Successful Programming Initiatives Contribute to Busy Year
Thursday, December 18, 2014
December 18, 2014 [DETROIT] - A diverse offering of programming and special events this summer ensured that the riverfront was alive with activity. With everything from special events a Special events, family-friendly and environmental programming, health and wellness programs and arts and cultural initiatives all combined to make the riverfront a vibrant and active world-class gathering place this year.
In addition to recurring programs such as DMC RiverWalkers, Run This Town, sand volleyball and our popular Riverfront Canine Club, the Conservancy started a few new exciting initiatives in 2014 along with our generous partners.
Among the highlights:
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Our successful partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan promoted a healthy lifestyle to participants through a series of initiatives that included free weekly Yoga and T’ai Chi classes, a 5K/10K Riverfront Run, “Walk the RiverWalk Wednesdays” and other initiatives.
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Additionally, our partners at the PNC Foundation supported monthly “Sustainable Saturdays” offerings, which included the Kids Fishing Fest, two rain barrel workshops, an environmental expo and a free fishing clinic on the west riverfront.
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The “Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront” literacy program made possible by the generosity of the GM Foundation, grew in popularity this year, serving nearly 4,000 children and their families. The program fosters a love of reading among participants, so children received a book of their own to take home after each session.
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Detroit’s unofficial kick off to summer, our eighth annual GM River Days drew more than 150,000 visitors to the riverfront this summer.
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To celebrate the official grand opening of the West RiverWalk, several hundred guests joined the Conservancy for an afternoon featuring live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden and family activities on Saturday, October 4.
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On October 19, 50,000 runners and spectators took to the streets of Windsor and Detroit for the Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank Marathon. The Conservancy once again set up a 25-mile marker “cheering station” with a sound system playing tunes selected to encourage the runners during the final mile of the race.
The Programming team is hard at work to ensure 2015 provides an engaging, diverse and creative programming roster that is designed to draw even more visitors to our beautiful riverfront.