Urban Beach Could Bring New Al Fresco Dining Options to Detroit’s Riverfront

A new urban beach with waterfront food and beverage options could be in the works for Detroit. Curbed Detroit reports that the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s pitch for a new riverfront beach development is one of the finalists for the 2017 Knight Cities Challenge.

The proposal describes a beach park to connect the riverfront between Chene Park and Stroh River Place. Dubbed “Atwater Beach,” the space would play a similar role to Campus Martius’ seasonal sandy oasis, but with views of the Detroit River. The Atwater Beach won’t permit swimming but would feature sand, beach furniture, family-friendly activities, and, of course, food and drink.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy modeled its idea off similar urban waterfront beaches in Philadelphia and Toronto. Philly’s in particular is known for its superb food offerings, which have made the park a summer dining destination for the past several seasons.

Alas, the Atwater Beach proposal is still just that — a proposal. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hopeful that a Knight Cities Challenge grant could be the first step toward funding the project. So, cross your fingers.

• Could an Urban Beach Be Coming to Detroit’s Riverfront? [CDET]

• Knight Cities Challenge Finalists Include Urban Beach, Civic Engagement, and Activated Green Spaces [CDET]