West Willow Park Improvements Community Celebration & Ribbon Cutting

Just in time for the holidays, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley joined community partners during a special ribbon cutting ceremony at the West Willow Park to showcase the impact of when a community comes together.

Thanks to the Republic Services Charitable Foundation’s National Neighborhood grant this year, we were able to complete resident-requested improvements and upgrades at the West Willow Park. In partnership with the New West Willow Neighborhood Association (NWWNA), Odindi Youth Action Village (OYA), the Charter Township of Ypsilanti and West Willow residents, Habitat led the upgrades project at the West Willow Park, located in the center of the neighborhood. Improvements included adding paved, ADA accessible parking spaces, a half-sized basketball court for younger aged youth, soccer goals, shaded seating areas, stretching and exercise stations and paved walking path, trash and recycling receptacles, and upgraded signage. Additional projects included installing a water spigot at the West Willow Community Garden, located near the park, for easier access to water for this resident-managed garden, and two neighborhood beautification project days.

“Habitat believes that strong neighborhoods build a foundation that lift an entire community,” said Habitat Senior Director of Resident & Community Engagement Sarah Teare. “The West Willow Park improvements are resident-requested, led by our partner organizations and prove that the whole community will benefit from Habitat and Republic Service’s investment by bringing more people together in a desired, sustainable place.”

In 2015, Habitat, the Township and West Willow residents partnered to determine and focus on neighborhood revitalization activities. A Steering Committee was formed and door-to-door surveying, focus groups and vision meetings took place to ask residents and stakeholders where investments were needed. The result was this collaboration to improve livability for all in West Willow, including building a pavilion, Tool Lending Library, Little Free Libraries and many other resident-led improvements.

In 2022, OYA, the NWWNA and West Willow residents began working together to determine what West Willow community members would like to see to make their neighborhood park more inviting and enjoyable for all residents of all ages. At that time, the park had an outdated baseball diamond and playground equipment, a dirt walking path, an older pavilion, and a few seating areas with tables.

OYA distributed a survey to community members of all ages and followed up with their Storytelling Action and Advocacy group hosting intergenerational meetings for the youth and elders of the community to discuss how they wanted to further improve and enhance their community.

“It is amazing seeing the power of collective work when residents young and old come together to advocate for a safe space within our neighborhood,” said OYA Executive Director and Co-Founder Akin Oluwadare. “The newly renovated park will not only serve as

a place to play and exercise but also as a reminder to residents that when we come together we can create the change we wish to see.”

The Charter Township of Ypsilanti owns West Willow Park, and based on the 2022 community input, they completed several park improvements in 2024, including increased handicap accessibility, a new roof for the pavilion, new swings, paving of the walking path, and new play structures for both younger and older children. But there were still other upgrades that the community wanted to see.

“It takes a Village, is not just a statement but a movement in Ypsilanti Township. We strongly believe that the heart of our community is the strength and resiliency that stems from the diversity and involvement of our residents,” said Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo. “The improvements addressed by this project are a representation of the wishes of both the youth and elders of the West Willow neighborhood. That is why we are so excited by and invested in the work this grant is allowing to happen.”

Through the grant support, Habitat, the Township, OYA, NWWNA and West Willow residents will be able to complete the rest of the resident-requested upgrades. The West Willow Park collaboration, led by Habitat, was one of 14 nonprofit organizations to receive the National Neighborhood Promise grant.

"This project directly benefits the West Willow by providing a vibrant hub for my community, fostering connection, promoting physical health, and providing a much-needed improvement of green space where everyone can relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors, enhancing our overall quality of life,” said Community Leader and West Willow Resident Jo Ann McCollum.

The park improvements resulted in a safer, more enjoyable place for all West Willow residents.

“Through collaboration, engagement, and action, we are committed to making our neighborhood a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for all,” said NWWNA President Christina McAllister.