Issue 7 • Spring 2019

THE RETURN OF SUMMER ALONG OUR RIVERFRONT

he time has finally come to C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. Crowd The evening break out the sunglasses favorites like Typhoon Tommy, the kicks off a and join the Detroit River- Tuskegee Museum Air Show, Kids Zone Motown tribute front Conservancy for and sand sculptures are returning. We featuring The another memorable summer. are taking our food offerings to the Four Tops, an next level with a food truck rally of enormous food TAll your favorites are back. more than 110 vehicles—the largest ever truck rally, and Programming kicks off this month with assembled in Michigan! piano karaoke. Yoga, Moonlight Yoga, Tai Chi and Fit It will be the most talked about event And, we are thrilled to partner with Camp classes. Reading & Rhythm on of the summer! the Motown Museum to celebrate the the Riverfront returns on Thursdays and 60 year anniversary of Motown by Your support makes everything we Fridays, and the Campbell Terrace welcoming Smokey Robinson and do possible, from attending our Concert Series is back on Wednesdays. the Mary Jane Girls to Detroit River events and programming to annual Touch-A-Truck welcomed more than Days. Other entertainers that weekend gifts. Thank you for making the 1,400 attendees and allowed kids to include Brandy and Faith Evans. Detroit Riverfront a world-class climb aboard 50-plus large vehicles. gathering place for all. We hope that you will join us on June This year’s Detroit River Days on 20 to support the Conservancy Will Smith June 21-23 is a grand sendoff to West at Shimmer on the River, our biggest Chief Financial Officer Riverfront Park, which will be under fundraiser of the year. We are thrilled to construction in 2020 as it begins its celebrate one of our inaugural board two-year transformation into Ralph members, Nettie Seabrooks. SHIMMER ON THE RIVER Kick off the summer in style on June 20 Riverfront Conservancy’s largest annual riverfront will be toasted at the VIP at the 9th annual Shimmer on the fundraising event and all proceeds are reception, as guests raise a glass to River celebration. This year’s Shimmer used to ensure that the Detroit River- the beginning of another great event will tap into Detroit’s musical front remains a beautiful, clean and safe summer along the Detroit River. roots with a celebration of 60 years space for the community to enjoy. The Shimmer Award is presented to a of the Motor City’s signature sound – Hundreds of guests are expected company or individual who has shown featuring an unforgettable live to turn out, including community extraordinary dedication to the performance by Motown legends leaders and families from throughout revitalization of Detroit’s Riverfront. The Four Tops. Additionally, there our community. It is the highest honor that the Detroit will be rides and inflatable games This year, the Conservancy is excited Riverfront Conservancy can bestow, for the kids, festive eats from more to present the Shimmer Award to with past honorees including General than a dozen mobile restaurants Nettie H. Seabrooks, a founding board Motors, Governor Jennifer Granholm, and live piano karaoke by Sid Gold’s member of the Detroit Riverfront David K. Page, Matthew and Karen Request Room. Conservancy. Nettie’s unwavering Cullen and more! Shimmer on the River is the Detroit support of the Conservancy and

For information on sponsorships or tickets, please visit www.detroitriverfront.org.

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT “We believe in Detroit and we believe STRATEGIC STAFFING SOLUTIONS in the riverfront,” said Mary S. Messana, Once again, Shimmer on the River will be director, corporate communications & presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions community at S3. “The Detroit River- (S3), one of the largest staffing firms in the front is already one of the best places United States and a long-time supporter of to enjoy the outdoors in Detroit, and the Detroit Riverfront. the Conservancy is working to trans- S3 was founded in Detroit in 1990 by CEO form it into one of the most beautiful Cindy Pasky, and has since expanded its reach across the United international riverfronts in the country. States and Europe. But despite its growth, the company roots have We are happy to be able to give back always remained firmly planted in Detroit. to our city.”

2 DETROIT RIVER DAYS For many Metro Detroiters, River Days is the unofficial kick off to summer. th In June, the much-anticipated event returns for its 13 year with a new We’ll also have national acts location and a new look. Detroit River Days Presented by Soaring including: Eagle Casino & Resort takes place June 21-23 at West Riverfront Park. FRIDAY: Music takes center stage at Detroit River Days this year. The Detroit River- 8:30 pm Smokey Robinson front Conservancy is proud to partner with the Motown Museum to celebrate 6:45 pm Mary Jane Girls the 60th anniversary of Motown with special concerts and programming. 5:00 pm Luther Re-Lives There’s also a daily “Motown Hour” at 6:00 P.M. that features local performances for guests to enjoy. Additionally, we will host more than 40 local acts SATURDAY: performing throughout the weekend. 9:00 pm Brandy 6:45 pm Brian McKnight This year’s event will feature a food truck rally with more than 110 food trucks from all over Michigan and beyond. It will be the largest assembly 5:00 pm Notorious of food trucks in Michigan, ever. SUNDAY: As always, there will be plenty of things to see, hear and do for the entire 8:30 pm Faith Evans family at this year’s event. Favorites like the Jet Ski acrobatics, bounce 7:15 pm Carl Thomas houses, kids activities, air show and sand creations are returning. 5:30 pm Brielle Lesley For more information about Detroit River Days Presented by Soaring Eagle Also more than 40 local acts Casino & Resort, including hours and admission, please visit riverdays.com. on two stages!

3 SUMMER EVENTS & PROGRAMMING ON THE RIVERFRONT

There are many programs and special events for the whole family to enjoy this summer.

DETROIT RIVERFRONT RUN KIDS FISHING FEST DETROIT RIVER DAYS The Detroit Riverfront Run includes Don’t miss a chance to spend Detroit River Days is Detroit’s both a 5K and a 10K run/walk, quality time with your family and favorite festival and the featuring the scenic Detroit create lasting memories on the official kickoff to summer. RiverWalk and Milliken State Park. riverfront. At Kids Fishing Fest, This one-of-a-kind festival All participants will receive parents, grandparents and features an air show, jet-ski a performance t-shirt and guardians can bring their little demos, live music, sand commemorative metal, while ones to learn how to fish on the sculptures, kids’ activities, the top female and male Detroit River. There will be free gourmet food and drinks and participants in each age group snacks for the kids, free children’s more! Bring the whole family will receive a special award! games, a DJ and even free bait and celebrate the start of the and pole rental for those without summer season along the Where: RiverWalk and fishing equipment. beautiful Detroit Riverfront. Dequindre Cut Where: Milliken State Park Where: West Riverfront Park When: June 8 at 8:40 a.m. (10K) and Harbor or 9:00 a.m. (5K) When: June 21–23 from $40 for the 5K and $50 for When: June 9 from 12–4 p.m. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. the 10K (Use code “Detroit” (no cost, plus free Detroit River for $5 off your registration) Days admission pass to each)

4 SUMMER EVENTS & PROGRAMMING ON THE RIVERFRONT

READING & RHYTHM ON DEQUINDRE CUT D.CIPHER MUSIC SERIES THE RIVERFRONT FREIGHT YARD Check out a show and get to All kids are invited to Reading & The summer’s go-to destination know some of Detroit’s most Rhythm on the Riverfront! Bring for retail, entertainment and talented entertainers this year your child out to enjoy live gourmet food is once again the during the D.Cipher Music Series. children’s entertainment, hear a Dequindre Cut Freight Yard. With Every year during the summer, story read by a local community a beer and wine garden, enter- local artists get in touch with leader and take a free ride on the tainment, food trucks by Brut Detroit’s musical roots and fill Cullen Family Carousel. Thanks to Detroit and Yum Village and a the Dequindre Cut with the the generosity of General Motors, Detroit-based vendor market, sounds of indie rock, R&B, hip every child who attends will go this creative space has all you hop and jazz music. Hosted at home with a free book. need for an afternoon or evening the Campbell Terrace, this small out with friends and family. Built outdoor performance venue is Where: Cullen Plaza from nine shipping containers, the perfect place for an evening When: Every Thursday and the “Hub” is the centerpiece of of musical entertainment in the Friday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. the Freight Yard, featuring fun open air. and 1:15 p.m. from July 11 to furnishings, colorful local artwork August 16 (free) Where: The Campbell Terrace and a festive environment for all on the Dequindre Cut between to enjoy. Orleans and St. Aubin Streets

Where: The Dequindre Cut between When: July 10 – September 11 Wilkins and Division streets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. (free) When: Starting in June and running through the end of summer. Saturday 12-10 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m.

5 “What the Conservancy created is the new gold standard for community engagement. It’s being talked about by architectural journals as a way for engaging community.” – Dave Egner, president and CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

UPDATE: RALPH C. WILSON, JR. CENTENNIAL PARK

Plans to transform West Riverfront Park are progressing as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy looks forward to a 2020 groundbreaking. When open in 2022, this reimagined stretch of riverfront will debut as the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.

ollowing an international “This entire process has centered on designers and view renderings of what design competition, listening to the community and really the park is expected to look like when Michael Van Valkenburgh trying to understand what the people completed. Plans are underway for a Associates was selected are looking for in their public spaces,” fifth community meeting in the fall. in the spring of 2018 to said Mark Wallace, president and CEO As plans for the park are fine-tuned transform West Riverfront Park into a of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. F and finalized in this last stretch of the world-class gathering place. “We’re excited by the vision for the design phase, the Conservancy would park and can’t wait for the first shovels Michael Van Valkenburgh has designed like to thank the community members to go in the ground next year.” many well-known parks, including the and businesses that have supported Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York and More than a year since the winning this process every step of the way. Maggie Daley Park in Chicago. Sir firm was selected, the Conservancy The Conservancy would especially David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates is still calling on the public for their like to thank the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. will be the architect for the Sport input. On March 19, the fourth commu- Foundation for the generous grant of House and the Park House. Adjaye nity forum since the end of the design $50 million to help make the dream of has worked on projects world-wide competition was hosted at the Detroit the new park a reality. including the Smithsonian National Police Athletic League headquarters. Museum of African American History A full house of approximately 300 and Culture in Washington, DC. people turned out to meet with the

6 UPDATE: RALPH C. WILSON, JR. CENTENNIAL PARK UP-AND-COMING TO THE RIVERFRONT The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is moving westward. As projects on the East Riverfront begin to wrap, crews are gearing up to extend the RiverWalk further west, creating new and exciting public spaces and further transforming the Detroit Riverfront into a world-class gathering place.

TWATER BEACH RIVERFRONT TOWERS Riverfront Towers. This project is Construction continues Work has started on a boardwalk expected to take about six months and on Atwater Beach, the through the Riverfront Towers Marina. will be completed by the end of the much-anticipated, As construction began in late May, the year. While this piece of RiverWalk family-friendly sand existing piles were removed and new is fairly small and will only stretch Abox that is slated to open this summer. piles driven into the riverbed. This about 500 feet, it represents a very Atwater Beach will feature a floating serves as the basis of the boardwalk. significant connection between the bar on a barge, lifeguard station play This section of RiverWalk will measure East and West RiverWalk. structure and an enormous sandy 1,000 feet long and 15 feet wide. Con- UNIROYAL RIVERWALK beach. When open, this innovative park crete will be poured in mid-September The Conservancy is looking forward will be a fun and vibrant destination for and work is expected to be wrapped to breaking ground on the Uniroyal Detroit families in the summer. up by the end of the year. Once work Promenade this fall. This is an important is completed, this section of River- Since its groundbreaking in August 2018, piece of RiverWalk because it will Walk will connect visitors from Ralph development on Atwater Beach has pro- connect Gabriel Richard Park and C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park to the gressed steadily. By the end of June, the Mt. Elliott Park with Belle Isle. When Civic Center promenade. shed will be nearly finished. Additionally, complete, this new stretch of RiverWalk work is underway on the play structure PETER CUMMINGS PARCEL will feature remarkable design pieces and barbecue pavilion, and offsite con- Starting late summer, the RiverWalk and landscape elements, as well as struction is moving along on the barge. will be extended across the Peter benches, lighting and security cameras. As the barge nears completion, it will be Cummings-owned parcel, which is just brought onsite for finishing touches. west of Joe Louis Arena and east of

7 RIVERFRONT DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT GABRIEL RICHARD PARK: OASIS ALONG THE DETROIT RIVER

Gabriel Richard is one of the most visitors to get up-close looks at many shapes, sizes and colors can be found picturesque and serene destinations types of birds that make this stretch of in the garden. along the Detroit Riverfront. With its lush the riverfront a busy migratory route as Gabriel Richard Park also lends green landscape, colorful flowers and they fly from destination to destination. itself to being the site of several beautiful views of Belle Isle, it’s easy to The scopes also provide great views Conservancy events, including the see why it is so popular among visitors. of the boat traffic along the river and rain barrel workshops. Fishermen across to Belle Isle. Like the Conservancy’s other parks— love the park because it provides Cullen Plaza and Mt. Elliott numerous fishing outlooks and Park—Gabriel Richard Park places to throw in a line. features the familiar blue Improvements by the plaza and soaring white tensile Conservancy in 2014 provided structures that the other desti- for easier access to the park nations boast. During warmer with the addition of a parking months, visitors to the park can lot and a winding path leading often be found sitting beneath to the riverfront. Additionally, the shaded canopy, reading restrooms were also added a book, playing a game of during the renovation. checkers or enjoying a lunch they brought. A planned extension to the RiverWalk just east of Mt. The park features many ame- Elliott Park across the 30+ acre nities, including a small splash pad The David K. Page Butterfly Garden Uniroyal site will provide new access to that is popular among children during was dedicated in 2015 to honor the Gabriel Richard Park and allow many the summer. There’s also a peaceful long-time Conservancy Board member. more people to discover and enjoy this paved brick labyrinth that visitors like It features colorful flowers and plants beautiful destination. to use to meditate and to help find that have been planted specifically to that inner “Zen.” attract all types of butterflies. During The Conservancy hopes to see you at the warm months, butterflies of all Gabriel Richard Park sometime soon! Four nearby birding scopes allow

8 HONORING: NETTIE SEABROOKS

At this year’s Shimmer on the River, the Detroit Riverfront operating officer for Conservancy will honor Nettie Seabrooks, a long-time Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. Board member of the Conservancy with a distinguished Nettie also served as the career of service in Detroit. chief operating officer for the Detroit Institute of Nettie has always loved being near the water. Originally Arts, where she still works from Mt. Clemens, her family lived along the banks of the as executive advisor to the Clinton River when she was growing up. chairman of the board. While working at General Motors, Nettie was asked by Having known what the riverfront was like before the Conservancy chairman Matt Cullen to join the Board. Given Conservancy began its work in 2003, Nettie feels privileged the opportunity to play a role in the Conservancy’s vision to have been a part of for the riverfront, Nettie something that means so enthusiastically accepted. “I think the city should be very proud much to Detroit. While the “I truly admire Matt Cullen of the Conservancy and what it’s Conservancy will be thanking and I love what the leadership done and everything that it will do.…” her for her dedication and of the Detroit Riverfront hard work at this year’s Conservancy has been able Shimmer event, she reminds to accomplish,” said Nettie. “It’s been very important to us that the riverfront’s transformation has been a group me that the Conservancy can stand the tests of time and effort in which many people have played a role. I believe it can.” “I think the city should be very proud of the Conservancy Nettie has developed deep roots in Detroit. She concluded a and what it’s done and everything that it will do,” said Nettie. 31-year career at General Motors as director of government “The Conservancy has been very sensitive to the needs of relations for North American passenger car platforms. the residents and has worked hard to provide all sorts of She then worked as deputy mayor and chief of staff/chief access and programming to the Detroit community.”

JOIN THE CONSERVANCY ON JUNE 20 FOR SHIMMER ON THE RIVER AS WE CELEBRATE NETTIE!

9 VOLUNTEER ON THE RIVERFRONT

With the flurry of activity along the riverfront “Our volunteers come from all over the metro during the summer season, there are a lot of oppor- Detroit area and we are so grateful for their time tunities for volunteers to get involved. Each year and dedication to making the riverfront a world- it takes more than 500 volunteers and upwards of class destination for everyone to enjoy.” 5,000 hours of work to make the many free and Volunteering on the Detroit Riverfront is a great low-cost activities on the riverfront possible. way to give back to your community and also But events and programming aren’t the only thing spread important information to RiverWalk that require volunteers. From staffing the Detroit visitors. Through the Conservancy’s Riverfront Riverfront Conservancy information cart, handing Ambassador Program, volunteers can act as out fliers, leading activities for kids and answering representatives of the Conservancy. They are the questions of RiverWalk visitors, there are often spotted walking or biking along the river- opportunities for everyone to get involved – no front, passing out maps and sharing important matter their interests. information about events, attractions and the best places to eat in Detroit. “Volunteers make a difference on the riverfront every day,” said Renee Rodriguez, volunteer With the summer season just getting underway, manager at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. there is still time to get involved! If you’re interested in volunteering along the riverfront, fill out the online application form. Afterwards, you’ll be WAYS TO VOLUNTEER invited to attend an orientation session to learn all about the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and • Check wristbands at an event what volunteer opportunities are available.

• Lead arts and crafts activities for kids To learn more and apply, visit • Staff the information booth www.detroitriverfront.org/volunteers • Be a Riverfront Ambassador or call (313) 566-8207. • Set up at events

10 GIVING AND GIVING BACK

The transforming of the Detroit Riverfront into a world-class destination, would not have been possible without the support of the Detroit community. WAYS TO GIVE Contributions from the community are used to support “It’s important that while we continually reach out to Detroiters for their the maintenance, security and landscaping that are support, we also find fun, new and inspiring ways to get people excited required to keep the riverfront beautiful and safe for about the riverfront,” said Cassie Brenske, chief development officer at everyone. Here are some ways you can help out: the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “Contributions from the community are vital to continuing our mission on the riverfront, but so is showing • Make a one-time donation or become a our thanks and appreciation.” Monthly Sustainer This summer the Conservancy has much in store for its donors at different • Learn about your employer’s matching gift program levels. First, the Conservancy is hosting an Ice Cream Happy Hour on • Become a member and receive exclusive benefits July 9, featuring free ice cream and carousel rides at Cullen plaza, as well as chamber music from Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians. • Purchase an engraved brick or paver, underwrite Later on July 26, there will be a Moonlight Preview and Celebration at a commemorative bench or make an honorary gift Atwater Beach to give donors an exclusive first-look at the new space for a loved one before opening day. Finally, on August 17, donors will be invited to • Support the Conservancy at its fundraising events, Gabriel Richard Park for the 1st Annual Family Cookout featuring local such as Soirée on the Greenway on September 13 food and drink, family-friendly activities and live entertainment.

We hope you will consider joining us in our mission to provide a world-class riverfront for all. Please visit detroitriverfront.org/waystohelp.

About the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 with the mission to develop public access to Detroit’s Riverfront and to serve as an anchor for economic development. As the permanent stewards of the RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut, the Conservancy is responsible for raising the funds needed for construction, operation, maintenance, security and programming of the public spaces located along the riverfront. The Conservancy’s ultimate vision is to develop five-and-a-half miles of riverfront from the Ambassador Bridge on the west to Gabriel Richard Park, just east of the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle. Visit www.detroitriverfront.org for more information. 11 Non Profit Organization US Postage PAID Permit No. 730 Southfield, MI 600 Renaissance Center Suite 1720 Detroit, MI 48243-1805 (313) 566-8200 detroitriverfront.org

IN THIS ISSUE… STORY PAGE A Message from Will Smith ...... 1 Shimmer on the River ...... 2 Detroit River Days ...... 3 Summer Events & Programming ...... 4 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park ..... 6 Up-and-coming to the Riverfront ...... 7 Gabriel Richard Park ...... 8 Donor Spotlight: Nettie Seabrooks ...... 9 Volunteer on the Riverfront ...... 10 Giving and Giving Back ...... 11