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 Detroit 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 Detroit River- 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 Riverfront Towers 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 Michigan 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.