Issue 8 • Summer 2019
SUMMER ON THE RIVERFRONT
e are thrilled that so Every Yoga and Tai Chi class was There is still many of you have packed to capacity, including three time to visit joined us on the Detroit sold-out Moonlight Yoga sessions. the Dequindre Riverfront this summer. Over 400 kids discovered the joy of Cut Freight WOur plazas have been packed with Reading and Rhythm every Thursday Yard or listen kids, families, dogs, and joggers and Friday. And close to 1,200 seniors to some music venturing down to the riverfront to visited the riverfront each week during at the Campbell enjoy cool breezes and beautiful views the DMC Riverwalkers program. Terrace of the Detroit River. The Detroit River- Performance front continues to be a diverse gathering All the while, our incredible team has Series. And, fall place where our entire community been working hard to create new and favorites return with Soirée on the comes together. exciting spaces along the riverfront. Greenway on September 13 and We saw construction begin on the HarvestFest on October 26. This summer we broke records. Joseph Campau Greenway project and Your support makes all of this possible. More than 200,000 people attended the addition of a boardwalk across Thank you for visiting the riverfront Detroit River Days at West Riverfront the Riverfront Towers property. In the this summer and for supporting the Park. For many, this was the first time coming weeks, we will celebrate the Conservancy all year. that they had experienced the future site grand opening of Robert C. Valade of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. Park—formerly known as Atwater I hope to see you soon along the Beach—which features a giant sandbox riverfront. We also enjoyed a record turnout and play area for kids, drinks on the first of almost 1,300 participants for our ever riverfront barge and great food in Mark Wallace Riverfront Run. We had our largest the shed area off Atwater Street. President & CEO ever Fishing Fest with 800 attendees. SOIRÉE ON THE GREENWAY A sense of mystery and whimsy will again fill the air throughout the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s popular Soirée on the Greenway returns Friday the 13th of September from 6 to 10 p.m. At this full moon masquerade and fundraiser, guests are encouraged to come masked and dressed to impress for an unforgettable evening under the stars.
The event will feature unique food, drink, and interactive art, including fall flavors from local food trucks YumVillage, Tres Leches ‘N Snacks and TruckShuka, a Build Your Own Bon activity by local chocolatiers Bon Bon Bon, pedal-powered animal bikes by Detroit artist Juan Martinez, palm readings from Boston Tea Room, and our first 100 guests will receive complimentary one-of-a-kind masks created by artists from across the country, thanks to our Mask Sponsor Ford Motor “Citizens Bank is proud to again Company. As during last year’s event, there will also be numerous surprises in store for guests. serve as presenting sponsor for Soirée on the Greenway. The work Soirée is presented by Citizens Bank - the event’s most prominent sponsor. Funds raised from Soirée will provide that the Conservancy is doing along the Conservancy with much-needed financial support that the riverfront is crucial to boosting is used to preserve the Dequindre Cut as a safe, lively and the economic vitality of the Detroit beautiful destination for visitors. community and their efforts are bringing together people from all For information on Soirée sponsorship opportunities corners of the city.” or tickets, please contact [email protected] – Rick Hampson, President of Citizens Bank, Michigan or 313-566-8215 or visit detroitriverfront.org/soiree.
2 LOOKING BACK AT SHIMMER 2019
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Riverfront remains a beautiful, clean live screen printing demonstrations. th celebrated the start of summer at its 9 and safe place for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, Eastern Market’s Signal annual Shimmer on the River June 20 This year’s Shimmer event tapped into Return was at the event with an antique at West Riverfront Park. Rain showers Detroit’s musical roots and signature Mo- letter press in which guests could print throughout the day didn’t dampen town vibe. The evening featured a number their own Detroit Riverfront keepsake. the festive atmosphere as more than of classic and new Detroit favorites – The rainy weather didn’t keep more 700 people attended the event and including an unforgettable performance than 500 guests from attending the helped raise over $200,000 for the by The Four Tops and live piano karaoke VIP reception either, in which the Conservancy. This year’s Shimmer was from Sid Gold’s Request Room. Conservancy recognized Nettie H. again supported by Strategic Staffing Seabrooks with its highest honor, the Solutions. S3 has supported Shimmer In addition to fun games for the kids Shimmer Award. Nettie is a founding since the very first event in 2011. and delicious eats from more than a dozen Detroit-based for trucks, guests board member of the Detroit Riverfront The money raised from Shimmer will were also able to choose their design Conservancy and has demonstrated be used to ensure that the Detroit steadfast leadership to the organization for either a pennant or a tote bag during for more than 16 years.
3 EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING ON THE RIVERFRONT There’s still time to visit the Detroit Riverfront for a special event or program this summer.
ROBERT C. VALADE PARK CANINE TO FIVE CAMPBELL TERRACE OPENING PACK WALK PERFORMANCE SERIES Join us for the grand opening Bring your favorite four-legged Every year during the summer, of the Detroit riverfront’s newest canine companion for a fun walk Detroit’s local artists delve into park and latest go-to destination: along the beautiful riverfront. It’s the musical roots of the city and Robert C. Valade Park. a great way to make friends of the host free concerts at the Campbell Memorial Terrace on the Dequindre Where: 2670 Atwater Street human and the canine variety. Cut. There are many great artists Where: Cullen Plaza When: TBD This Fall still in the lineup for this summer, When: Every Sunday – so come out to the Terrace to May – October at 10:30 a.m. enjoy hip hop, indie rock, R&B or jazz music in the open air.
Where: The Campbell Memorial Terrace on the Dequindre Cut near the Lafayette Street entrance
When: Every Wednesday through September 11 at 7 p.m. (free)
4 EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING ON THE RIVERFRONT
DXF RIVERFRONT SOIRÉE ON THE GREENWAY SMOKE ON THE RIVER WALKING TOURS Put on your favorite costume or Cigar and music lovers alike can Is it your first time visiting the mask for a magical evening raising mingle on the riverfront at riverfront? Get to know all the funds to support the riverfront. Detroit’s first-ever cigar festival. best that the Detroit International Proceeds from Soirée are used Guests will have the chance to Riverfront has to offer with the to sustain the riverfront as a safe, receive and sample more than 14 Detroit Experience Factory (DXF). clean and beautiful destination cigar brands while taking in the On this walking tour, you’ll take in for everyone to enjoy. This year’s beauty of the Detroit River. the sights and get to know the event will feature delicious eats Sponsored by Soaring Eagle riverfront on a personal basis. from popular food trucks, as well Casino & Resort, the event will as local beer and hard seltzers. include first-rate entertainment, Where: Tours begin at including a casino gaming tent Cullen Plaza Where: The Dequindre Cut and live musical performances by Freight Yard When: The second and fourth Ben Sharkey, La Trio Escobar, Sundays of the month through When: Friday, September 13 313 The Live Experience and September 22. Tour begins from 6 to 10 p.m. Sky Covington. Attendees will promptly at 2 p.m. (free) also have the chance to sip specialty cocktails and libations while enjoying fabulous food from some of the hottest Detroit food trucks.
Where: West Riverfront Park
When: Saturday, September 28 from 2 to 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit SmokeOnTheRiverDetroit.com.
5 ROBERT C. VALADE PARK: AN OASIS ON THE RIVERFRONT
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Michigan Department of Transportation, Conservancy leadership believes that announced on August 22 that the newest the Knight Foundation and the William the park will quickly become one of the public space along the riverfront will Davidson Foundation. most popular destinations along the be known as Robert C. Valade Park Since the groundbreaking last year, riverfront when it opens. when it opens to the public this fall. The construction has progressed steadily. “Robert C. Valade Park will be a short park’s name celebrates native Detroiter Crews are currently putting the finishing 10-minute walk away from other popular and former Carhartt, Inc. Chairman and touches on the park. destinations like Mt. Elliott Park and CEO Robert C. Valade, and is in recog- Located just east of the Aretha Franklin Cullen Plaza,” said Mark Wallace, nition of a gift to the Detroit Riverfront Amphitheatre along Atwater Street, president and CEO of the Detroit River- Conservancy from the Molly and Mark Robert C. Valade Park will feature a sandy front Conservancy. “We envision it Valade Family Fund. beach, Detroit’s only floating bar, picnic being a beachfront oasis right in the Formerly known as Atwater Beach, the areas, a large shed for food and program- heart of downtown Detroit where park is located in the East Riverfront ming, and a large playground for the kids. families can have fun, and where neighborhood Detroiters and at 2670 Atwater visitors can come Street. “We envision it being a beachfront oasis right in the together to enjoy heart of downtown Detroit where families can have The Conser- the riverfront.” fun, and where Detroiters and visitors can come vancy officially The opening of the broke ground together to enjoy the riverfront.” park brings the on the project in – Mark Wallace, president and CEO, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Conservancy one August of 2018 step closer to the at a ceremony completion of the attended by more East Riverfront, than 300 people, which is a huge including officials step in the non- from the City profit’s ultimate of Detroit, the goal of developing 6 ROBERT C. VALADE PARK: AN OASIS ON THE RIVERFRONT
five-and-a-half miles of riverfront from Conservancy. “We would especially the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel like to thank the Molly and Mark Valade Richard Park. It is an accomplishment Family Fund, as well as the Knight worth celebrating, and for which there Foundation and the William Davidson are many people to thank. Foundation, for their generosity and “A great number of groups and indi- support in making this park a reality.” viduals have contributed their time, More details on the opening of Robert talents and resources to the project,” C. Valade Park are coming soon. said Cassie Brenske, chief development officer at the Detroit Riverfront
7 WHAT’S NEW ON THE RIVERFRONT A significant amount of transformational construction has been happening along the riverfront this summer. As construction crews work toward completing the East Riverfront and begin making significant progress heading west, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is looking forward to opening new and innovative spaces for the whole community to enjoy!
IVERFRONT TOWERS JOSEPH CAMPAU GREENWAY UNIROYAL RIVERWALK Work has been under- The City of Detroit broke ground on The Conservancy is excited to begin way since early June the Joseph Campau Greenway in early work on the Uniroyal Promenade this constructing a boardwalk June, renovating an existing path that fall. This much-anticipated part of the along the Riverfront Towers will soon provide east side residents RiverWalk is significant because it Rproperty that will ultimately connect with safer and more convenient access will connect Gabriel Richard Park and the Civic Center Promenade with to the riverfront. The first phase of the Mt. Elliott Park with Belle Isle. When Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. project is located between Jefferson finished, this property will be another Over the past month, parts of the old Avenue and Robert Bradbury Drive gem on the riverfront, featuring marina were removed to provide access and will be complete this fall. Once interesting design elements and land- for cranes and workers on barges to fully complete, the 1.2-mile path will scaping, as well as benches, lighting better navigate the work site. In recent stretch from Jefferson Avenue to and security cameras. weeks, numerous pilings to support the Vernor Highway. boardwalk have been driven into the Before the transformation, the riverbed. Within the next few weeks, pathway was in poor repair and framework for the boardwalk will begin was greatly underused. Renovations taking shape. The project is slated for include the installation of a 10-foot completion at the end of 2019. wide path for pedestrians and Also in the coming weeks, crews cyclists, benches, outdoor power will begin working on extending the stations, security cameras, beautiful RiverWalk along property owned by landscaping, and play and recreation businessman Peter Cummings. This opportunities. Once the pathway crucial piece of property is located opens, the Conservancy will manage between Joe Louis Arena and the space, providing security and Riverfront Towers. maintenance for the greenway.
8 “To have a space like this where we can link arms and come together is a huge win for all of us.” IN THE SPOTLIGHT: – Margaret Trimer, director of communications and corporate citizenship at Delta Dental DELTA DENTAL of Michigan
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is excited to partner “This space will engage families in fun and healthy activities with Delta Dental of Michigan, a dental health provider that for decades to come and help us achieve our purpose of serves more than six million people across Michigan and the building healthy, smart, vibrant communities.” Detroit area. For Delta Dental, this playground is more than just a gathering This past May, Delta Dental made a generous $5 million gift place for families and an inclusive space for children – it is a to help build a five-acre playground along the Detroit River. statement to the health community. As more than a play- The playground, which will be named the Delta Dental Play ground, it is a space that they hope will engage other health Garden, will be a part of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial partners through year-round activities and draw attention to Park when it opens in 2022. health-related issues in the community. “We see the economic revitalization that has happened in “We want for the conversation among health providers to be the City of Detroit over the last decade as an opportunity to positive, collaborative and driven among our community,” give back and to live, work and play on the riverfront,” said said Margaret Trimer. “To have a space like this where we Margaret Trimer, director of communications and corporate can link arms and come together is a huge win for all of us.” citizenship at Delta Dental of Michigan. Construction on the Delta Dental Play Garden will begin in The playground will be designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh 2020, with the grand opening slated for 2022. Associates and will feature a 20-foot bear play structure and other structures that will be designed to look like otters, beavers and a dragon. As part of the design process of the play garden, the Conservancy and designers consulted with children from the Detroit area for inspiration. The park will also boast a swimming cove that can be used as a skating rink during the winter months and a Sport House featuring two basketball courts. The Sport House can also be used for rollerskating and for programs and special events. “We believe that Delta Dental must be a force for good in the region every day,” said Goran Jurkovic, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
9 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: CLEATRICE GRIGSBY
Cleatrice Grigsby moved to Detroit with her family difference. Even if you don’t know the language, when she was a little girl. She grew up in the city somehow you can communicate.” and has always loved being on the riverfront. In Cleatrice worked in the Renaissance Center in May 2012, Cleatrice attended her first volunteer event the 70s. Now that she’s retired, the downtown with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy: setting up Detroit resident says the riverfront is a place where for and registering kids for the Fishing Fest. Ever she finds serenity, and where she loves to share since then, she has been a regular volunteer, helping that with the people she meets. “Whenever there with most every event, the RiverWalkers program is something on my mind, I’ll go to the riverfront, and serving as a Riverfront Ambassador. watch the water and try to clear everything out. No matter what she is doing on the riverfront on It’s like I’m throwing my problems in the water and any given day, meeting new people and telling letting them float on down the Detroit River,” said them about Detroit is Cleatrice’s favorite part of Cleatrice. “I just want other people to see Detroit volunteering. “I can’t remember meeting anybody and the riverfront like I do.” on the riverfront who wasn’t friendly,” she said. Every year the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy “When you give them that smile, it makes a relies on the dedication of individuals like Cleatrice. If you’re interested in volunteering, fill out the online application form at the WAYS TO VOLUNTEER Conservancy’s website. Later you’ll be invited • Check wristbands at an event to attend an orientation session to learn more about the Conservancy and the volunteer • Lead arts and crafts activities for kids opportunities available. • Staff the information booth To learn more and apply, visit • Become a Riverfront Ambassador www.detroitriverfront.org/volunteers • Set up at events or call (313) 566-8207.
10 YOUR IMPACT: REVITALIZING THE RIVERFRONT
The transformation of the Detroit International Riverfront has been the WAYS TO GIVE result of incredible community collaboration. As development continues, Considering a gift to the riverfront? Here are some ways you can help out: more than 300,000 people are expected to turn out for events and programming this summer - meaning the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy • Make a one-time donation or become a Monthly Sustainer needs your help now more than ever. • Learn about your employer’s “Contributions from the community are critical to achieving the Conservancy’s matching gift program goal of a 5.5 mile revitalized riverfront, but they also help to maintain the • Become a member and receive everyday operations that keep our public spaces safe and beautiful,” exclusive benefits said Cassie Brenske, chief development officer at the Detroit Riverfront • Purchase an engraved brick or paver, underwrite a commemorative Conservancy. “As we continue to ask for the community’s support, it is bench or make an honorary gift for important that we also find ways to thank donors and celebrate the impact a loved one of gifts to the riverfront.” • Support the Conservancy at its fundraising events
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 Mark Wallace ...... 1 Soirée on the Greenway ...... 2 Looking Back at Shimmer 2019 ...... 3 Events and Programming ...... 4 Robert C. Valade Park ...... 6 What’s New on the Riverfront ...... 8 In the Spotlight: Delta Dental ...... 9 Volunteer Spotlight ...... 10 Annual Fund Support ...... 11