To the City of Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan, City Council, and the Detroit Planning and Development Department,

The REC Complex is personal to me. As a child, I often searched for ways to grow and stay engaged, but most opportunities were outside my neighborhood. This project matters because it is rooted in the same community where I grew up and where I now raise my children.

My goal is to help transform this neighborhood by creating a safe and uplifting space for everyone, from newborns to seniors. The REC Complex will give our community the resources and opportunities we deserve, right where we live.

We, the residents, families, and advocates of Northwest Detroit, respectfully petition the City of Detroit to prioritize and invest in the construction of a state-of-the-art recreational complex on the Rogell development parcel, located near 7 Mile and Lahser.

Our Vision: A Facility Built For the People of Northwest Detroit

The proposed indoor facility would serve as a multi-generational, multi-use recreational and wellness center with:

Basketball and pickleball courts
Youth tutoring and after-school classrooms
Two on-site restaurants
Fitness center and physical therapy clinic
Dance and aerobics studios
Childcare center and locker rooms
Community conference and meeting spaces

1. Why This Matters to Our Community
2. Youth Opportunity and Safety
3. Health and Wellness Access
4. Job Creation for Detroiters
5. Neighborhood Investment
6. Positive Economic Impact

Our Requests to the City of Detroit

We urge city leaders to:

Designate the Rogell development parcel for a community-based recreational complex
Provide capital investment, planning assistance, and public-private partnership support to bring this project to life
Ensure Northwest Detroit is no longer overlooked in city-wide development efforts
Champion youth, wellness, and equity as key development priorities

Let’s Build Something That Serves Our People

Let’s Reclaim and Reinvest in Our Neighborhood

This petition represents a growing movement of residents, educators, pastors, coaches, parents, and students who are ready for a better future, one rooted in community, health, and pride.