Formerly a golf course, Pierce Park is undergoing a transformation fueled by a multi-year investment of $16,031 from the Neighborhoods Small Grants Program and the Mary Elizabeth Adams Manley Beautification Fund. A group of volunteers is working to enhance the ecological health, educational opportunities, and recreational offerings of Pierce Park through responsible natural resource management.

The comprehensive project involves the development of 12 acres of wet meadow and oxbow wetlands, seven culvert improvements, a six-acre reforestation buffer, and nine acres of prairie restoration along a mile of Gilkey Creek.

The award funded the installation of barriers and an entrance gate. The added security prepared the site for restoration work to follow.

“The barriers look clean and inviting,” says Pierce Park Nature Preserve secretary Sherry Hayden. “They announce, ‘Welcome to your public park. You are worthy of a nice, safe, healthy place.’”

Restoration work will include removal of invasive species, reforestation, trail rerouting, pollinator meadow creation, planning for wetland projects, and a usable sports field—all necessary to restore a healthy ecosystem.

In addition to the transformational improvements to Flint's natural environment, the park will significantly enhance the quality of life for park users, who are already reaping the benefits of a safe park.

“Pierce Park invites exploration in a natural setting, supporting mental and physical health,” said Hayden. “Outdoor exercise leads to healthy outcomes—physically, mentally and spiritually. Our volunteers and park users experience a deep sense of place, love for our little place on Earth, and the sense of community.”

As Pierce Park continues to evolve, it blossoms with the spirit of community engagement and environmental stewardship, offering a vibrant, safe, and healthy space for all to enjoy.

Flint Neighborhoods Small Grants Program

In 2023, we proudly marked 30 years of the Flint Neighborhoods Small Grants Program Endowment Fund (NSGP). Over three decades, the NSGP fund has awarded $2.2 million in grants to 377 organizations, driving positive change and fostering transformation throughout Flint neighborhoods. When residents have the resources they need, they can create lasting change in their communities. Learn more about the NSGP here.