FLINT, Michigan – As I took in all that makes up Civic Park, I thought about the many memories I have made in this neighborhood over the decades: all the groups of friends that met and walked the streets until sunset, all the families that were founded and grew up in this community.

As I looked at what was left, I wondered what could be done to make it the thriving community it once was – the community that so many long for, some of whom never moved away. In talking with residents, it became clear that the neighborhood may never be the same again, but there is still a lot to work with.

Community members want to improve the well-being of their neighbors and themselves, but because they lack the means or resources to do so, most find this a challenge more difficult than they are willing to tackle alone.

As Flintside revisits the five Flint neighborhoods we’ve covered over the years for our On the Ground series, we take a look at the historic Civic Park neighborhood through stoic, stunning photographs.

In this Aug. 12, 2024 photo, signs welcome everyone to the Civic Park Neighborhood, which celebrated its centennial in 2019. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)Saints of God Church (photo taken August 12, 2024) is a beacon in the community. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)
The sunset casts a picturesque hue on an abandoned house in Civic Park on August 12, 2024 as a reminder of the past. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)The sun sets over family homes in the Civic Park neighborhood on August 12, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)In this photo taken on August 12, 2024, Dayton and Chevrolet Ave are in the heart of the Civic Park neighborhood. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)The old Civic Park school, photographed on August 12, 2024, holds a memorable place in the yearbooks of Flint’s history. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)In this photo taken August 12, 2024, a trailer for the African Tropical Savana Safari is parked outside the Urban Renaissance Center. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)Pictured on August 12, 2024 at the Centennial Pavilion in Civic Park. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)In this August 12, 2024 photo, Civic Park is home to a large portion of Flint’s population. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)In this Aug. 12, 2024 photo, a father shows his children how to replace their fence in Civic Park. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)The Civic Park Community Gardening Project, pictured August 12, 2024, provides neighborhood residents with access to fresh produce. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)Painted on the side of a building in an August 12, 2024 photo, Civic Park calls itself an Ubuntu village with the slogan “I am because you are.” (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)A large mural dated August 12, 2024 celebrates the centennial of Civic Park in 2019. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)In this Aug. 12, 2024, photo, flags welcome everyone to the Civic Park Neighborhood, which celebrated its centennial in 2019. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)

You can find more stories from our “On the Ground” series here.

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