The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced on Apr. 13 that Chevy Commons, a former General Motors manufacturing site along the Flint River, has been transformed into a 60-acre park near downtown Flint. The area, previously known as “Chevy in the Hole,” was once a highly contaminated brownfield.
The redevelopment of Chevy Commons is significant because it turns an industrial brownfield into a green space for public use and recreation. This transformation aims to provide outdoor opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents in Flint.
According to the department, grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund made this project possible. The Trust Fund is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century of investing in communities across Michigan by protecting natural resources and expanding access to outdoor recreation.
The new park serves as an anchor for parks and outdoor activities within walking distance of downtown Flint. Its creation demonstrates how formerly polluted sites can be repurposed for community benefit.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages residents to learn more about Chevy Commons through their Showcasing the DNR story series.
