Lakeshore Engineering Teams With Detroit's Adopt-A-Park Program

DETROIT, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Join the City of Detroit Recreation Department, General Services Department and Lakeshore Engineering Services, Inc. for an Adopt-A-Park celebration on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the Bennett Playground, Smith and Beaubien. (bordered by John R & Bethune) The festivities will include a variety of contests and prizes for the youngsters and free refreshments.

Bennett Playground is considered a jewel by residents in Detroit's North End. It is located in a neighborhood that provides children a safe place to play, and seniors a peaceful and relaxing place to socialize.  Maintaining the lawn, storage shed and equipment on this 1.7 acre parcel of land has been hampered due to the city's budget woes.

Lakeshore Engineering Services, Inc., a Detroit-based firm has committed to adopt Bennett Playground. The program is operated by the City of Detroit's General Services Department. The playground is located approximately two miles from Lakeshore's World Headquarters building.  Lakeshore President Avinash Rachmale calls it a natural fit for the company as part of its continuing effort to give back to the community. "This park is very special to the families that live in the North End, and we are excited about being able to maintain this park so that the residents can be proud of it. We are sensitive to the fact that the city of Detroit needs help right now, and we are committed to being a good corporate citizen."

"Lakeshore Engineering Services provides an excellent example of how the private sector can work with the City to help maintain our neighborhood playgrounds.  Everyone needs a place in their neighborhood for recreation and leisure activities.  Recreation is not only beneficial health wise; it also creates a sense of community," commented Alicia C. Minter, Detroit Recreation Department Director.  

The North End neighborhood is home to more than 500 families including Delores Bennett, a community leader who founded the North End Youth Council.  The park was named after her in 1983. In 2007 a large boulder was placed at the park in honor of her late husband Eugene who supported her tireless efforts to maintain a high quality of life for North End residents. She expressed her deepest appreciation in learning that Lakeshore had selected Bennett Playground as part of the Detroit Adopt-a-Park project. "It's a blessing for the community and  the young people in this area to see that a company such as Lakeshore cares so much about the betterment of our community and our city. I'm just overwhelmed and grateful"

Lakeshore Advisory Board Chairman, Thomas E. Hardiman, Sr. grew up in Detroit's North End, and for him it is a natural fit for the company. "As a former North-Ender, I wish we had 100 more Delores Bennett's in the city of Detroit. Our communities would be safer, our youth would be taught community pride, and our citizens would be extremely blessed. I am proud to be a part of helping Mrs. Bennett continue her excellent work in the North End community".

SOURCE Lakeshore Engineering Services