HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – In 2015, Sterling Services LTD. was asked by the City of Hamtramck if they were willing to help the city with the Pope Park Project in downtown Hamtramck, Mich. and without hesitation, the local business stepped up and helped out their community.
The Karol Wojtyla Pope Park project was started to make Pope Park a more attractive destination for passerby’s and community residents. In its current condition, the park is uninviting and discouraged interaction. The project aims to make it more welcoming for residents and visitors, yet keep its original purpose forefront – to reflect and honor the canonized Karol Wojtyla, known as Pope John Paul II.
The goal was to raise $25,000 with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation matching that donation dollar-for-dollar, for a total of $50,000. The project surpassed their goal of $25,000 and are well on their way to their $100,000 worth of improvements for downtown Hamtramck.
“The renovation of Pope Park was an enhancement to our downtown area,” Jason Eddleston, VP of Operations at Sterling Services said. “We don’t have many public parks in downtown Hamtramck, so to be able to open the park up, remove some fencing, clean the mural, and add some life to the park – It gives the community members a place to congregate, enjoy the city, and reflect.”
Those improvements include the restoration of the current facility, enhancing the lighting, restoring the mural, and improve safety. The city will remove the historic Dodge fence from the area, relocating to another part of the city. The hope is that removing the barrier will create a common area for the community to gather and reflect.
The statue of Karol Wojtyla will continue to preside over the park, continuing to be a place of honor and devotion. The park will be available for activities such as Polish Mass and adorations.
