Issue 25 / Q4 / 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
I
n previous years, the welcome letter for our year-end newsletter would share highlights from another busy and exciting year on the Detroit Riverfront. We would write about the incredible photos you’re about to see of the record number of visitors to the Riverwalk, parks and greenways. We’d go on to boast about record-breaking attendance at our exceptional programs and the great partners who joined us throughout the year. Then we’d update you on the incredible transformation of our riverfront and the major progress that continues to take place at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. We’d note that if you drive down Jefferson behind the post office, you’ll catch a glimpse of the iconic animals popping up in the Delta Dental Play Garden and that you might notice the newly planted trees that went in the ground in November. We also wouldn’t forget to mention that we’re gearing up for another year of world-class programming and the ongoing stewardship of our spectacular public spaces in 2025. Before closing out the letter, we’d remind you that without the commitment of our generous Detroit Riverfront community, we wouldn’t be able to maintain our beautiful spaces, provide engaging community programming, or keep the Riverwalk and greenways safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy. That is the message we would have shared at the end of a typical year at the Conservancy. But this wasn’t a typical year. This was a year where we faced a very serious challenge that is still impacting us today. We’ve made major progress but we still have work to do.
And yet, through all of the turmoil and organizational restructuring, we did have a busy and exciting year on the Detroit Riverfront. We did see record numbers of visitors to the Riverwalk, and we did have program participation that exceeded our expectations. We are very much looking forward to the year ahead, the opening of Ralph Wilson Park, and with it, exciting new programs and streamlined operations across all of our public spaces. Despite the challenges we have faced, our team has worked incredibly hard to maintain our focus and preserve our commitment to our core vision: providing a beautiful, exciting, safe and accessible world-class gathering place for all. And we intend to keep it that way. But how do we continue to move forward and protect our riverfront and the community who loves it while navigating through this difficult time? It’s the same as it was in the past - it’s you. We need you walking along that path with us. Once again, we are urging you to share in this critical mission. Our team is resilient, focused on the future and driven by unwavering resolve. Your partnership is essential to our ability to continue moving forward and we’re asking you to reconfirm your commitment by making a gift to the Detroit Riverfront today. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Thank you for supporting the Detroit community. And thank you for being an advocate for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. With sincere gratitude, The Team at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy