Chandler Park Looks To Get $20 Million Facelift

DETROIT (WWJ) -- For years, it's been dangerous and dilapidated, but now the East Side Community Network wants to make Detroit's Chandler Park one of the best public parks in Michigan.

The organization is raising $20 million to make the dream come true. Maggie DiSantis, president of the East Side Community Network, wanted to thank to Mayor Mike Duggan now that the park is safe, with multiple police patrols.

"The feeling of safety is starting to change and I know what a difference it makes when you're going to a place like that and you just want to know that you're protected," DiSantis said.

DiSantis says by 2016, she wants to see a brand new k-12 school built inside the park.

"Almost $3 million is going to be spent on a brand new artificial turf, state-of-the-art football and soccer field and brand new tennis courts, and a totally refurbished comfort station," DiSantis said.

The 100-year-old Chandler Park already features a water park.

"In the end, we want this to be the only park of its kind in the state of Michigan," DiSantis said.