Detroit Riverwalk Updates

Tri-Centennial State Park

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expects Phase II to go to bid in March of 2008. They believe they are still on schedule for a June start. If everything works out and the weather cooperates, there’s a possibility of it being completed this year.

Note that Phase II is from the park’s large grassy mound to Rivard Plaza.

East Riverfront Linear Parks

On October 9th, 2007, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) posted the following update:

The DEGC staff is managing the design process towards the development of new park space that will extend from Jefferson Avenue to Atwater Street along Riopelle Street and the former Dequindre Avenue right of way. These “linear” parks were conceived as part of the East Riverfront District Plan, which are to serve as features that would offer views to the Detroit River, and would encourage non-motorized pathways from the Lafayette Park neighborhood down to the Riverfront Promenade and the Tricentennial State Park. During the next quarter, the DEGC staff will move the design process into further development.

Since that time some underground storage tanks were found and there may be some unforeseen cleanup issues. While the DEGC originally committed to funding that connector, this recent discovery adds some uncertainty.

Detroit Riverwalk at Gabriel Richard ParkGabriel Richard Park

According to this Detroit Free Press article:

The City of Detroit is planning $1.9 million in upgrades to the now vacant Gabriel Richard Park.

City officials told city council today that half of that amount would come from federal government and half from the nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The Economic Development Corporation made the presentation today before council.

The city staff requests that council hold a hearing on April 9.

I’m unclear how the park is vacant. It contains is a beautiful section of the Riverwalk.

More information on Father Gabriel Richard

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