Detroit Riverwalk – Detroit, Michigan
The Detroit Riverwalk is an expanding public waterfront pathway system linking major attractions in downtown Detroit. The Renaissance Center is the focal point of the walk and also the tallest building in Michigan. At one point the Renaissance Center had no physical connection to the Detroit River. In 2004 the Riverwalk was completed to remedy that oversight. Features include a synchronized fountain flush with the pavement, carousel, and engraved map of the Detroit River.
Detroit is named “the straits” for how the water narrows as it passes through between Lake Erie on the way to Lake St. Clair.
View looking south towards the Renaissance Center showing the Renaissance Center in the distance and public art with glass panels showing the outlines of all the Great Lakes while having a watery effect.
Further south this carousel provides an opportunity for outdoor recreation.
Synchronized water jets coming out of the pavement give an opportunity to cool off and celebrate water, especially during the summer heat.
Lastly, this wayfinding signage is particularly effective showing the location along the walk below, and directional signs above. Easing the navigation is the fact that everything is either downriver or upriver.