The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy is a collaboration between the city, the public schools, and community partners seeking to improve green spaces and recreation activities for city residents.
The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy was created to operate, improve and provide for equitable access to recreational facilities within the City and School District of Hamtramck. The conservancy seeks to promote the creation, operation and maintenance of green spaces, recreational grounds and facilities for public use and provide health, education and welfare opportunities to the communities served by those spaces.
Konrad Maziarz, Chair
Syed (Aamir) Ahsan
Sean Mann, Treasurer
Jim Larson-Shidler
Abdulmalik Algahaim
Jason Eddleston
Tom Niczay, Secretary
Craig Daniels
Thomas Habitz, Jr. serves as Executive Director of the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy since September 2023. Mr. Habitz is a recognized leader in planning and economic development in the Detroit area, having previously enjoyed a lengthy career with Henry Ford Health developing and executing strategy in that space. He is a proud long-time Hamtramck resident, and frequent volunteer with City boards and commissions, and with sports and recreation in the area.
Tom’s passion for vibrant urban spaces provides energy for the task of reinvigorating parks as part of the HPC mission. He envisions a bright future of beautiful open spaces anchoring strong communities.
Mr. Habitz holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University. His honors include the Detroit Revitalization Fellowship and the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (of the German Marshall Fund of the U.S.).
Alicia Chiaravalli serves as Director of Programming and Communications at the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy since September 2024. Ms. Chiaravalli brings a diverse background in environmental sciences, land use, playground design, and recreation. She holds two bachelor degrees from the University of Michigan with complementary Masters work at Designskolen, a Danish industrial design program “Design for Play” created in partnership with LEGO.
Her work history includes brownfield consulting for redevelopment projects that enhance sustainability and benefit community. Alicia’s independent design practice reflects a lifelong passion for play, for which she gained certification as a Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), was recognized as a Detroit Free Press Green Leader, and was awarded the US Play Coalition Fran P. Mainella Play Conference scholarship.
Ms. Chiaravalli engages with arts and recreation as an avid soccer player, youth educator, coach, and volunteer. On-going involvement in teams and organizations in Hamtramck and the Detroit area that cross cultural and social landscapes have taught her the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, qualities that will be crucial for engaging with Hamtramck’s vibrant community.
