RiverWalk Article

Riverwalk By Scott Bolohan Jul 17, 2007, 12:23

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Hot Trot:
Riverwalk

For so many years, Detroit’s riverfront has been ignored, at best. But with the opening of the RiverWalk, Motown is finally trying to capitalize on one of its long-overlooked assets. I decided to put on my Asics and go for a run down the new boardwalk and see what the hype was about.

The RiverWalk starts at Joe Louis Arena, and finding nearby parking was no problem. Along the railing (one of the drawbacks: it would have been nice to be able to dangle your feet over the water, although it might stop Lions fans from jumping) a number of people gathered snapping pictures of the Ambassador Bridge.

As I got closer to Hart Plaza, the sidewalk actually became crowded; there was a guy selling his artwork, there were lines for the Detroit Princess, and as the People Mover roared (OK, maybe screeched) overhead, I felt like I was in the heart of a bustling city.

Approaching the RenCen, there were little fountains of water shooting up and children ran through them. Everywhere I looked there seemed to be families out for a walk. On the steps of the RenCen, I saw three guys from Warren skateboarding — their city has recently banned the sport. “They usually just let us skate, the people are really friendly,” Dan Nickles said of the group's downtown outings. “They don’t give us a lot of shit. Every now and then you get one cop that wants you to clear out, that’s about it. Four already came by and they didn’t even say anything.”

I reached Rivard Plaza, featuring the new carousel. Marilyn Hines from Detroit was waiting for her kids to get tickets to ride. “It’s my first time since they did the RiverWalk, I love it. I like to see the different cultures and everyone can come down here and enjoy it.”

People were sitting in the shade of the pavilion, while others were wandering on a giant map of the Detroit and Windsor area on the ground. Jack Eggleston, on his lunch break, was one of these people: “I thought about sitting in the office, but it was too nice outside to stay in for lunch.”

I started back on my run, only to find a chain link fence and a barren landscape in front of me. I thought the route was supposed to be 3.5 miles long, but it had only felt like a couple of minutes running. I went and talked to a shirtless, tattooed guy named Mark from St. Clair Shores, who was in his 60s. He bikes along the RiverWalk at least twice a week. Apparently, they haven’t finished connecting the path, but there were new sections built down Atwater. Leery of trusting a shirtless old dude, I went to the information desk, and sure enough, it was true.

Past Tri-Centennial Park, where the Boblo Boat is docked, and just beyond Chene Park, the trail started again. There was hardly any foot traffic, the pathway was wide and there were even some bike paths — ideal for running. I got pretty close to the Belle Isle Bridge before running into yet another dead end and I called it a day.

The RiverWalk, although very disjointed and sometimes maze-like, really gave a new feel to the city. I didn’t talk to one person who had anything negative to say about it. It seems like Detroit has done something right here.

Here’s hoping they finish what they started. | RDW