This summer, Detroit is set to celebrate a significant expansion of its beloved RiverWalk with the opening of a new 930-foot boardwalk extending west from downtown. This latest development is a crucial piece in the ongoing revitalization of the city’s waterfront, promising enhanced access and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.
Located 17 feet out from the river’s shore, the boardwalk will connect the current endpoint near the Riverfront Towers apartment complex to the area just west of the site of the now-demolished Joe Louis Arena. Although completed in 2020, the opening of this scenic walkway over the water was delayed until the adjacent land-based path could also be completed. This strategic decision was made to ensure a continuous and safe experience for all who visit.
Construction is now well underway on the essential 1,800-foot stretch of land pathway, managed by Warren Contractors & Development Inc., with Santos Cement as a key subcontractor. This section is not only functional but designed with community in mind, featuring planter-type seating and landscaped areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the waterfront views. The design by SmithGroup focuses on both utility and aesthetic appeal, aiming to make the RiverWalk a destination where Detroiters can come together.
Upon completion this summer, the boardwalk will temporarily link to Jefferson Avenue through a paved asphalt path. This interim solution will provide access to Riverside Park and further extend to the vibrant neighborhoods of Michigan Central, Corktown, and Mexicantown via the nearby Southwest Greenway. This route is part of the ambitious plan to create a 2-mile stretch of the west RiverWalk, from the former Joe Louis Arena site to Riverside Park, located just west of the Ambassador Bridge.
The upcoming Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park is another exciting development in the area, set to open next year. This park will seamlessly integrate into the new RiverWalk section, adding green spaces and recreational facilities such as the Delta Dental Play Garden and the William Davidson Sports House. The progress on the park can already be seen, with play structures and other amenities starting to take shape.
Last year, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy completed the city’s east RiverWalk, a 3.5-mile span that includes a connected system of seven parks, after two decades of planning and an investment of more than $300 million. The newly opened Southwest Greenway now connects Centennial Park to Southwest Detroit, forming part of the developing, 29.5-mile Joe Louis Greenway.
The joint efforts continue as the city works to raise an additional $210 million with the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership. This funding will support the completion of the west RiverWalk and the greenway, as well as a $100 million permanent endowment to ensure the sustainability of these vital community assets.
This year, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s work on the west riverfront is a testament to Detroit’s broader commitment to urban renewal and community vitality. As these projects unfold, they not only enhance the physical landscape but also fortify the social and cultural fabric of the city, making Detroit’s waterfront a true landmark of civic pride.
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