Eden Park 1st Annual Carnival & Memorial Day Music Fest

This weekend The Tri-City Development Corporation is sponsoring a community wide carnival and Memorial Day Music Fest. The events will take place from Friday May 27th to Sunday May 29th at the corner of Gleason St and Deacon, formerly known as Mark Twain Elementary School. This weekend's festivities will include a ground breaking ceremony for Eden Park. The Mayors from Detroit, Ecorse, and River Rouge, along with various senators, congresspersons, and other dignitaries are also expected to be present. The Carnival will include rides for children and adults, vendors, food and musical entertainment. There is a cost and tickets can be purchased on site.

On Memorial Day at 11am, there will be a Salute to all Veterans who served in the Armed Forces.

The Tri-City Development Corporation, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Their mission is to empower residents in the Southwest Detroit, River Rouge and Ecorse communities through the development and implementation of community strategies. Their initiatives are to strengthen families to enrich their quality of life. In September 2021, the Eden Park Community Project was launched. It is a community driven initiative comprised of Southwest Detroit, Ecorse and River Rouge residents and other committed stakeholders.

The Eden Park Project is designed to offset some of the serious environmental issues that plague the area while also promoting healthy living practices. Construction is expected to be completed by 2024.

The Telegram News spoke with the CEO of the Tri-City Development Corporation, Dr. Loretta Gar Smith who is continuing on after the passing of her late husband, who was a Co-Founder, Rev. Dr. William J. Smith. She gives us more insight on the organization and how this project is helping the community at large.

Clifton: Tell us about Tri-City Development Corp, what is the goal of the organization? Who do you impact and how many citizens are impacted?

Dr. Loretta Smith, Tri-City Development Corp: The Tri-City CDC offered programs for the residents in the area since 1990. It was established as a collaborative effort between several faith-based organizations local businesses, schools and area residents. It is an outgrowth of the outreach ministry of New Mt. Hermon Baptist Church and the brainchild of its Pastor Rev. Dr. Alex R Hill and the late Rev. Dr. William J. Smith. Our programs include the Summer Opportunity Center, offering jobs for youth while providing summer day programs for children 6-14 years old; After-school tutorial program for students; Drone Training Program; Senior Enrichment Programs including Senior Day program, Chairman Luncheon and informational workshops and voting rights and referral service for all residents.

Clifton: Tell us something about the future of Eden Park, the goals and its purpose?

Dr. Loretta Smith, Tri-City CDC: Residents will have an easy access to community resources such as nutritional classes, year-round health and fitness activities, live music, cultural events, picnic and play opportunities and access to green job training and employment opportunities. Eden Park will have well-manicured grass, large shade and eco-friendly trees that actually assist with purifying the air, beautiful botanical gardens to benefit Alzheimer patients, raised vegetable gardens, as this community is considered to be a designated food desert walking paths, playscapes for children, an amphitheater, senior and disability accommodation and picnic areas where residents can experience tranquil surroundings. In addition to Tri-City CDC and the church funding, the park's construction will be provided by the Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Ben & Jerry's Foundation, a DTE Energy and Michigan Sierra Club Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Marathon Petroleum Foundation, the USG Corporation and a host of individual "Angel Investors" donations.

Clifton: In order to make this event successful, what support do you need from the community?

Dr. Loretta Smith, Tri-City CDC: Come out to support and enjoy the festivities during the 1st Annual Memorial Day weekend. Support Tri-City Community Development Corporation and its year-round programming including the construction of Eden Park Community Project with donations and volunteers.

If any members of the community are willing to help out and volunteer for this event in any way, you should visit http://www.tri-citycdc.org or call the office at 313-928-2828. Donations are always welcomed and sponsorships for the Memorial weekend events are still available.