Hello Local Guides,
Happy 20th Anniversary of Google Maps, and Happy 10th Anniversary of Local Guides. Whether you realise it or not, your participation in being a Local Guide stamped the big mark in the success of Google Maps. THANK YOU, and don’t let us go back to paper maps. wink:
In this full year of celebration, I prepared an in-person meetup exploring the accessibility of parks in downtown Detroit, Michigan, on February 23rd. My apologies for the late recap. 
It started with a gathering at American Coney Island before 4 pm. @keithlabeau and I brought a banner saying “Google Local Guides Meetup.” The banner was placed behind our table, which is very easy to read from the whole dining floor of the restaurant. Some looked at it and ignored it, and I expected someone would come forward to claim themselves as Local Guides, but maybe they are too shy to ask.
First, I would like to thank my partner in crime @keithlabeau, for always being there for me and being very supportive.
American Coney Island [http://americanconeyisland.com] is an icon of Detroit, has been in operation since 1917, and is a family-owned business. Please check my review of the business at [Google Search].
Photo of the place where the meet-up was conducted:
The weather was about 17 degrees Fahrenheit outside. It was a really cold walk, but we managed to cover four parks around downtown: Beacon Parks, Grand Circus Park, Campus Martius Park, and William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor. There are over 14 regional parks and 393 smaller parks in Detroit, and they are actively working to develop 29 miles of greenways in the city. More info can be found here [detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-parks-recreation]
Here is the map of the 4 parks visited:
The concept is to see if those parks have wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms, ramps, etc, which would allow people with disabilities to enjoy the park like any other visitor.
Four of the many parks in Detroit are very wheelchair accessible, have accessible restrooms and ramps.
These photos were taken in the winter.
Beacon Park [Google Search]. During the Christmas season, this Park has beautiful lights and decorations and is a place to go for children’s activities. Meanwhile, during summer time, there is always something going on from concerts, movies, to music in the park. This place can be accessed by wheelchair from every entrance. There is a restaurant that provides a rooftop garden and dining experience with views of the park and the city skyline. Unfortunately, the rooftop restaurant is not accessible.
Grand Circus Park [https://bit.ly/4hZtf1Ml]. This park has seating for guests, gardens, a dog park for your furry friends, and 2 beautiful historical fountains. It also hosts special life events such as theater, opera, music, library reading, and street performances.
Campus Martius Park [Google Search]. The park is located in the heart of downtown, and it has ongoing activities year round. It has been named the number 1 public squire in the USA by USA Today. Detroit’s annual Christmas tree lighting festival is held here every year. During summer, there are live concerts/music, movies in the park, restaurants, lounging areas, etc. There is also a civil war bronze monument called Soldiers and Sailors.
During winter, this place is very famous for its winter festival and ice skating rink, ice skates can be rented on an hourly basis.
Video of Ice Skating Ring in the park:
William G Milliken State Park & Harbor. This park is located in a portion of the Detroit Riverwalk. There is a Mary-Go-Around near by at the entrance with a food court and accessible restroom. The park has easy access for fishing, rolling blading, biking, and walking on a paved trail. This is a harbor with a fully functioning marina. It has a picnic area, shelter, accessible walkways, hand rails, and a picnic area for wildlife viewing.
I hope you enjoy reading my recap!
Love&Peace
nur bei so einer Kälte ist es schon eine Herausforderung, alle Achtung.
looks like a kite flying