A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
Dear Detroit Riverfront Friends,
Since being appointed interim CEO in May, my time with the Conservancy has been both challenging and exhilarating. Even before becoming part of the team, I was a frequent visitor to the riverfront, enjoying family time on the Riverwalk and daily runs on our greenways. The Detroit Riverfront is a special place to me and so many others, and I consider it a privilege to be entrusted with overseeing the organization during this period of change.
As we recover from the shock of a deep betrayal by our former CFO, we are focused on forward progress while at the same time preserving the things that we cherish most about the Detroit Riverfront. Our programs, operations and ongoing maintenance have been uninterrupted, and we’re happy to share that this year our riverfront community has been more engaged than ever.
In this edition of our newsletter, we’re providing you with an update on the important things happening both along the riverfront, and also within our organization.
You’ll find an update on the great progress that continues at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, where passersby can see the Delta Dental Play Garden coming to life and the William Davidson Sport House
towering overhead. We’re preparing the park for the next phase of construction that will continue through the fall and winter, and anticipate a 2025 grand opening for this transformational public space.
We also want to use this opportunity to share some deeper insight into how the Conservancy is addressing change within the organization. Our 4 Ps framework guides us as we make progress towards a reimagined internal structure that both strengthens us and protects the organization as we move forward.
Of course, we can’t leave out the exciting events and activities that are coming up this fall. Look inside for a preview of our favorite fall weekend, Soirée on the Greenway and the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally. These popular events will return this year on the Dequindre Cut and we hope you’ll mark your calendar and join us this October.
Here at the Conservancy, our team remains fully committed to our founding promise of providing a beautiful, exciting, safe and accessible world-class gathering place for all. Thank you for your unwavering support and for sharing our passion for these remarkable public spaces.
We hope to see you this fall along the award-winning Detroit Riverfront.
Sincerely,
Ryan Sullivan Interim CEO
Issue 24 / Q3 / 2024
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
RALPH C. WILSON, JR. CENTENNIAL PARK
Tremendous progress continues to be made on Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park this summer.
The landscaping crew has been busy spreading topsoil throughout the 22-acre site in preparation for landscaping and tree installation.
The portion of the Riverwalk path along the river is beginning to take shape from the far eastern side of the property to the mid-way point near the Water Garden.
Also, interior work continues at the East and West Comfort Stations.
Each of the four major areas of the park has seen significant development this summer.
At the Delta Dental Play Garden , concrete slabs have been poured around the tot lot and bear woodlands play areas. In the coming weeks, foundations will be poured for the last two play structures. The water tank for the fountains is also installed.
In the coming weeks, the concrete floor for the William Davidson Sport House will be poured followed by the installation of the athletic playing surface.
Site grading at the DTE Foundation Hill and open green space close to Rosa Parks Boulevard continues and in the coming weeks sod will be placed throughout the lawn area.
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden has been graded and shaped and is nearly ready for seeding and planting of trees, which will occur in the coming weeks.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy looks forward to celebrating the opening of Ralph Wilson Park in 2025.
THE CONSERVANCY MOVES FORWARD
As construction continues at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park and we prepare for exciting fall events like Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally, we are also making significant progress on reimagining our internal systems and aligning our work within the new structure of our organization.
A new framework, called the “4 Ps,” was developed to gain alignment and accountability around our organization’s main areas of focus as we recover from an incredibly difficult and challenging chapter at the Conservancy.
Each step in the 4 Ps includes goals and actions that will move the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy forward with a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
THE 4 P s
Prosecute:
As federal prosecutors focus on the criminal case, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has filed a civil lawsuit against our former CFO and four co-conspirators. This civil suit seeks to recover every dollar possible and return these funds to the Conservancy.
Preserve:
At the Conservancy, preserving the important work that happens every day on the Detroit Riverfront is a top priority. Our ongoing operations and maintenance, daily programming, security and construction will continue with a streamlined process and personnel changes that strengthen our team and focus our efforts. Karen Slaughter-DuPerry has been named executive in charge of construction, and Rachel Frierson now oversees the full visitor experience as vice president of operations and programming. Our finance and accounting needs are being led by a team at Quatrro Business Support Services who specialize in non-profit financial oversight.
Protect:
To protect the Conservancy from future vulnerability, we are committed to scrutinizing all internal controls and where they fell short, were circumvented or abused. A committee of board members and other business and philanthropic leaders in Detroit are closely analyzing and considering best practices of non-profits across the country and will produce a report of their findings and recommendations for our reimagined organizational structure.
Prosper:
In order for the Conservancy to both complete our vision of a 5.5-mile connected Riverwalk from bridge to bridge and continue to operate and maintain these beautiful spaces for generations to come, we are finalizing a new financial support structure going forward. This summer, we announced that the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan will support the raising and administration of a $35 million fund with an initial commitment from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to ensure the completion of the 22-acre park.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT
Our community of supporters are at the heart of everything we do at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
A shared commitment to our vision of over 20 years has made it possible for us to accomplish what many thought was impossible – creating a beautiful, exciting, safe and accessible riverfront for all to enjoy.
This year, we have found ourselves in a complicated and difficult position of having to reimagine how we operate as an organization, and evaluate all of our systems and processes moving forward. As we do this important work (highlighted on page four of this newsletter), we know that your support and commitment to our vision will be an essential element of our plan to thrive and prosper.
The work is continuing at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park (featured on page two and three) and we expect a 2025 grand opening for this transformational public space. The support from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to raise and administer funds will help us reach this milestone.
And still, across our entire network of parks, Riverwalk and greenways, the critical work of operations, maintenance and programming continues every day. This is where your support cannot be underestimated. This is where your commitment to the Detroit Riverfront is directly impacting the community and improving the quality of life for thousands of people every single day.
Thank you from the entire team at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for continuing to believe in our vision and thank you for being a partner in the important work that lies ahead.
Interested in wearing your support of our efforts on your sleeve for all to see?
Check out
detroitriverfront.org/RiverfrontMerch to purchase a wide variety of Detroit Riverfront gear, from Dequindre Cut hoodies, to Best Riverwalk T shirts and baby onesies.
In addition to visiting our online store, here are some ways you can help out:
• Make a one-time donation or become a Monthly Sustainer
• Learn about your employer’s matching gift program
• Underwrite a commemorative bench or make an honorary gift for a loved one
• Support the Conservancy at its fundraising events
Visit detroitriverfront.org/waystohelp
FALL FESTIVITIES ON THE DEQUINDRE CUT
Detroit’s favorite fall weekend is back on the Dequindre Cut this season with two signature events hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
We’ll kick off the celebrations with the return of our masquerade fall fundraiser, Soirée on the Greenway. Taking place Friday, October 4 at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, guests are in for an evening of outdoor excitement with circus performers, delicious food and refreshments, interactive fall experiences and the unveiling of a brand-new mural on the greenway. This event is dedicated to raising critical funds to support the ongoing operation of the Detroit Riverfront and is an exclusive preview to the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally. Visit detroitriverfront.org/soiree to learn more.
Harvest Fest returns to the Cut on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 for a weekend full of food, music and fun for the whole family. Dozens of food trucks, multiple music stages, trick-or-treat alleys and familyfriendly activities will line the greenway all weekend long. Admission is $5 in advance or $8 at the gate and free for children under three.
Visit www.detroitharvestfest.com for more information about Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally.
Scan the code for more information about Soirée on the Greenway and to purchase tickets to the event.
SOIRÉE & HARVEST FEST SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
HELP THE CONSERVANCY RAISE CRITICAL FUNDS WHILE SUPPORTING BOTH EVENTS!
Ally of the Greenway | $10,000
12 Soirée VIP tickets, 75 Harvest Fest tickets
Food Truck Partner | $5,000
10 Soirée VIP tickets, 50 Harvest Fest tickets
Dequindre Cut Partner | $2,500
8 Soirée VIP tickets, 20 Harvest Fest tickets
Riverfront Partner | $1,000
6 Soirée VIP tickets, 10 Harvest Fest tickets
All Sponsors Receive
Recognition on DRFC website, in news release(s), and on promotional materials
Inclusion in eblasts (36k+ subscribers)
Social media recognition (160k+ followers)
Signage throughout Soirée & Harvest Fest
Event tickets
Visit Detroitriverfront.org/2024FallSponsorships to learn more and make your donation
THANK YOU TO OUR SOIRÉE & HARVEST FEST SPONSORS
SOIRÉE PRESENTING SPONSOR SOIRÉE ARCADE SPONSOR
As of 8/26/24
HARVEST FEST
KIDS ZONE SPONSOR
ALLIES OF THE GREENWAY
HARVEST FEST PRESENTING SPONSOR
HARVEST FEST STAGE SPONSOR
Matt & Karen Cullen, George M. & Jo Elyn Nyman, Jonathan Witz & Associates
FOOD TRUCK PARTNER
Faygo, Matthew & Mona Simoncini, State Farm
DEQUINDRE CUT PARTNERS
Detroit Grand Prix, Diamond Jack’s River Tours, Operating Engineers 324, Parade Company, Caroline, Scott, & Jill R. Riddle, Titos, Visit Detroit
RIVERFRONT PARTNERS
Cassie Brenske, Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Marie & Michael Holcomb, Andy Ross, Bluma Schechter, SmithGroup
IN-KIND PARTNER
Wheelhouse Detroit
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