Clark Park hockey rink renovated



Steve Knoche/Lindsey Muliolis/Writer/Reporters
Photography by HB Meeks
Tell Us Detroit



The dream of a community and its supporters has led to the refurbishing of the only regulation-size outdoor ice rink of its kind in Detroit, located in historic Clark Park on the city�s southwest side.

A $1 million grant from Wayne County Parks, allocated more than two years ago, went towards the rink�s upgrades, providing features such as new boards, lighting, refrigeration equipment and bleachers.

The grand opening of the upgraded facility was celebrated yesterday
The Clark Park Coalition is a grassroots organization founded in 1991 that gains sponsorship for youth sports and educational programs at the park, including hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, golf and free ice skating to those under 18.

�Parents, residents, community non-profits, churches, local business owners, and other friends of Clark Park formed a coalition to keep the center open,� said Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. �For 15 years now, the Clark Park Coalition has staffed and raised funds for year-round recreation programs.�

The Clark Park Coalition organizes tutoring and basic computer training for kids, as well as field trips and free lunches during the summer.

�There�s no better way to make a difference in the life of a young person than being a coach and a mentor and a guide,� said Rep. Steve Tobocman, Clark Park board secretary.

Tobocman said he is one of hundreds of volunteers that �make things happen� at Clark Park.

The coalition works with the USA Hockey Diversity Task Force to provide inexpensive opportunities for kids to play hockey. The Clark Park rink is home to four intramural boys� hockey teams and a girls� team, reaching 100 inner-city kids annually.

�The biggest thrill of my life is I�m involved with inner-city kids throughout the whole United States,� said Sam Greenblatt, Director Emeritus of USA Hockey. �Multi-cultural kids, getting them involved in ice hockey � some of them have never even put on skates.�

Greenblatt said there are approximately 33 inner-city programs in the country, but Clark Park�s is unique because it is outdoors.

Chais Madrigal, a Wayne State kinesiology major, is the coach of three teams at neighboring Western International High School, including softball and girls and boys swimming.

Madrigal, 23, played baseball, soccer and hockey at the park starting when she was five years old.

�This is my life,� she said. �I live right around the corner, this is where I grew up, this is what belongs to me.

�The park has helped me grow as a person, as a leader in the community.�

Clark Park Coalition Contacts: Maud Lyon at (313) 715-6413
Deb Sumner at (313) 522-6120, cpcdebs@comcast.net
Anthony Benavides at benavidesacpc@aol.com
Clark Park Coalition at (313) 297-9328
 

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