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Detroit’s State Park and Riverwalk to Expand
Overlooking the Phase II expansion from the large grassy mound at Tri-Centennial State Park
Tri-Centennial State Park on the Detroit River is all set to expand and connect with the Riverwalk’s Rivard Plaza. This much awaited expansion means the Detroit Riverwalk will be longer and will provide a trail connection to the Dequindre Cut.
The State Park expansion will actually have two parallel paths: one for walking and the other for biking. This should help reduce trail bottlenecks that are often seen on the Riverwalk between the Rivard Plaza and Joe Louis Arena.
The DNR is striving for a softer trail design. In other words, there will be more natural features and less man-made. There will also be more interpretive and educational opportunities along this trail.
And as anyone who’s been on this property knows, it’s popular with fishermen. The DNR plans to accomodate them as well after construction is completed.
DNR Press Release
The Department of Natural Resources today announced that Phase Two construction will begin at Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor in Detroit. Located on the Detroit Riverfront, Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor is one of Michigan’s newest state parks and is an integral piece of the Detroit International Riverfront.
The Phase Two “Lowland Park” project is approximately five acres in size. It is located east of the Rivard Plaza and south of Atwater Street. Lowland Park construction will include the creation of a wetland system that simulates a historic coastal wetland community, while filtering stormwater surface runoff utilizing a natural system.
The project will also include continuation of the universally accessible River Walk and shoreline fishing area, and a bike path on the north side of the park.
Construction will be performed by Anglin Civil Contractors of Novi. Construction is expected to begin in early September, with the project being completed in late 2009. During construction. The construction area will be closed to all public use.
The DNR gives special thanks to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the Peter Stroh Family, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Departments of Environmental Quality and Transportation, and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for helping to provide the funding to make this project happen.
Community meetings will be held later this year to give the public an opportunity to provide input on future design phases of the park.
“We want the community to be a part in shaping the future of Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor,” said Vicki Anthes, Planning Section chief for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
For more information about this project or Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor, contact Park Manager Eric Cowing at 734-289-2715.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.
Tags: Dequindre Cut, Detroit, Detroit Riverwalk, DNR, Trails
September 10th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
[...] http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2008/09/08/detroits-state-park-and-riverwalk-to-expand [...]