Flint Community Schools will soon enhance outdoor learning and play spaces across the district thanks to a grant of more than $7 million from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The Flint Board of Education voted to accept the grant as part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to invest up to $20 million to improve playgrounds and parks throughout the Flint community.
The funding will support upgrades and renovations to playgrounds at five FCS sites: Durant-Tuuri-Mott Elementary School, Eisenhower Elementary School, Freeman Elementary School, Potter Elementary School, and the Doyle Ryder Education Center. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of the summer, providing scholars and families with modern, engaging, and safe outdoor spaces.
“This investment represents a tremendous opportunity for our scholars, families, and neighborhoods,” said Superintendent Kevelin Jones. “Our scholars deserve safe, welcoming, and inspiring environments where they can play, learn, and grow. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to working alongside our community to create playgrounds that reflect the needs and voices of those we serve.”
A key component of the project will be a collaborative design process that actively involves students, staff, families, and neighborhood residents. Flint Community Schools will partner with the Flint Center for Educational Excellence to gather input and guide the co-design process, ensuring each playground reflects the unique identity and priorities of its school community.
Through this partnership, playgrounds will serve not only as spaces for recreation during the school day but also as valuable community assets where families and residents can gather, connect, and stay active.
The playground renovations are part of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation’s centennial initiatives, which aim to strengthen neighborhoods and improve access to high-quality outdoor spaces across Flint. In addition to school playground improvements, Flint residents will have opportunities to help shape future park investments through a community input and voting process launching later this spring.
Flint Community Schools remains committed to providing safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments that foster academic success, physical wellness, and community pride.