Detroit has joined a list of over 100 cities that plan on hosting the annual walking festival known as "Jane's Walk". The festival occurs from May 2-4.

Organizers are asking Detroit residents to create and host their own walks where people can learn more about their neighborhoods and engage in their communities. There is currently one Detroit Jane's Walk scheduled on the national website, an approximately 90 minute walk that will tour the Livernois Avenue of Fashion and its surrounding neighborhoods. Led by Vickie Elmer and Madhavi Reddy, the tour takes place on May 3 at 9 a.m.

The festival is encouraging residents to create more walks throughout the city. The expansion into Detroit is a result of a partnership between Jane's Walk and the Municipal Art Society of New York and is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Knight Foundation gave $50,000 to launch Jane's Walks in Detroit; Philadelphia; Akron, OH; Charlotte, NC; and San Jose, CA.

"By leveraging strong local partnerships the Jane’s Walk model has the potential to create a new class of connected citizens, who are more invested in the place they live and want to contribute to its success," Carol Coletta, Knight Foundation vice president for community and national initiatives, says in a statement.

A form is available online for those interested in creating a Jane's Walk. The walks are free and inclusive, organized by Detroiters rather than a central body. They're a way to get people out and walking around while concentrating on an aspect of urban living. The group says that walks can be funny or serious, historic or contemporary.

Jane's Walk was formed to honor famed urbanist and community activist Jane Jacobs.

Source: Jane's Walk press release
Writer: MJ Galbraith

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