FLINT, Michigan — One of Flint’s most historic neighborhoods — one that sparked a national move toward planned neighborhoods, defined the ability to move the assembly line out of the factory, showcases the impact of General Motors on Flint — this year will celebrate its centennial.

A summer kickoff of the Civic Park Centennial Celebration is set for 2-6 p.m. May 14 at Joy Tabernacle Church, 2515 N. Chevrolet Ave. in Flint. Current and former residents of Civic Park — as well as the community at large — are invited to join the festivities. 

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Staff of Applewood will be on hand collecting stories and memories as part of the neighborhood’s year-long effort to honor and preserve its history.

Children’s activities as well as a variety of other resources including drop-in yoga, water filter distribution, neighborhood association information, and the University of Michigan-Flint’s School of Nursing distracted driver simulator. 

Civic Park is traditionally considered the neighborhood north of Welch Boulevard between Dupont Street and Brownell Boulevard. The neighborhood was built by General Motors and completed in 1919 to house the massive influx of workers drawn here by automotive and industrial jobs. 

At one time, Civic Park included more than 1,000 homes, but the neighborhood also has suffered over the years. Much of its historic district status was removed after officials determined many buildings lacked historic integrity.

The summer kickoff is being sponsored by the University of Michigan-Flint Outreach and FTAAPP (Flint Truth and Action Partnership Project, also a UM-Flint program).

It is one of several events being planned this year. Last month, the celebration included the dedication of a new historic marker near Civic Park School to mark the neighborhoods importance. 

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The Centennial Celebration also will include a garden planting party in the spring, a popup museum in the summer, trunk or treat in the fall, and a neighborhood Christmas walk in the winter.

For more information, visit CivicParkCentennial.com.