Mott Foundation Commits $20M to Improve Flint Playgrounds and Parks

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The Mott Foundation has allocated up to $20 million to transform outdoor spaces around Flint, Michigan. Over $7 million of the grant will go towards upgrades and renovations at the Durant-Tuuri-Mott, Eisenhower, Freeman and Potter elementary schools, as well as the Doyle Ryder Education Center. Students, school staff, and neighborhood residents will provide input and help influence how the funding is used through a co-design process. The renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer.

Why it matters

The investment in Flint's parks and playgrounds aims to improve access to quality outdoor spaces for students and community members. This comes as Flint continues to recover from the water crisis and seeks to revitalize neighborhoods and public infrastructure.

The details

The Mott Foundation grant will fund upgrades and renovations at five elementary schools and neighborhood parks in Flint. The foundation says the co-design process will allow students, school staff, and residents to provide input and help shape how the funding is used.

• The grant was announced on February 18, 2026.
• Renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of summer 2026.

What’s next

The co-design process with students, school staff, and community members will determine how the $20 million in Mott Foundation funding will be used for the park and playground renovations.