DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and community partners celebrated the first steps in a $8 million investment to transform the West Riverfront Wednesday afternoon.
WWJ's Jon Hewitt reported live as officials broke ground on the Southwest Greenway, which will bring a natural, nearly mile-long path that will connect the Detroit Riverfront and future Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park with the Michigan Central district and neighborhoods throughout southwest Detroit, Mexicantown and Corktown, officials said in a press release.
"This really is an extraordinary time in Detroit with so much work being done to create beautiful new recreational opportunities that connect our neighborhoods to our riverfront and to each other,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.
The Southwest Greenway, scheduled to open in the fall, is one section of the planned 27.5-mile-long Joe Louis Greenway which the Mayor said will "improve Detroiters' quality of life for generations to come."
The Detriot Riverfront Conservancy has partnered with the City of Detroit, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Michigan Central, Michigan DNR and Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Michigan Department of Transportation and the Walters Family Foundation to bring this project into reality.
The Southwest Greenway along with the Joe Louis Greenway are a part of 160 miles of greenways planned for southeast Michigan.
In additional to breaking ground, Michigan Central also pledged $5 million to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for the Southwest Greenway on Wednesday.
"We're all about building a better, more accessible world for the communities surrounding Michigan Central, and the Southwest Greenway is a great example of how we are working to increase accessibility for all," Mary Culler, chair, Michigan Central said. "This greenway will not only provide a beautiful amenity and increased connectivity for residents and visitors, but as an extension of the open innovation platform we are creating at Michigan Central, it will also provide opportunities for innovators to pilot new solutions that will result in greater mobility access for everyone."
The Detroit Conservancy now sets its eyes on May 10, when they will break ground on the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, a 22-acre park that will sit on the west side of the Riverfront.
Officials said the park will "dramatically change the landscape" along the riverfront.
“Parks and trails contribute greatly to quality of life in our region bringing with it better public health outcomes and helping people connect more to one another and places," said David Egner, president & CEO, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation; the foundation committed $50 million towards the project back in 2018.
The park will feature many amenities and open spaces for activities. Officials said the William Davidson Sport House will be built along with basketball courts, the Delta Dental Play Garden for children will be outfitted with animal structures and a sweeping lawn will take center stage for special events.
The Detroit Riverfront has been voted the best Riverwalk in America by USA TODAY; the area brings over 3.5 million visitors every year.