a long process… so it’s very nice to see it completed,” Checkle said.

Checkle even attended Dixon Elementary.

“My grandchildren now know that Grandma went to elementary school here. I find that exciting,” said Checkle.

After two years of construction, the park officially opened on Thursday and community members can now enjoy all that the 3.7-acre park has to offer.

“We needed this space because we don’t have enough space for the kids to really play. So this was really important and my grandchildren love it,” said Rhonda Walton.

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Walton says she is so happy to have a park so close to her home.

“It’s walking distance from our house, which makes it even better because we usually have to drive to Rouge or something and come by car. This way we can exercise, ride bikes and walk here,” Walton said.

The park’s transformation is part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s mission to eradicate the blight of Detroit’s neighborhoods.

“I wanted you to have a park you could be proud of, and I hope you feel we accomplished that,” said Mayor Duggan.

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