Detroit's Riverside Park Promenade

Lying below the Ambassador Bridge at the foot of West Grand Boulevard, Riverside Park is where southwest Detroiters have historically gone to enjoy the waterfront. With 1,500 feet of waterfront and the river at its narrowest point, the park offers one of the prime settings in the state to admire the impressive freighter and shipping traffic serving the Great Lakes.

Adding to its distinct nautical theme, Riverside Park houses the Detroit Fire Department's Fire Boat, the J.W. Westcott Company - better known as the "mail boat" - and a large public boat launch.

Plans are now underway for an extensive multi-year renovation of the park. Initial improvements will include construction of a pedestrian promenade, restoration of the seawall, and creation of dedicated fishing areas. Collectively, these improvements will capitalize on one of the best views of downtown Detroit's skyline, fronted by the Detroit River and framed by the Ambassador Bridge. This initial phase is funded by $1.5 million with $500,000 from the City of Detroit, $500,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, and $500,000 from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.

Future phases will redevelop the western part of the park's infrastructure, including a new restroom facility, new parking lots and walkways, an extensive play structure, and a large picnic pavilion. Improvements are being planned so that the park can host special events and accommodate large vessels.

Top, Rendering courtesy of The Greenway Collaborative, Inc.
Middle, Rendering courtesy of Wade-Trim & Associates, Inc.

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