An alley is reborn and Hamtramck throws a party

By Charles Sercombe
Hamtramck might be the only city in the whole U.S.A. that would think to celebrate the repaving of an alley with a party.
Or, as the old Hamtramck saying goes: “Only in Hamtramck.”
But, to be fair — and not make it seem silly — this is no ordinary alley.
The alley in question runs along Goodson next to Veterans Park, and serves as a throughway for neighborhood residents to get into the park. For years, it’s been potholed and dicey for pedestrians to walk on without, perhaps, spraining an ankle.
The host of Tuesday’s celebration was the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy, who described it as a way to “bring this alley back to life.”
The two-hour party featured chess games from members of Bumbo’s Chess Club (Hamtramck’s Bumbo’s bar) and the Wise Guy’s Chess Club (from Highland Park).

Also to be enjoyed were lessons on Frisbee throwing and a jump rope station.
The only thing missing? How about a marching band? Or maybe jugglers, because who doesn’t like jugglers?
We kid, sort of.
In all seriousness, the alley still has that “new cement scent,” and, as one Frisbee loving kid said, “It’s smooth.”
For those wondering as to the cost of the repaving effort, hold onto your wallets: $525,000, paid out of the city’s water and sewer fund.
Well, nobody ever said civilization was cheap.
Posted Oct. 3, 2025