Issue 18 • Quarter 4 • 2022
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP We will remember 2022 as a year of many successes and as a special moment in the history of the Detroit Riverfront. Our progress this year has brought us close to completing our vision for the East Riverfront. And we have made great progress on expanding our connections into the neighborhoods, which will make it easier for Detroit residents to come to the riverfront and enjoy the parks and trails we have built. The transformation of the riverfront illustrates what our community can accomplish when we rally behind a common vision. Our team has pushed every day for the last 20 years to turn the riverfront from one of the most blighted parts of our city into one of our most-beloved gathering places. And I know that you were all proud when USA Today declared us the Best Riverwalk in the U.S. for the second year in-a-row. We had many special moments on the riverfront this year that are worth noting.
Earlier this year, we broke ground on two transformational projects: the Southwest Greenway and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. We are thrilled by the community enthusiasm for these projects, and we can’t wait to celebrate the opening of the Southwest Greenway in 2023 and the opening of Ralph Wilson Park in 2024. Our team has also continued to make progress on the Riverwalk connection from Mt. Elliott Park to the Belle Isle Bridge, which will complete our vision for the East Riverfront. All told, 2022 has been the busiest year of construction in the history of the Conservancy. This fall, Soirée on the Greenway raised more than $160,000 for our organization. Also, we hosted more than 55,000 friends at our Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally. The word around town is that Detroit Harvest Fest is becoming the must-attend fall event for people all throughout Metro Detroit. In 2023, we will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Detroit Riverfront
Conservancy. And we are making plans to celebrate this tremendous milestone with all of you. We are looking forward to a year of special events, programs, community celebrations recognizing the completion of the East Riverfront and celebrating the amazing leaders who came together to turn this vision into a reality. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our many supporters who have generously and selflessly given to us this year. Thank you. We couldn’t do it without you. I was fortunate to meet many new friends along the riverfront this year, and I look forward to meeting many new ones, as well as seeing old friends during our anniversary year of 2023. Happy Holidays and I look forward to celebrating with you in the New Year. Matthew P. Cullen Chairman