Unlike some other cities, Detroit's real treasures are often tucked away, off the beaten path.
The Detroit Free Press unearthed one of those treasures for all to see.
Free Press special writer Ariana Taylor wrote on Monday that Don Davis, 50, has turned his blighted block on Washburn Street near Grand River and Wyoming on Detroit's west side into a recreational oasis.
The Freep reports that he has set up a play set, exercise equipment and a homemade movie theater on the vacant lot next to his house.
Across the street, Davis used hundreds of old tires to build a go-kart racing track on more than a half-dozen adjoining lots, the Freep wrote. Kids in the neighborhood play flag football and golf on it.
Davis is a skilled mechanic who fixes and builds mini-bikes and go-karts, the Freep reported. He has two daughters, 5 and 4 years old.
Freep reporter Ann Zaniewski on Tuesday wrote that that since the article was published some people have pledged money for the project, a filmmaker came by and said he's going to feature Davis in a documentary and a woman plans to offer a popcorn machine so the kids can have treats during movies. -- Allan Lengel
