Issue 10 • Quarter 1 • 2020

IN THIS ISSUE… STORY PAGE Leadership Letter ...... 1 Programming Update ...... 2 Construction ...... 4 Shimmer Award ...... 6 Volunteer Feature ...... 7 Support Your Riverfront ...... 8

STATE OF THE RIVERFRONT

ear Friends, teams are tirelessly and selflessly Public spaces working every day to make sure the like the Our world has changed riverfront remains safe. Riverfront are significantly over the critical to the past weeks. Our programming team has also been D hard at work developing new and health of our In times like these—when we are creative ways for us to stay connected community. separated from our closest friends with the community. During the first Over the upcom- and family—we are reminded of how week of the Stay-At-Home policy, we ing weeks and much we miss gathering together. began a partnership with the YMCA months, we will The Detroit Riverwalk and the Dequindre to serve food to children and families see our city rely Cut remain open at this time, allowing impacted by the pandemic. We also even more on people to come to the water for reached out to our volunteers to make the riverfront as much-needed rest and reflection. As sure that they have the resources they a safe place to gather, reflect and engage. the stewards of these special places, need to get through this difficult time. Thank you for your unwavering support we have taken several measures to Since then, we have created a coloring of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy ensure the safety of the people who book with images of Detroit parks and and our mission. We look forward to visit them. hosted musical concerts for kids online. seeing you again soon on the Detroit Our riverfront visitors are adhering to We are offering weekly yoga classes Riverfront. social distancing guidelines provided on Facebook Live. And we developed Mark Wallace by the Centers for Disease Control walking and running maps featuring a President & CEO to keep everyone safe. The men and variety of riverfront routes and posted women of our security and operations them on our website. PROGRAMMING UPDATE

detroitriverfront.org/coloringdetroitparks ROBERT C. VALADE PARK During this time of social distancing, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has continued to provide several programs and activities designed to keep our community active and engaged.

any of the activities May 25, two new images will be Yoga with Michelle Moten people look forward released and available to download, The Conservancy is partnering with to participating in print and color at detroitriverfront.org/ Michelle Moten from Urban Solace along the riverfront coloringdetroitparks. Once finished, kids to provide free yoga classes. Until “Mat this time of season are on hold right are encouraged to share their master- the classes can be hosted along the now because of the “Stay at Home” pieces by tagging the Detroit Riverfront riverfront again at beautiful Milliken order,” said Rachel Frierson, director of Conservancy (@DetroitRiverfront) State Park, they will be offered online programming at the Detroit Riverfront on social media and using via Facebook Live. Conservancy. “Now with our virtual #ColoringDetroitParks. Every Friday at Noon through May 29, programming, access to fun and engaging Many beloved public spaces throughout Michelle will lead participants through a riverfront programs is available with Detroit will be featured, including the half-hour class of soothing and refreshing just the swipe of your finger.” Belle Isle Aquarium, the Anna Scripps yoga. Check it out on Facebook Live by Here’s a quick look at the activities Whitcomb Conservatory and James visiting @DetroitRiverfront. currently offered: Musical Detroit Parks Performances Coloring Book “Now with our virtual programming, access to fun for Children The - and engaging riverfront programs is available with Reading & front Conservancy, just the swipe of your finger.” Rhythm on the along with the Belle Riverfront, the – Rachel Frierson, Isle Conservancy, director of programming at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Detroit Riverfront the Downtown Conservancy’s Detroit Partnership popular literacy (DDP), Eastern Market and the City of program, has been a summertime Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle; Detroit, have developed a free coloring tradition for almost 10 years. In addition Mt. Elliott Park, Gabriel Richard Park, book celebrating some of Detroit’s most to the books that are read by local Cullen Plaza, Robert C. Valade Park and popular parks to provide kids with creative celebrities, a favorite component the Dequindre Cut along the riverfront; activities while they stay at home. of each R3 session is the musical Shed Three at Eastern Market; Campus performances by local entertainers “Detroit Parks Coloring Book” launched Martius Park, and Clark Park, Palmer Kevin Devine and Joe Reilly. April 14 and each Tuesday through Park and Rouge Park in Detroit. 2 LAUGH OUTLOUD SING A SONG

CAST A LINE

MEDITATE FOR A MOMENT

What’s Happening with My Favorite Riverfront Special Events and Programs? Everyone at the Detroit Riverfront To get kids engaged and moving, you. The brochures are available at Conservancy takes the health and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is detroitriverfront.org/riverfrontroutes. safety of riverfront visitors seriously. hosting free Facebook Live concerts Crop Circles on the Riverwalk? We will not be resuming activities at 10 a.m. on Mondays featuring either Don’t worry, there haven’t been visitors and events that encourage groups of Devine or Reilly singing some of their from another planet sighted on the people to gather until it’s safe again to most fun, interactive songs. riverfront. However, human visitors celebrate the riverfront together. Yes, kids can hear favorites such as will see a series of large pairs of circles Some activities, programs and events are “Turkey Vulture” from Reilly and placed six feet apart and adhered to the being reimagined, while some are being practice busting a move with Devine Riverwalk from the TCF Center all the postponed. Be sure to check our event as he demonstrates some of his way to Harbortown. They’re there to be page (Link: https://detroitriverfront.org/ signature dance moves. a gentle, but fun reminder for people to things-to-do/) for the latest calendar. practice social distancing when visiting There are three more concerts scheduled Here’s a look at the current status of some the riverfront. The brightly-colored in the series with Reilly performing on of your favorite programs and events: decals feature a picture of a suggested May 4 and May 11 and Devine performing activity to participate in along the river- Rain Barrels on the Riverfront – A no- on May 18. Log on to the Conservancy’s front, such as singing a duet, posing for contact pick-up is scheduled for Saturday, Facebook page @detroitriverfront for a photo or making someone laugh. May 9. Click here for more information. the free concerts. Don’t forget to Link: https://detroitriverfront.org/things- “like” the page and tell your friends YMCA Partnership to Provide to-do/rain-barrels-riverfront-pickup-only and family. Free Meals Since school districts closed throughout Yoga – For right now, online Yoga classes Riverfront Walking and the entire state in March, the Detroit via Facebook Live are available at Noon Running Maps Riverfront Conservancy has proudly on Fridays through the end of May Looking to get out on the riverfront or partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dequindre Cut for some exercise? Not The Detroit Riverfront Run is going virtual, Detroit to provide free meals to students sure if you want to take your favorite sign up now for the virtual race at http:// under 18 and those with special needs route or try something new? Just how www.detroitriverfront.org/riverfrontrun up to age 26. Each Tuesday and Friday far is it from Cullen Plaza to Gabriel until further notice, meals can be picked Detroit River Days – Watch for more Richard Park, anyway? up at Cullen Plaza from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. information on this event on our website No worries, the Conservancy has you The food distribution is subject to Shimmer on the River – Will be held this covered with a new online brochure change based on community need. fall as part of Soiree on the Greenway that lists nine different routes along For more information and the latest Reading & Rhythm – We are looking the beautiful Riverwalk and the schedule, visit: https://ymcadetroit. at several options, including online Dequindre Cut, such as “The Joe” org/ymca-providing-free-grab-and-go- streaming or hosting smaller sessions and “The Milliken.” meals-for-children-youth-up-to-age-18- this summer Want to create your own, route? Send and-young-adults-with-special-needs- it to us and maybe we will name it after up-to-age-26/. Freight Yard – Watch for opening information on our website 3 WHAT’S IN THE WORKS ON THE RIVERFRONT?

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has big plans for new public spaces and better connectivity in 2020. Here’s a look at the construction projects this year:

oseph Campau Uniroyal Promenade Greenway Work on the Uniroyal Promenade The boardwalk in front of the Riverfront The City of Detroit is lead- is slated to begin this fall and is Towers property is nearing completion. ing the way with construc- expected to be finished in late 2021. When the temporary ban on non-es- tion efforts on the Joseph Construction on this 2,000-foot sential projects in is lifted, JCampau Greenway. The first phase stretch of Riverwalk will take place crews will install lights, security camera of this project is focused on the area in two phases, starting with the and call boxes, as well as the security between Jefferson Avenue and Robert installation of the sediment cap in gateway that will provide access to the Bradby Drive. The placement of under- the water, after which construction boardwalk and marina. This section of ground utilities and new pavement is to build the new section of Riverwalk Riverwalk will not open until it can be complete, as well as the installation of will begin. This section of Riverwalk connected to the rest of the Riverwalk security cameras. During the second will feature creative design elements via the Platform and DDA Parcels. phase of construction, the focus is to and landscaping, new benches, The Platform Parcel bring those updates the full length of lighting and security cameras, and Work is progressing on this section of the 1.2-mile greenway all the way up to separate pathways for bicycles and Riverwalk that stretches between the Vernor Highway. pedestrians. The Uniroyal Promenade Arena site and Riverfront is significant in that it will connect Towers. While concrete work and The greenway will provide residents Gabriel Richard Park with Mt. Elliott utilities are nearing completion, crews on the east side with safer and more Park while also serving as another will install the marine railing, light posts convenient access to the riverfront. beautiful amenity along the riverfront. and security cameras. This property is Updates include a 10-foot wide bicycle It will also complete the Conservancy’s owned by businessman Peter Cummings and pedestrian path, new benches, vision for a connected 3.5 miles of and will represent the first stretch of the outdoor power stations, light posts and Riverwalk along the East Riverfront. two-mile long West Riverfront project. security cameras. The greenway will This section of Riverwalk is expected to open later this year. be completed this summer. 4 DDA Parcel will ultimately provide users with easy with the U.S. Environmental Protection WHAT’S IN THE WORKS ON THE RIVERFRONT? Just to the west of Riverfront Towers is and safe access to the West Riverfront Agency (EPA) this summer on a $2.5 a parcel of land owned by the Down- from Corktown. The first part of this million project that will remediate town Development Authority (DDA). project will focus on the area between sediment along the shoreline and Architects are designing the look of this Jefferson Avenue and Bagley Street. create a substantial new habitat for fish. portion of the Riverwalk and the Detroit The Conservancy is currently working When complete, the park will feature Economic Growth Corporation is taking with landowners to secure easements. a large cove for swimming and ice bids to repair the seawall. Completion is Construction is expected to start late skating, the Delta Dental Children’s expected in the fall of next year. When this year and wrap up in fall of 2021. Play Garden, a Sport House for basket- finished, this crucial part of Riverwalk Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. ball and other sports activities and an will connect the Riverfront Towers Centennial Park expansive lawn for special events and property with what will become Ralph The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy sledding. Construction is expected to C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. looks forward to breaking ground on be complete in 2022. May Creek land for construction of the 22-acre The design stage is underway for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. May Creek greenway project which Until then, the Conservancy will work

5 LARRY McLAUGHLIN RECEIVES THE SHIMMER AWARD

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is pleased to honor Conservancy Board of Larry McLaughlin with the 2020 Shimmer Award for his Directors. “We’re thrilled myriad contributions to the organization and for his keen that even though he’s leadership in the revitalization of the Detroit Riverfront. embarked on a new career path at Bedrock, As general counsel to the Conservancy from 2002 until he will still be providing 2018, Larry expertly and masterfully guided all aspects his insights to the Conservancy as an Emeritus Board Member.” of the organization’s legal endeavors, including filing the original articles of incorporation and authoring numerous As the highest honor the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy complex land transactions. can bestow on an individual, the Shimmer Award will be presented to Larry at Larry retired as a this year’s fundraiser, partner with Honigman “I am deeply honored to receive the Shimmer Award which will be hosted LLP in 2018 where he and to be included in the distinguished group of prior in the fall. Larry joins served as the chairman Shimmer honorees.” past winners such as of real estate for 20 – Larry McLaughlin Karen and Matt Cullen, years. Larry’s practice Senator Carl Levin, included all aspects of Tom McNulty, Faye Nelson, David Page and Nettie Seabrooks, real estate development with emphasis on real estate among others. finance, retail development, urban redevelopment, public-private partnerships, construction law, government “I am deeply honored to receive the Shimmer Award incentives and inducements, complex transactions, joint and to be included in the distinguished group of prior ventures and distressed debt. Shimmer honorees,” Larry said. “It has truly been a pleasure and a privilege to be a small part of the outstanding Earlier this year, Larry was named executive vice president/ accomplishments of the Conservancy and to have had chief development officer at Bedrock. In this role, Larry the opportunity to work with the amazing, dedicated and oversees the growth and logistics of all current and future enthusiastic board and staff of the Conservancy.” Bedrock developments and projects. The Conservancy’s fundraisers are being reimagined for “Larry’s legal acumen and unwavering commitment have 2020, so be sure to watch for more information about this been integral to the many successes the Conservancy has year’s events in future newsletters. enjoyed over the years,” said Matt Cullen, chairman of the

6 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MARIE MORRIS

Born and raised in Detroit, Marie Morris has known Marie spends most of her volunteer time with the the riverfront her entire life. However, it wasn’t until Conservancy as a greeter. In that position, she helps about five or six years ago, when a good friend got to check people in at events, share information about her started as a volunteer with the Detroit River- programming along the riverfront and represent her front Conservancy that she realized just how much Detroit community. “As a greeter, I want all visitors of a treasure the riverfront truly is. to feel and experience the welcoming love the As a volunteer, Marie has helped out with numerous Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Riverwalk, parks events put on by the Conservancy and witnessed and greenways have to offer,” said Marie. “I am proud first-hand how beautiful parks and public spaces to be representing my community and working with touch people’s lives. “The Detroit Riverfront a team of dedicated volunteers and staff from the Conservancy offers a variety of free programs for Conservancy who are always expressing how much the entire family,” said Marie. “My favorites are the volunteers are appreciated.” children’s events, especially Reading and Rhythm. Year after year, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy It’s a joy watching the smiles on their faces and relies on the dedication of individuals like Marie their eyes light up when they’re listening to a story, who are committed to helping others create receiving a free book from the , unforgettable memories along the riverfront. On riding on the carousel or learning a new song average, the Conservancy works with almost 400 and dancing.” volunteers a year. From staffing the information booth, handing out fliers, leading activities for kids and answering questions of Riverwalk visitors, volunteers make up the heart of the riverfront. “Volunteers are very important to our organization,” To learn more about volunteering said Renee Rodriguez, volunteer manager at the on the riverfront, visit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “We would not www.detroitriverfront.org/volunteers be able to do what we do without them. We are incredibly grateful for the time and dedication or call (313) 566-8207. they donate to us each year.”

7 SUPPORT YOUR RIVERFRONT It is during times like these when we realize the importance of public spaces. WAYS TO GIVE They are where we gather with friends and family, where we celebrate life’s milestones and where we go to collect our thoughts and convene with nature. Considering a gift to the riverfront? Here are some ways you can help out: The Detroit Riverfront is a beloved year-round destination that is visited by three million visitors each year. This scenic oasis was made possible by thousands of • Make a one-time donation or become community members, as well as business, government and community leaders, a Monthly Sustainer working together on this truly special project. • Learn about your employer’s matching The Detroit Riverfront is unlike many other park systems. Rather than using tax gift program dollars, our operation is funded by generous individuals who make both large • Become a member and receive and small gifts to ensure that the riverfront is a clean, safe, beautiful gathering exclusive benefits place for everyone. • Purchase an engraved brick or paver, As we continue toward our vision of a 5.5 mile riverfront by making significant underwrite a commemorative bench or progress on building new parks and greenways, the need for capital repairs, make an honorary gift for a loved one landscaping, security officers, staff and resources grows. • Support the Conservancy at its In the near future, the crowds will again be gathering along the Detroit Riverfront fundraising events so that we can enjoy this beautiful public space together. Until then, let’s enjoy Visit detroitriverfront.org/waystohelp this community asset at an appropriate social distance when visiting it.

We know these are difficult times, and we appreciate your consideration of support for the work we do. If you planned to make a gift this year, please consider giving by May 31 to support our summer season at https://www.detroitriverfront.org/give/2020NL1 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. 8