Flint Updates on St. John Street Neighborhood Memorial Park Progress

The City of Flint is actively working on the St. John Street Neighborhood Memorial Park, transforming it into a place of remembrance and community connection. This initiative aims to commemorate a once-bustling neighborhood in Flint and provide a venue for recreation and community events.

With a budget of $1.2 million, the project kicked off this summer and is slated for completion by October. Key elements such as the walking path and a playground with historical themes have already been finished, marking significant progress.

The St. John Street neighborhood, once home to a diverse population of Black and immigrant families, was dismantled in the early 1970s due to the construction of Interstate 475 and industrial growth, leading to the displacement of thousands.

“This project is about more than building a park. It is about honoring the people and families who once called the St. John Street neighborhood home and making sure their history continues to be remembered,” stated Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley. He expressed pride in the park’s ongoing development, which aims to serve as a community hub for gatherings and educational opportunities.

On the upcoming Wednesday, construction crews will be pouring concrete for new sidewalks, and work on a sizable 50-by-70-foot pavilion will continue. The pavilion is designed to host educational programs and community gatherings once it is completed.

Mayor Neeley, along with Doug Schultz from ROWE Professional Services Company, will be present at the park to provide project updates and showcase the advancements made since construction began in June.

This memorial park is envisioned as a preservation effort of the neighborhood’s history, while simultaneously offering a welcoming space for future community use.

The City of Flint anticipates the park’s completion this fall, establishing it as a tribute to the community that once thrived there and contributing to Flint’s historical tapestry.