DETROIT (WWJ) -- Just in time for warmer spring weather, Detroiters and visitors alike will now be able to connect to WiFi in downtown Detroit parks and public spaces.
The Downtown Detroit Partnership announced last week they're teaming up with Detroit-based Cronus Communications to provide free, high-speed internet at five Downtown parks – Campus Martius Park, Cadillac Square, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park and The Woodward Esplanade — which collectively attract more than three million visitors annually, according to a press release.
"Our parks have always played a vital role in bringing people together and the pandemic only reinforced the role of public spaces," said Robert F. Gregory, chief planning and public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership, per a press release. "The new internet network brings our work to the next level, helping build digital equity by reducing barriers for community members and downtown Detroit residents without access, as well as affording greater ease and flexibility to visitors and small business partners across the parks."
The community can start accessing the network "Detroit Parks" on all devices, without a password, at a total system capacity of 1GB and impressive speeds up to 10GB, officials said.
The free Wi-Fi will not only provide visitors equitable access to information, but the ability to use the park networks to conduct a variety of important activities online, such as locating and scheduling COVID-19 testing or vaccinations, accessing education platforms and resources, seeking employment, learning more about park wellness programs and other offerings and maintaining social connections and support.
Officials say more than 250 programming and event partners, 300 market vendors and more than 75 mobile food businesses participate in DDP's public spaces each year. The Wi-Fi access will allow such businesses to take advantage of free high-speed internet as a free amenity of the parks.
With more online orders, deliveries and curbside pickups expected in 2021, a dedicated network is critically important to business owners and patrons alike.
Approximately 15 percent of households across the country lack subscriptions to any form of broadband service and about 14 million access service only from a cellular data plan, according to a press release. Detroit's digital divide is consistently cited among the most extreme in the country.
Approximately 63 percent of the city's low-income households lack a home Internet connection compared to 35 percent of U.S. homes across the country.
