Detroit installs free WiFi at five parks

Free WiFi is now available in five public Detroit parks, in an effort to expand internet accessibility.

The big picture: Bradby, Chandler, Clark, McDuffy and Palmer parks had WiFi infrastructure constructed starting a year ago , with $265,000 from the Detroit Pistons, Rocket Community Fund and Knight Foundation.

• Officials announced the project's completion Wednesday.

Between the lines: The grants funded installation, service through Cronus Internet and solar-powered phone charging stations, according to a news release.

Zoom out: The project is part of the city's stated priority to increase internet access and bridge the digital divide .

• About 42% of households in Detroit don't have high-speed internet and 20% lack any internet subscription, per census data reported by BridgeDetroit this year .