October 27, 2023
The Detroit News
Oct. 21, 2023
Jakkar Aimery
A half mile stretch along what has been voted the best riverwalk in America opened Saturday, drawing hundreds of people to the site to observe breathtaking views of the Motor City.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy celebrated the completion and grand opening of the Uniroyal Promenade, spanning from Mount Elliott Park to Gabriel Richard Park, just east of the MacArthur Bridge that leads to Belle Isle.
On Saturday, strollers, cyclists, dog walkers and runners called newest edition to the RiverWalk a “dream come true,” saying the attraction will draw tourists to the Motor City and allow visitors to take views of downtown, the Detroit River and Belle Isle.
“Keep it going, this is fantastic,” said John Tuba of Farmington. “This is world-class.”
“Its been a twenty-year dream to connect downtown to Belle Isle along the riverfront, and today, that dream has come true,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I am really proud to have been the mayor that has partnered for the last 10 years to get this done.”
Duggan expressed gratitude to Detroiters, the Riverfront Conservancy, General Motors and several foundations that help make the grand opening possible.
“For Detroiters, it’s been a lot longer than a twenty-year dream,” Duggan said, adding that for generations, the city’s riverfront was marked by factories, warehouses and cement silos. “With the ribbon cutting today, it’s a historic day because now, the Detroit riverfront truly belongs to the people of this city,” Duggan noted.
The grand opening featured kids’ fair rides, sugary treats, face paintings, giveaways and showcased live music from local bands.
The half-mile Uniroyal Promenade is the first successful development on the site since the city bought the empty land 42 years ago, officials said.
The paved walkway is the final part of the East Riverfront portion of the RiverWalk.
“We are not just opening another section of RiverWalk, but we are witnessing the completion of a bold vision that started with us in 2002, 2003. … We’re standing on the shoulders of a lot of folks that came before us,” said William Smith, the conservancy’s chief financial officer.
At 42 acres, the land where the Uniroyal plant once stood can fit 3 1/2 Little Caesars Arenas or nearly two Ford Fields, officials said. The large strip of land on the water’s edge previously attracted interests of many, including former Mayor Coleman Young and former President Donald Trump, who eyed it as a location for a possible casino in the 1980s.
Detroit native and resident Kim Monts said while she couldn’t recall the Uniroyal plant being in operation, she was thrilled that the “desolate place” was no more.
“Its a big deal; I love it,” Monts said, adding that she plans to ride her bike through the area once the weather warms up again.
Metro Detroiters weren’t alone in celebrating riverfront’s makeover.
“I’m in awe; I had no idea it would be this awesome. I’m overwhelmed,” said Andrea Marchand, who hadn’t visited the RiverWalk since 2006. “This will bring people out near the water for a safe, enjoyable time for the family — bring the dogs, too! Its awesome.”
