Established in 2008, the Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation is an independent, all-volunteer organization eager to help fund civic projects to enhance our community for the benefit of residents, visitors, and businesses. Our governance and operations are separate from those of the city, however we seek collaborative efforts with the city’s administration and commissions, as well as our local business association, to help create and maintain the environment and lifestyle sought by current and prospective residents.

Equipment for the New Dog Park by City Hall!

The Foundation presented a check for $13,200 to the city in mid-March to cover costs of the benches, drinking fountain, play and agility training equipment, and pet waste stations in the park. We were able to fulfill the city’s grant request thanks to major gifts from Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers, the Rutkofske family, Mayor Arthur Bryant and Lynne Bryant, the Mulder family, and Peter Caborn and Donald Morrissett. A couple pieces of equipment have yet to be installed but the park is now available for use by those who have obtained a current Dog Park Pass from the GPW Community Center. Grand Opening is tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 11th!

Help us bring disc golf to Ghesquire Park!

The city has asked us for a grant to install a 9-hole disc golf course in Ghesquire Park this summer. Disc golf can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities and has had a surge of popularity in recent years. The course will be a great addition to our community, offering another fun outdoor activity for individuals, families, and groups of friends.

Your Donation Will Help Get the Course built soon!

WHAT’S NEXT?

We received a $52,000 grant request from the city for installation of a new swing area in Ghesquire Park. The area will have a rubberized surface to allow access by wheeled vehicles and a molded inclusive swing. We are seeking sponsorships and general donations with a goal of fulfilling the request by early 2025.

The Phyllis A. DeMars Tot Lot & Swing Area at Chene-Trombly Park had its grand opening on Saturday, October 21, 2023

Hundreds of residents and donors joined City officials, the Foundation, and the DeMars Family for a festive celebration! Bubble wands and free ice cream provided by the Foundation, music, a kindness rock garden craft, and touch-a-truck with the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department all added to the fun. If you haven’t already, be sure to go check out the park soon!

In February 2022, the mayor and city council committed to a renovation of Chene-Trombley Park on Ridgemont Road, just west of Mack Avenue. The master plan for the project included a dinosaur-themed tot-lot, walking path, toilet facilities, picnic pavilion, attractive masonry entryway, and decorative fencing around the perimeter. To help cover costs, the city requested a grant from the Foundation for the Tot Lot area.

The City and Foundation were pleased to announce that the play area was to be named the Phyllis A. DeMars Tot Lot. & Swing Area Phyllis (Cracchiolo) DeMars was a resident and longtime teacher in Grosse Pointe with a particular devotion to children with special needs throughout her career. The generosity of the DeMars and Cracchiolo families, combined with donations from many individuals and local businesses, allowed for significant expansion of size and features. We presented the city with a total of $195,000 to cover the equipment and installation. There is rubber matting to accommodate wheeled vehicles, a swing set with a “friendship swing” to allow parents and children to ride together, a surface-level merry-go-round, and an accessible sand digger so all kids can search for “fossils” in the sandbox.

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The Foundation again sponsored the City’s Hob Nobbin’ With the Goblins event at Lake Front Park on Friday, October 13, 2023. Members of our board staffed the mini golf course, handing out candy and bouncy balls for the kids to play with and take home!

Volunteers needed!

Assistance is needed with event planning, public relations, membership drives, project planning and development, website maintenance, and data entry. Please consider contributing your time and talents toward bettering our community!