© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Detroit's Riverside Park expansion is ahead of schedule

Riverside Park site in Detroit, next to the Ambassador Bridge.

Work is moving along more quickly than expected on Detroit's Riverside Park.

The city gave three acres of the park in Southwest-Detroit to the owners of the Ambassador Bridge in a controversial deal last year. Detroit got five acres of land owned by the bridge company as part of the swap. That land will be used to expand the park.

Part of the deal called for the demolition of a former warehouse by late 2018. But that's underway now. 

“They were able to move the tenants out of that building two years early, thus precipitating in the demolition of the building that was there,” said Brad Dick, director of Detroit's General Services Department.

“By the end of summer, early fall, you're going to see a lot of activity, especially on phases one, two, and three of the park,” Dick says.

Construction is expected to start next spring. The expansion plan includes bike paths, a skate park, and a dog park. 

Related Content