View a PDF Version of the Newsletter
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Issue 13 • Quarter 1 • 2021 A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP Dear Friends, and accomplishing the tremendous engaging the transformation of our riverfront. mind, body Time to break out the fishing poles and soul and and picnic baskets and head down to Our work continues as we begin ensuring the #1 Riverwalk in America! our busiest construction year ever. As you’ll see in the pages ahead, that people We are humbled by the overwhelming our collective vision is at a pivotal will remain amount of support our Riverwalk moment in the story of the connected to received in the USA TODAY 10Best Detroit Riverfront. the riverfront. Riverwalks poll and we are grateful With trees starting to bud, plants to everyone who voted for us. “Best As we approach upcoming sprouting in our flower beds and people Riverwalk” is not just a win for the groundbreakings and significant rediscovering our public places, spring riverfront, it’s a win for our milestones, we also reflect on the is always such a magical time along the entire community. importance of public space that was brought to light this past year— Detroit Riverfront. The entire Detroit Our Riverwalk was developed by the with a 20% increase in patrons on Riverfront Conservancy team looks people of Detroit through hundreds of the Riverwalk and 40% along the forward to seeing you sometime community meetings and thousands Dequindre Cut—these spaces truly very soon. of supporters who came together became essential. to create a space that is truly the Thank you for your support. face of our great city. This national Our programs this year will feature Mark Wallace recognition is the spotlight that a mix of new and returning favorites President & CEO Detroiters deserve for dreaming big and continue to be focused on CONSTRUCTION SPRINGS INTO ACTION ON THE RIVERFRONT The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will make significant strides toward completing its vision of 5.5 miles of revitalized riverfront from bridge to bridge in 2021. he DDA Parcel the design phase of Ralph C. a beautiful getaway and fun, The Conservancy Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park are safe and convenient access to anticipates a completed in the upcoming the West Riverfront and Wilson groundbreaking months, the Conservancy looks Park for residents of Corktown on the Downtown forward to a fall groundbreaking and Southwest Detroit, and for TDevelopment Authority (DDA) for this much-anticipated workers in those neighborhoods. parcel later this year. The destination. The 22-acre park With the final easements in place parcel is located just west of will include an expansive lawn and the design stage nearing Riverfront Towers. In the coming for special events, a large completion, the Conservancy will months, contractors hired by water feature, a Sport House break ground this summer. the Detroit Economic Growth with basketball courts, and Uniroyal Promenade Corporation (DEGC) will begin the Delta Dental Children’s working to repair the seawall Play Garden. With completion Ahead of an official along the waterfront. While that scheduled for 2023, Ralph C. groundbreaking for the is happening, the project team Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park Riverwalk this spring, crews are will finalize the design of the is sure to become a popular currently on site at the Uniroyal Riverwalk, which will include go-to summer destination for property clearing land and new lighting elements, seating, a riverfront visitors of all ages all placing rip rap along the water’s scenic plaza for gatherings, and a year round. edge. This stone barrier will help pathway connecting visitors to to prevent erosion, and will serve Wilson Park. Southwest Greenway as a base for the Riverwalk and a The Southwest Greenway habitat for fish species. Once the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. (formerly referred to as May rip rap is in place, construction Centennial Park Creek Greenway), will provide can begin on the Riverwalk As the finishing touches to 2 CONSTRUCTION SPRINGS INTO ACTION ON THE RIVERFRONT pathway itself. When complete, this section of new benches, lighting, security call boxes and riverfront will officially connect Gabriel Richard beautiful landscaping. Park with Mt. Elliott Park – the last step in Currently in Phase Two of construction, the creating a continuous 3.5 miles of Riverwalk greenway will extend all the way to Vernor along the East Riverfront. Highway, and will provide residents on Detroit’s Joseph Campau Greenway East Side with safe and scenic access to the riverfront. The Conservancy Security and With the first phase of the Joseph Campau Operations teams will manage the greenway Greenway complete, pedestrians have been and ensure that it is safe and well maintained for enjoying the new path from Jefferson Avenue people to enjoy. to Robert Bradby Drive. The greenway features a 10-foot wide pedestrian and bicycle path, 3 CELEBRATING WINTER AT ROBERT C. VALADE PARK ith a pandemic impacting our entire competition with 90’s jams spun by the best local DJs, and community, the team at the Detroit Valentine’s themed activities such as horse-drawn carriage Riverfront Conservancy knew that the rides. All the while, riverfront volunteers were in attendance people of Detroit needed somewhere to pass out free gloves and hand warmers to those who fun and safe to spend some time this needed them. winter. From December through mid-March, the Conservancy W “As always, the Conservancy is committed to the health created 14 weeks of free and family-friendly programming at and safety of its visitors and volunteers,” said Rachel Robert C. Valade Park. Frierson, director of programming for the Detroit Riverfront The Conservancy helped Conservancy. “By visitors of all ages extending programming embrace the winter “As always, the Conservancy is committed on our great riverfront season with oversized to the health and safety of its visitors and year-round and offering outdoor fireplaces, warm volunteers. By extending programming fun socially-distanced seasonal drinks, on our great riverfront year-round and activities, we’ve been marshmallow roasting, offering fun socially-distanced activities, able to provide a much- sledding, delicious food, we’ve been able to provide a much-needed needed place of respite and games such as box place of respite for the community.” for the community.” hockey and curling – Rachel Frierson, director of programming for In addition to the every weekend. the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy weekend programming, In addition, for four the Conservancy hosted select weekends, the a number of events Conservancy offered special programming to keep Detroiters’ throughout the winter to support the mental and physical spirits up. Starting with a holiday theme with live music, festive health of riverfront visitors. Activities included Polar Fitness lights and decorations, and an ice sculpture exhibition featuring classes and a youth meditation workshop in which kids the work of 10 Detroit-area artists. The other themed weekends learned new skills to help with the social isolation of included a Fire & Ice festival with live music, an ice carving remote learning. 4 CELEBRATING WINTER AT ROBERT C. VALADE PARK For those unable to visit the riverfront in person, the a trip through time to learn about the historic people and Conservancy offered myriad virtual programming and online places that shaped the city. resources as well. In collaboration with the Detroit Experience Now as spring approaches, the Conservancy team is looking Factory, virtual visitors participated in Black history and forward to welcoming visitors again for more exciting women’s history tours of the Detroit Riverfront while taking programming throughout the rest of the year. 5 Spring Programming ON THE RIVERFRONT The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy looks forward to welcoming visitors to the parks and greenways along the Detroit River. Here are a few upcoming programs to enjoy this spring: Earth Week on the Riverfront When: April 17 - 24 This spring, join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in celebrating Earth Week by participating in cleanup events happening along the riverfront from April 17 – 24. In partnership with the Detroit River Coalition, there will be many individual and group cleanup events during Earth Week, culminating in the Conservancy’s annual “Cleanup the Cut” event on April 24. Those interested in participating are asked to register online on the Conservancy’s website. To ensure the safety of all volunteers, masks and social distancing will be required. Moreover, the Conservancy will be providing trash bags, gloves, masks and hand sanitizer for everyone. Rain Barrels on the Riverfront When: Saturday, April 24 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Where: Gabriel Richard Park In partnership with Sierra Club Great Lakes and MI Rain Barrel, the Conservancy is once again hosting Rain Barrels on the Riverfront! In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, this will be a curbside, contactless pickup event on Saturday, April 24 at Gabriel Richard Park from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Rain barrels are an easy way to help reduce storm water pollution, and are available to reserve online for $60, with a limited number of scholarship barrels available to Detroit residents. 6 For more information and to purchase a barrel, With this socially distanced event, it is the goal of the visit https://mirainbarrel.com/signup/. Conservancy to help provide Detroiters with a safe space to be together with their community, and a network of resources Rise Together and support to those affected by COVID-19. Information on When: Monthly starting May 13 local emotional, social and grief support will Where: Check Conservancy website for updates be provided at the events. The Conservancy is happy to announce that Rise Together will Rise Together is a monthly event that will be starting at sunrise be returning to the riverfront this year! Inspired by the Detroit on May 13 and continuing through the fall.