Cook Park was once the site of family picnics, children playing, and a basketball court that was used by some of the greatest basketball players to come out of Flint. But today the park is a wreck.
The park is located on Averill Avenue next to Perani Arena near Center and Lapeer Roads in Flint. Broken bottles cover the parking lot. The basketball and tennis courts are in disrepair. Play equipment needs to be replaced and picnic areas restored. Neglect has opened the park up to vandalism and use by drug dealers. But neighborhood groups are determined to see the city-owned park restored to its former glory.
“We want to be able to enjoy this park: take walks, have cookouts and family gatherings. But in the park’s current condition that’s not possible,” said Solomon Anderson III, who lives in the Evergreen Valley neighborhood and is a member of Evergreen Block Watchers. “We also want to add to our home values by restoring this park and creating an asset for our neighborhoods,” Anderson said.
In recent years, City of Flint parks have suffered neglect as the result of budget woes. Residents are more than willing to pitch in. Neighborhood groups from Evergreen Valley, Evergreen Park and Evergreen Estates, which surround Cook Park, are working together to organize a massive spring clean-up in Cook Park. The clean-up takes place from 10am-4pm, May 1. Organizers see this as a first step in their long-term revitalization plan for the site.
“We want individuals, families, local churches and businesses to all join us in this effort,” said Everett Cole, president of Evergreen Estates Neighborhood Association.
It’s not just neighborhood residents that have taken an interest in Cook Park. At the April 10 Volunteer Expo hosted by Resource Genesee, more than 50 people from across the county signed up to volunteer in the clean-up efforts. Knapheide Truck Equipment Center, located across the street from Cook Park, is also pledging its support for the effort. Local businesses are donating supplies and refreshments.
“I am very happy to see so many people coming together to help make Cook Park all that it can and should be,” said Dale Weighill, 7th Ward City of Flint Councilman. “I’m hopeful this effort will continue beyond the clean-up on May 1.”
The May 1 clean-up is a great opportunity for fraternities, sororities and service clubs to help. Individuals and families are welcome. Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, rakes and other tools. Refreshments will be provided. To sign up as a volunteer, call Everett Cole, (586)707-3081 or Solomon Anderson, (810) 743-4661 or email everettcole427@aol.com or Julia@resourcegenesee.org.
In the event of severe rain or bad weather, the clean-up will take place from 10am-4pm on May 8.
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