Joe Louis Greenway

Detroit, Detroit (FUA), United States

City population: 4048421

Duration: 2021 – ongoing

Implementation status: Ongoing

Scale: Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level

Project area: unknown

Type of area: Industrial, Previous derelict area, Residential, Vacant or abandoned land

Last updated: November 2024

The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27.5-mile recreational pathway designed to create safe, connected, and equitable spaces throughout Detroit. It will link 23 neighborhoods across Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Dearborn, connecting them to each other and to the Detroit riverfront. The greenway will transform a blighted, abandoned rail corridor into a park that runs through the heart of Detroit's communities. (Ref. 2, 3) This project is guided by a Framework Plan funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and shaped by extensive community input. Residents voiced a strong desire for the greenway to provide off-street recreation and increased access to green spaces across Detroit. Additionally, they advocated for the restoration and remediation of former industrial sites, which the Conrail section of the greenway will address. (Ref. 4) The design incorporates stormwater management to mitigate flooding, native meadow plantings to support bird habitats, and tree-lined paths for shade and improved air quality. The Framework Plan ensures the Joe Louis Greenway will transform infrastructure that once divided neighborhoods into one that unites them, reconnects natural systems, drives economic redevelopment, and fosters a resilient social network. (Ref. 13) The concept originated in 2007 with the Friends of the Inner Circle Greenway local NGO and became part of the Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision in 2009. The Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision is a comprehensive plan developed by the Detroit Greenways Coalition (NGO), an organization dedicated to promoting non-motorized transportation and green infrastructure throughout the city. After years of advocacy and collaboration with the city of Detroit, the project’s route was finalized. In 2017, Mayor Mike Duggan announced the greenway would be renamed in honor of Joe Louis, the legendary boxer and Detroit native who championed African Americans' rights and symbolized social justice. (Ref. 1, 2,)

Community meeting

City of Detroit

Overview

Nature-based solution

Green areas for water management
Rain gardens
Swales and filter strips
Grey infrastructure featuring greens
Alley or street trees and other street vegetation
Parks and urban forests
Large urban parks or forests
Green corridors and green belts

Key challenges

Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Climate change adaptation
Environmental quality
Air quality improvement
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Green space creation and/or management
Regeneration, land-use and urban development
Conversion of former industrial areas
Promote natural styles of landscape design for urban development
Water management (SDG 6)
Stormwater and rainfall management and storage
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Enabling opportunities for physical activity
Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16)
Inclusive governance
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Social cohesion
Social justice and equity
Social interaction
Sense of community and community engagement

Focus

Creation of new green areas, Creation of green corridors (including connectivity between urban and rural ecosystems), Creation of large parks and urban and peri-urban forests, Creation of semi-natural blue areas, Implementation of green areas for water management (e.g. rain gardens), Transformation of previously derelict areas, Post-industrial site regeneration, Transformation of vacant land into green spaces, Improved governance of green or blue areas, Establishment of inclusive governance mechanisms involving local communities

Project objectives

To create a continuous 27.5-mile pathway that links neighborhoods, parks, and key destinations across Detroit and neighboring cities integrating existing trails (including former industrial areas) To ensure a safe and accessible route for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users through protected bike lanes and well-maintained trails, reducing vehicle reliance and promoting healthier, sustainable transportation options. To promote equitable access, cohesion by bridging gaps between neighborhoods, especially in historically underserved areas, ensuring all residents benefit from the new infrastructure (expanding green spaces and inclusive opportunities for recreation) To implement along the pathway several sustainable urban drainage systems including bios wales, planted rain gardens full of native plant species, native meadows to mitigate flooding To address poor air quality, years of pollution, heath island effect by planting trees To promote accessibility for a wide variety of users through ADA compliance for those who may benefit from visual and auditory accommodations. To include the local community in the design and decision making process (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4, 13)

Implementation activities

The project officially began in May 2021 with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of physical construction on the greenway. Development is currently focused on the first segments of the 27.5-mile pathway. Active construction is underway to create new trails and integrate protected on-street bike lanes, aiming to establish a continuous and safe route for pedestrians and cyclists that connects neighborhoods and key destinations across Detroit. A core activity involves linking existing trails, such as the Dequindre Cut and the Detroit RiverWalk, into the greenway network. The city also coordinated the Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Planning Study (ongoing) to examine the current condition of these areas and make recommendations and implement strategies. City of Detroit staff have engaged businesses and property owners along the alley corridor, with ongoing coordination from the Detroit and Hamtramck City Managers. The General Services Department conducted door-to-door surveys to gather input on the proposed alleyway connection, and most business owners agreed that improvements would benefit the community. An extensive process of engagement among community residents (Small and Large Group activities—designed to enable community participants to identify the greenway features and amenities that are most important to them), City of Detroit staff, agency and jurisdictional partners, stakeholders and the consultant team is underway. (Ref1-4)

Climate-focused activities

Climate change adaptation:

Increase urban vegetation cover to reduce urban heat island effect
Implement sustainable urban drainage schemes to manage stormwater

Main beneficiaries

Citizens or community groups
Marginalized groups: Socio-economically disadvantaged populations (e.g. low-income households, unemployed), Disadvantaged ethnic or racial groups

Governance

Management set-up

Co-governance with government and non-government actors

Type of initiating organisation

Local government/municipality
Non-government organisation/civil society
Citizens or community group

Participatory approaches/ community involvement

Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping)
Taskforce groups
Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls)
Citizen oversight (e.g. boards, advisory)

Details on the roles of the organisations involved in the project

The City of Detroit initiated and oversees the project to ensure it aligns with broader urban planning and community goals. The Detroit Greenways Coalition (NGO) has played a key role in conceptualizing the greenway, modifying routing plans, and championing the project within the community. The Friends of the Inner Circle Greenway (NGO) have been instrumental since 2007, advocating for the project and helping to shape its vision. Local residents and communities have been engaged through consultations and meetings to ensure the project meets their needs and promotes equity. City of Detroit staff engaged businesses and property owners along the alley corridor, as well as involving a team of experts and consultants. The General Services Department conducted door-to-door surveys, with business owners. Federal and state governments have provided significant funding, including a $20.7 million grant; Ralph A. Wilson Legacy also provided funds (Ref. 2,6)

Project implemented in response to ...

... an EU policy or strategy? Unknown

... a national policy or strategy? Unknown

... a local policy or strategy? Yes (Joe Louis Greenway Framework Plan Vol1. and 2. (Ref.3) in connection to the City of Detroit Non-motorized Urban Transportation Master Plan )

Financing

Total cost

More than €4,000,000

Source(s) of funding

Public local authority budget
Public national budget
Public regional budget
Private Foundation/Trust

Type of funding

Earmarked public budget
Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)

Non-financial contribution

Type of non-financial contribution

Provision of land
Provision of expertise

Who provided the non-financial contribution?

Public authorities (e.g. land, utility services)
Citizens (e.g. volunteering)

Impacts and Monitoring

Environmental impacts

Climate change
Lowered local temperature
Expected lowered local temperature
Environmental quality
Improved air quality
Expected improved air quality
Improved waste management
Achieved improved waste management
Water management and blue areas
Improved stormwater management
Expected improved stormwater management
Green space and habitat
Increased green space area
Expected increased green space area
Enhanced support of pollination
Expected enhanced support of pollination
Restoration of derelict areas
Expected restoration of derelict areas

Economic impacts

Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)
Achieved generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)
Expected generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)
Stimulate development in deprived areas
Expected stimulate development in deprived areas
Attraction of business and investment
Expected attraction of business and investment

Socio-cultural impacts

Social justice and cohesion
Improved social cohesion
Expected improved social cohesion
Improved access to urban green space
Expected improved access to urban green space
Increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples
Achieved increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples
Increased opportunities for social interaction
Expected increased opportunities for social interaction
Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces
Achieved increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces
Health and wellbeing
Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Expected gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Cultural heritage and sense of place
Promotion of cultural diversity
Achieved promotion of cultural diversity

Type of reported impacts

Presence of formal monitoring system

Yes

Presence of indicators used in reporting

Yes

Presence of monitoring/ evaluation reports

Yes

Availability of a web-based monitoring tool

No evidence in public records

References

Smith Group (2023). Joe Louis Greenway. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Detroit Greenways Coalition (2022). Joe Louis Greenway. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

City of Detroit - general services department (2024). Joe Louis Greenway. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Joe Louis Greenway Partnership (2023). Joe Louis Greenway Partnership . Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

City of Detroit - Planning and Development Department (2024). Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Planning Study. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

American Society of Landscape Architects (2023). Joe Louis Greenway Framework Plan. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Fernandez, D. (2024). Joe Louis Greenway project in Detroit gets $20.7M grant for expansion. Click on Detroit, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Dunn, P. (2024). Here's how Detroiters are working to ensure residents benefit from the Joe Louis Greenway. model d media, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Gomółka, M. (2023). A PLACE WITH NO NAME | establishing an urban identity - Joe Louis Greenway. issuu, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

10.

Favenyesi, J. (2023). City of Detroit awarded $20.7M in federal funds for greenway links. Bridge Detroit, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

11.

Power, J., Koth, S., Zhang, S. (2023). Joe Louis Greenway As A Strategy For Community Empowerment: Multidisciplinary Methods For Ensuring Positive Impacts. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Download];

12.

Winn, A. (2020). Is The Joe Louis Greenway a Pathway to Success?. Hour Detroit, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

13.

SBN Detroit (2023). Joe Louis Greenway Project Aims to Transform Abandoned Rail Corridor into 27.5-Mile Recreational Pathway. Accessed on October 23, 2024, [Download];