Final Phase Of Detroit’s RiverWalk Underway

The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy announced Monday the launch of new partnerships and construction projects to complete the east Riverfront development. It will connect the RiverWalk to its green spaces, plazas and parks from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park, just east of the Belle Isle Bridge.

The Conservancy says the project includes:

-Substantial improvements in Gabriel Richard Park

-A complete redevelopment of Mt. Elliott Park including shoreline improvement, new plaza, pavilion, a water feature and playscape

-Construction of connecting RiverWalk and associated amenities on parcels of land to the east and west of Chene Park and the Uniroyal site.

The announcements included a $29 million Federal Highway appropriation administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation, and a $15 million investment from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

“This is a significant milestone in the most ambitious public-private development in the city’s history,” said Faye Nelson, President and CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

The Mt. Elliott Park and Pavilion will include an interactive water feature designed in collaboration with Water Odyssey, an international designer of fountains and water parks. It includes “kid activated” water cannons and more than 30 individual water sprays.

Gabriel Richard Park will get a new parking lot and pathways to make the park more accessible, and a pedestrian-bicycle pathway connecting the riverfront to Jefferson Avenue.