The Detroit Mower Gang, a volunteer group of community activists that has been grooming parks in Detroit since 2010, is about to launch its 2016 mowing season in fine form, thanks to the donation of $18,000 worth of lawn and garden equipment from Craftsman. The donation includes five riding mowers, trimmers, hedgers and other gear.

Craftsman is also the sponsor of the gang's Motown Mowdown, the annual kickoff event on May 21, where 100 volunteers will mow and clean as much park land as possible in 12 hours.

The Mowdown starts at 10 a.m. May 21 at O'Shea Playground, at the southwest corner of I-96 and Greenfield Road. Following a ceremony where Craftsman offiicials will formally make their donation, the gang will mow the playground and then head out to other parks in the city.

The public, and those interesting in become members of the gang, are invited to the ceremony.