Aug 15, 2024 - News

Detroit installs free WiFi at five parks

Annalise Frank

A sign that says "free WiFi zone," and a second image of a small tower with plugs in it to charge devices. — A sign for free WiFi and a solar charging station at Clark Park. Photos: Courtesy of the city of Detroit via Flickr

Free WiFi is now available in five public Detroit parks, in an effort to expand internet accessibility.

The big picture: Bradby, Chandler, Clark, McDuffy and Palmer parks had WiFi infrastructure constructed starting a year ago, with $265,000 from the Detroit Pistons, Rocket Community Fund and Knight Foundation.

Officials announced the project's completion Wednesday.

Between the lines: The grants funded installation, service through Cronus Internet and solar-powered phone charging stations, according to a news release.

Zoom out: The project is part of the city's stated priority to increase internet access and bridge the digital divide.

About 42% of households in Detroit don't have high-speed internet and 20% lack any internet subscription, per census data reported by BridgeDetroit this year.

Add Axios on Google

Detroit installs free WiFi at five parks

More Detroit stories