Detroit, MI – Tom O’Brien has been part of the Brightmoor neighborhood on Detroit’s west side since 1974, and he continues to be an integral part of the community, even though he now resides in Redford. O’Brien and his dog Connan enjoy leisurely walks at Etheldra Mae Williams Park, which has become a symbol of transformation in the area.
“Brightmoor was a whole different game back then, a lot of blue-collar people, but a great little community,” recalled O’Brien. Despite its past, he is delighted to witness the positive change in the neighborhood.
The transformation of this community is exemplified by the upcoming 2nd annual Burgess Street Food Festival, where thousands are expected to attend. Michael Williams, the park’s founder and manager, shared that the park has only recently started playing a vital role within the community.
“Just four years ago, what was this place?” asked 7 Action News.
“Four years ago, it was effectively ruins. We had some houses that were burnt out. We had people who would come and illegally dump. We had some abandoned vehicles and stolen vehicles. Whatever you can think of that wasn’t supposed to be here was here,” Williams explained.
Williams, in partnership with the Blight Task Force, worked to remove debris and coordinate with the housing department to demolish abandoned houses. He also collaborated with the Detroit Police Department to reduce crime in the area.
“What makes the Brightmoor community unique?” inquired 7 Action News.
Williams replied, “Before the last eight years, I never knew about Brightmoor. I came here to look for a building suitable for building a museum. And I stumbled upon the typography you have here in Brightmoor.”
Now, the nearly 11-acre park, named after Michael’s mother, is helping the community thrive once again.
“This is something that will not only honor her, but it will continue to honor or create a legacy for our family,” Williams shared.
“What’s next?” asked 7 Action News.
Williams outlined their plans, saying, “We are going to put in a walking path, we are going to put in a bird aviary, we want to put in a reflecting pond. But we are going to make this a natural setting for lots of wildlife, and we want to make this a beautiful place for lots of people to come and enjoy.”
