Efforts to complete a recreational development project along Detroit's east riverfront are getting a $44 million boost from the federal government and the state.
The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy on Monday announced new partnerships and a series of construction projects, including the redevelopment of Mount Elliott Park, improvements at Gabriel Richard Park and expanding the reach of the Detroit RiverWalk.
Officials say the project is getting $29 million in federal highway money and a $15 million investment by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The project includes work at a site once home to a Uniroyal tire factory.
The centerpiece of development efforts has been the RiverWalk promenade.
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For decades, Detroit's east riverfront had been identified with dilapidated, vacant factories and old manufacturing sites.
Specific enhancements planned for Mt. Elliott Park include:
- Playscape elements: sound chimes, drum seats and drum tables, wind chimes, cattail spinners, water cannons
- Water elements: water access, stream delta and water bubblers
- Landscape elements such as ornamental trees and shrubs, grasses and natural stone, canopy trees and seating on natural stone, and LED lighting
- Paving elements: colored concrete and exposed aggregate concrete pavement.
Gabriel Richard Park, an under-utilized gem along the riverfront, will receive the following improvements:
- A new parking lot and pathways to make the park more accessible
- Sustainable design principles and education will allow for rainwater to be captured and redirected to garden beds and provide benefits to wildlife
- A pedestrian-bicycle pathway connecting the riverfront to Jefferson Avenue
Illumination of the meditative labyrinth
IMAGES: Detroit RiverWalk gets $44M boost
Efforts to complete a recreational development project along Detroit's east riverfront are getting a $44 million boost from the federal government and the state.
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