There is plenty of summer left for kids to try out a new 2,700-square foot playground, donated to the City of Detroit by Firestone as part of the
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Initiative. The playground was dedicated on Belle Isle last Friday.
Located near Picnic Shelter #1, the playground has four swing-sets, monkey bars and a slide among other equipment. Perhaps its most unique component is the ground-surface material. Manufactured by Bridgestone Firestone and called
Flexi-Pave, it is impact-absorbing like the surface of most new playgrounds but it is also environmentally-friendly. Made from recycled tire, the surface material is porous so rainwater does not run off it.
Bridgestone Firestone has long had philanthropic activity in Detroit, with contributions to
Habitat for Humanity and the
Detroit Institute of Opthalmology. "This turns the dial up by being more
specific support," says Mike Martini, president, original equipment division, Bridgestone Firestone. "It's an excellent opportunity to move forward with the City of Detroit."
The playground cost over $60,000. Firestone's donation will be marked on the site by a plaque.
Source: Mike Martini, president, original equipment division, Bridgestone Firestone
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.