Early morning rain showers gave way to sunny skies as several hundred business, community and political leaders, including Senator Carl Levin, Governor Rick Snyder and Mayor Dave Bing, gathered for a July 23 media conference to announce details of the final phase of construction along the east Riverfront. The construction will allow the Conservancy to connect the RiverWalk to its green spaces, parks, plazas and pavilions from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park.

The Conservancy also announced during the event that it was in the final stages of finalizing a $29 million federal highway appropriation which will be administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation and a $15 million investment by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The highway funds-which Michigan Congressional delegation senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin were instrumental in securing-will be used toward the Conservancy's fundraising goal.

The much-anticipated completion of the east Riverfront development includes substantial improvements at Gabriel Richard Park; a complete redevelopment of Mt. Elliott Park, including shoreline improvement, and creation of a plaza, pavilion, water feature and a playscape; and connecting the RiverWalk and associated amenities on parcels of land to the east and west of Chene Park and the Uniroyal site.

Specifically, Gabriel Richard Park will receive lighting enhancements and a new parking lot and pathways that will make it more accessible. Sustainable design principles incorporated into the parking lot will allow for rainwater to be captured and redirected to landscaping.

The new Mt. Elliott Park and Pavilion will include an interactive Great Lakes shipwreck-themed water feature encompassing "kid activated" water cannons and more than 30 individual water sprays. All improvements envisioned at Mt. Elliott have been designed to be universally accessible to those of all ages and physical challenges.

Additionally, the Conservancy will develop two parcels located just east and west of Chene Park to connect the RiverWalk along the riverfront. Finally, once remediation is complete at the Uniroyal site, the RiverWalk will be extended to connect with Gabriel Richard Park, which is located just east of the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle.