New Fit Park Latest Step in Revitalization of Dequindre Cut Greenway
Jacqueline Officer
| 2 min read
What is now known as the Dequindre Cut Greenway is an interesting chapter in Detroit’s history. After a long process of revitalization, in recent years this strip of land has produced many great attractions for Detroit residents, such as the brand new Fit Park.
More than 100 years ago, rail lines were built to connect passengers and industries across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Headquartered in Detroit, the Grand Trunk Western Railroad was vital to the progression of the automotive industry and to the prosperity of the Motor City as a whole.
When the car industry collapsed, the need for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad started to decline. Slowly but surely the rail service stopped for business. After the 3.5-mile pathway that once housed the railroad was sold, the area was left abandoned. The space was covered by overpasses, making it a destination for graffiti artists looking for a blank canvas. The abandonment lead to some of the most influential street art pieces the city of Detroit has ever seen.
By the early 2000s the Greenways Initiative and the Downtown Detroit Partnership came together to create what the public now recognizes as the Dequindre Cut Greenway. The revitalization and reconstruction began soon after the partnership started. Since the need for maintenance and attention was essential for the progression of the Greenway, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy stepped in and completed the task.
Over time and after much hard work, the Dequindre Cut was finally open to the public in 2009. As it is still in the reconstruction phases, the Greenway offers pedestrians a direct path to the Riverfront, Eastern Market and many of the residential neighborhoods in between. The trail is beginning to bring many people to the city and showcases just a portion of the true beauty Detroit has to offer. This space has been transformed into a scenic route for runners, walkers, and bikers to enjoy and also showcases pieces of the original graffiti art masterpieces.
Some activities to enjoy on The Dequindre Cut Greenway include:
- Biking
- Jogging
- Running
- Walking
- Exercising your dog
- Using the brand new Fit Park
Have you visited the Dequindre Cut Greenway? Let us know by leaving us a comment.
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Photo Credit: Rex Roof
