Transforming vacant lots on Detroit’s east side into playgrounds and parks was the result of Wayne State University students lending their talents to U-Snap-Bac, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering residents.

Graduate students from the Department of Geography and Urban Planning applied their classroom knowledge and research techniques to overgrown properties that were unsuitable for building and developed a plan that made a difference in the neighborhood.

“Our family has been blessed and all of the thanks goes to U-Snap-Bac. They care about our community neighborhoods and most important of all the families,” says Linda Banks, first-time homeowner. “Thanks to this wonderful and blessed organization, we are proud homeowners.”