n previous years, the welcome letter for our year-end newsletter would share highlights from another busy and exciting year on the Detroit Riverfront. We would write about the incredible photos you’re about to see of the record number of visitors to the Riverwalk, parks and greenways. We’d go on to boast about record-breaking attendance at our exceptional programs and the great partners who joined us throughout the year.
Then we’d update you on the incredible transformation of our riverfront and the major progress that continues to take place at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. We’d note that if you drive down Jefferson behind the post office, you’ll catch a glimpse of the iconic animals popping up in the Delta Dental Play Garden and that you might notice the newly planted trees that went in the ground in November. We also wouldn’t forget to mention that we’re gearing up for another year of world-class programming and the ongoing stewardship of our spectacular public spaces in 2025.
Before closing out the letter, we’d remind you that without the commitment of our generous Detroit Riverfront community, we wouldn’t be able to maintain our beautiful spaces, provide engaging community programming, or keep the Riverwalk and greenways safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
That is the message we would have shared at the end of a typical year at the Conservancy. But this wasn’t a typical year. This was a year where we faced a very serious challenge that is still impacting us today. We’ve made major progress but we still have work to do.
And yet, through all of the turmoil and organizational restructuring, we did have a busy and exciting year on the Detroit Riverfront. We did see record numbers of visitors to the Riverwalk, and we did have program participation that exceeded our expectations. We are very much looking forward to the year ahead, the opening of Ralph Wilson Park, and with it, exciting new programs and streamlined operations across all of our public spaces.
Despite the challenges we have faced, our team has worked incredibly hard to maintain our focus and preserve our commitment to our core vision: providing a beautiful, exciting, safe and accessible world-class gathering place for all.
And we intend to keep it that way.
But how do we continue to move forward and protect our riverfront and the community who loves it while navigating through this difficult time?
It’s the same as it was in the past - it’s you. We need you walking along that path with us. Once again, we are urging you to share in this critical mission. Our team is resilient, focused on the future and driven by unwavering resolve. Your partnership is essential to our ability to continue moving forward and we’re asking you to reconfirm your commitment by making a gift to the Detroit Riverfront today.
Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Thank you for supporting the Detroit community. And thank you for being an advocate for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
With sincere gratitude, The Team at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Issue 25 / Q4 / 2024
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
RALPH C. WILSON, JR. CENTENNIAL PARK
Crews have made tremendous progress this summer and fall at each of the four zones within Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park .
Here’s a quick look at the progress:
At the Delta Dental Play Garden , foundations for the last two play structures have been poured. The water tank for the fountains at the Gilbert Family Foundation Water Wonderland has also been installed.
The cover for the large skylight at the William Davidson Sport House has been placed and the concrete floor has been poured. The playing surface will be installed in the spring.
Grading of the DTE Foundation Hill and open green space close to Rosa Parks Boulevard continues and tree planting began in early November.
Final shaping of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden is complete and it is ready for landscaping.
This fall, more than 200 trees have been planted throughout the site.
Additionally, the Riverwalk along the water’s edge is taking shape with crews nearing the far western-most section of the park. Through the winter months, interior work will continue at the East and West Comfort Stations.
We look forward to opening Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park when the entire community gathers to celebrate the grand opening in the fall of 2025.
WORK CONTINUES AT THE CONSERVANCY
As we close out a memorable but difficult year at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, we’re eager to share the progress we’ve made as an organization over the last six months. We are being propelled into the new year with a determination built on resilience and teamwork, knowing exciting things are ahead for the Detroit Riverfront.
A significant milestone in the prosecution process occurred last month in court when our former CFO pled guilty to his crimes and a date was set for sentencing in the spring. Concurrently, our civil case moves forward with hopes of recovering as much of the stolen funds as possible. We will continue to share updates as they become available.
Tremendous progress has been made across all areas of the organization, with a focus on financial oversight and efficiencies along with in-depth governance work.
The important work of preserving our beautiful spaces and worldclass programming is being spearheaded by our Vice President of Operations & Programming, Rachel Frierson. Her team has been diligently evaluating and restructuring operations along the riverfront, including streamlining security and maintenance, where we’ve already seen notable improvements.
The team from Quatrro Business Services has developed and implemented multiple new systems to oversee financial operations of the Conservancy. The structures put in place have allowed for improved
budgeting and transparency across all departments. The Conservancy has also engaged Plante Moran as our new audit and tax advisor.
Protecting the Conservancy as we move into the future, improvements in the governance structure of the organization are taking place with support from non-profit governance expert, Cindy Lott. Ms. Lott is a national leader in philanthropic studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her teaching, research and consulting work spans nonprofit leadership, management and strategy, governance, ethics, legal compliance, regulation and policy.
As we shared back in June, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation have established a funding structure to ensure the completion of Ralph Wilson Park and support the ongoing operations of the Riverwalk. This important commitment has kept construction at the park on track, and we are excited for a 2025 grand opening.
This is just a snapshot of the substantial work being done internally, both to recover from the crimes committed against us and to strengthen our operations for future stability and prosperity.
Our team, our board, our volunteers and our community remain committed to the mission of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. We are looking forward to continuing to share our progress with you in the months and years ahead.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT
Make your donation today!
Every December, all of us are inundated with end-of-year appeals from charities and nonprofits asking for donations. Each one of these organizations is doing good works, and relies heavily on support from their community of donors to continue their operations.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is no different. Year after year, we reach out to you, our community, asking for your support to sustain our mission. Your generous donations allow us to continue the vital work of maintaining and enhancing Detroit’s riverfront, ensuring it remains a safe, accessible, and beautiful space for all to enjoy.
When you’re receiving all of these messages asking you for contributions, what makes an organization stand out? How do you choose where to give, when so many are asking for your attention?
It is undeniable that we have succeeded in realizing our vision – to transform Detroit’s international riverfront into a beautiful, exciting, safe, accessible world-class gathering place for all. Every day we see the impact of our community of supporters, as families, visitors, and residents alike enjoy the riverfront —whether strolling along the Riverwalk, gathering in the parks, or attending one of our many public programs.
As an organization, we have the responsibility of caring for this irreplaceable public asset. But we cannot do it alone. Your continued support will allow us to keep pushing forward, expanding the riverfront at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, and maintaining our existing Riverwalk, parks and greenways.
We understand if this year’s challenges have given some of our supporters pause. We hope that as the months progressed you’ve seen how our operations, maintenance and programming are not only uninterrupted, they have been strengthened.
The hard work continues, and the team has taken on the challenge full steam ahead. We are once again asking you to join us with your support – as essential now as it has ever been.
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
WINTER AT VALADE PREVIEW
Atop priority for the team at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is to maintain our exceptional programming throughout every season of the year. Our summer and fall were packed with community programming that brought hundreds of thousands of people to the riverfront. We’re excited to announce that Winter at Valade will be returning for the fifth year in a row.
Winter at Valade kicks off in the new year with seven weekends full of activities including the Fire and Ice Festival January 10-12 and Winter Around the World February 14-16. Every weekend through February 23 will feature Fireside Fridays with themed karaoke and game nights and Self Care Sundays to stay healthy and active throughout the winter.
Robert C. Valade Park is a can’t-miss winter destination for the greater Detroit community. The park features oversized outdoor fireplaces, warm drinks, the Sled Shed (featuring free sleds all winter long), winter games, and all-ages fun. Grab your jacket and hat and meet us at the Detroit Riverfront!
Fire & Ice Festival
Sponsored by Bedrock
January 10 – 12, 2025
• Flaming Ice Tower & Ice Throne
• Ice Carving Contest & Demos
• Ax Throwing
• Strolling Renaissance Festival Performers
• Food & Drink Specials
Winter Around the World Sponsored by Soaring Eagle
February 14 – 16, 2025
• Winter Around the World Entertainment
• International Food Trucks
• Arts & Crafts
• Lunar New Year Celebration
• Food & Drink Specials
Fireside Fridays
Sponsored by Visit Detroit Karaoke & Game Nights
Every Sunday Self Care Sunday Wellness Classes
Interested in sponsoring our Winter at Valade Programming? Scan the code to learn more:
VOLUNTEER PROFILE: FINDING FRIENDSHIP ON THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT
Marian C. & Deborah T.
When Marian and Deborah first signed up to volunteer on the Detroit Riverfront in 2021, neither could have predicted how their shared love for their community would lead to a lasting friendship. But that’s exactly what happened. Their volunteer work has not only enriched their lives but also created a bond that extends beyond the riverfront.
For Marian, volunteering on the Detroit Riverfront allows her to embrace her natural inclination to help others and make them feel welcome. A librarian at a local school, Marian often serves as a riverfront ambassador, greeting visitors and assisting with any questions or needs.
Marian loves spending as much time as she can on the riverfront, adding, “I like watching people enjoying the riverfront. It’s a beautiful thing. The riverfront is a great equalizer. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. Everyone is there together, having fun, and enjoying themselves.”
Deborah’s passion lies in programs that engage children and families, like the popular Kids Fishing Fest and Sturgeon Day. A former school
superintendent, Deborah has a gift for working with children and loves seeing the joy on their faces as they experience something new and exciting on the riverfront.
“I like to see kids out on the riverfront, sometimes in environments they don’t usually interact with. I love the variety of activities, too. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
After meeting on a chilly day during a Detroit Riverfront walking tour a few years back, Marian and Deborah discovered many shared interests and an easy friendship formed. When chatting one afternoon, Deborah mentioned she was traveling to Mexico City soon.
“She was telling me she was going to Mexico City and I said, ‘that’s on my bucket list’, and she quickly said ‘come with me!’” The two spent a week together traveling and touring around Mexico City, and their friendship strengthened and continues today.
Both agree that volunteering on the riverfront allowed them to give back to their community while enriching their lives in ways they didn’t expect. Deborah adds “I just love it. I really look forward to volunteering. It truly is fun.”
For Marian and Deborah, the Detroit Riverfront has become a place where they give, receive, and grow—both as individuals and as friends. If you’re interested in becoming a Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Volunteer, visit our website at detroitriverfront.org/volunteers.
