For Detroit by Detroiters: A 21st Century Park

CM credit hours for mobile workshops are awarded based on the planned dedicated instructional time. Adjustments to CM hours will not be made after the live event.

In 2007, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy envisioned extending the Detroit Riverwalk west of downtown and purchased the property from the Detroit Free Press. In early 2017, the Conservancy began transforming this space into a dynamic gathering place for all Detroiters and a unique destination for the region and beyond.

The Conservancy formed the West Riverfront Park Community Advisory Team, a diverse group of 21 Detroit residents from various city neighborhoods, professions, and cultural backgrounds. The team traveled nationally to benchmark today's standard-setting parks and shared their insights, ideas, and experiences with the Conservancy.

The Conservancy launched a competitive selection process to identify the best design team for the future park. As part of a public exhibition, four finalist design teams presented transformational design proposals to the Conservancy and its jury. A winner was announced and the park became "Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park" after the Foundation committed construction funding and support for broader efforts for long-term sustainability along the riverfront.

This workshop demonstrates actionable methods for inclusive engagement and multi-use park design. Gain practical strategies to integrate diverse community voices into the planning process.