Author

Patrick Dunn

Patrick's Latest Articles

Huron-Clinton Metroparks visitors pose for selfies at Trail Challenge kiosks placed at each of the 13 Metroparks.
Trail Challenge offers prizes for visiting all 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Since 2023, hundreds of Metro Detroiters have participated in the Huron-Clinton Metroparks' Trail Challenge, which incentivizes participants to visit all 13 Metroparks across five Southeastern Michigan counties.

Tom Woodman stands in front of a 3D-printed home in Detroit created by his company, Citizen Robotics, which is planning two developments in Pontiac. The company aims to reduce construction costs at scale and create a new renting model that gives renters equity in a housing fund.
From 3D-printed homes to ‘pocket neighborhood’: New approaches to affordable housing in Metro Detroit

Across the Metro Detroit area, innovators are finding new ways to develop the affordable housing that the community desperately needs.

Initiatives seek to connect Detroit parks via trails and greenways

Multiple efforts across the Metro Detroit area are creating non-motorized paths connecting the region's many parks.

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in Detroit.
PHOTOS: See inside Detroit’s new Wilson Park before it opens this weekend

We got an early tour of the new 22-acre Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, which will open to the public on Oct. 25.

Alicia Powell, owner of Detroit's Wetzel's Pretzels food truck, on the Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit.
Metro Detroit parks’ economic benefits boost businesses, tourism, property values, and more

Parks have demonstrable positive impacts on local businesses, property values, tourism, environmental management costs, and even medical bills.

Nazma Begum on a snowboarding trip.
How one camping trip changed a Hamtramck high schooler’s life

Immigrating from Bangladesh to Hamtramck, Nazma Begum had no friends, no English language skills, and no experience with outdoor activities. But all of that changed when she went on her first camping trip.

Graduates and staff of the LIFT MI lead safety education program.
Lead education program equips Michiganders to protect and advocate for their communities

The Lead Impacted Families Together (LIFT MI) program presents training in lead safety and advocacy for residents across Michigan.

Black parents of children with autism face unique challenges. This Detroit nonprofit offers help.

The Detroit-based Color of Autism Foundation seeks to end the stigma of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in communities of color by helping parents of children with ASD build skills to lessen their isolation.

People enjoy the new Chandler Park Fieldhouse in Detroit at its grand opening on Aug. 21, 2025.
Detroit set to open 3 new rec centers, thanks to “unprecedented” funding influx

The city of Detroit recently opened a new recreation center, will open another soon, and is about to break ground on a third.

Artist Halima Cassells and Huron-Clinton Metroparks CEO Amy McMillan stand with Cassells' new art installation at Lake St. Clair Metropark.
Detroit artist creates new art installation for St. Clair Metropark, highlighting lake sturgeon and recycling

A new art installation at Lake St. Clair Metropark is designed not only to provide a fun photo opportunity for park visitors, but also to promote recycling and highlight the importance of lake sturgeon.

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