The city of Detroit may be getting a new beach along the Detroit riverfront.
This week the non-profit John S. and James L. Knight Foundation awarded 33 projects grant money across he state as part of the Knight Cities Challenge. Detroit netted multiple grants, but perhaps the most interesting is a project for the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy dubbed “The Atwater Beach.”
Currently the group is working with the U.S. Coast Guard for a land swap that would net them the final piece of the puzzle to connect the full 5-plus mile Detroit RiverWalk. The Coast Guard has owned a piece of property along Atwater Street that has blocked the connection of the Detroit RiverWalk near Chene Park. The land has been vacant for more than a decade, now they two groups are close to a deal that would allow the walkable space to be connected — it would also pave way for the creation of a beach alongside the Detroit River.
Unlike the Belle Isle beach, the Atwater Beach wouldn’t allow direct access to the water. The project would include a sandy area for kids, a playscape and a barge for adults to eat and drink on. The current plans shared with 7 Action News shows a light display over top a section of water that would be walkable. A spokesperson for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy said that the playscape would have nautical themed items such as a Lifeguard tower built into the playscape.
Kimberly Sims, who was walking the riverfront on Monday, said she’s excited about the plans. She was showing her aunt around the riverfront. Sims’ aunt, who used to live in Detroit, was amazed at how much the area has changed already, and the idea of an additional beach overlooking Canada peaked their interest.
“She remembers when it was really desolate down in this area,” said Sims. “Now seeing this beautiful view it makes you proud, it makes you proud of your city.”
That reaction is likely music to the ears of the Knight Foundation.
The $225,000 grant being given to the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is meant to boost the community aspect of Detroit.
More than 16,000 groups applied for the grant money that was given out in this latest round of the Knight Cities Challenge. The grant will pay for nearly a quarter of the Atwater Beach project. The total cost is being finalized, but a spokesperson said that the final cost is expected to be in the vicinity of $1 million.
The connection of the river walk will happen quickly, while the beach is expected to be coming together in time for use in 2018.
To read more about other Detroit projects awarded grant money through the Knight Cities Challenge, check out the full list for more details: http://knightcities.org/winners2017/
Other communities that are winners in the challenge include Aberdeen, South Dakota; Biloxi, Mississippi; Bradenton, Florida; Columbia, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Duluth, Minnesota; Gary, Indiana; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Lexington, Kentucky; Macon, Georgia; San Jose, California; and Wichita, Kansas.
