Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Today, Mayor Mike Duggan joined with city and state officials and a large crowd of excited residents to celebrate the completion of the Warren Gateway stretch of the Joe Louis Greenway (JLG).

The $6 million Warren Gateway segment is the first constructed trailhead on the Joe Louis Greenway, on the border of Detroit and Dearborn. It consists of a 4-acre park that sits west of Central Ave, and features a signature playscape, a pavilion with flexible community space, fitness equipment, green infrastructure, and accessible parking. This new green space was made possible thanks to a $3M grant from the Ralph C Wilson, Jr. Foundation and $3M in city bond funds.

The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27.5-mile recreational loop that will connect 23 Detroit neighborhoods, as well as the cities of Highland Park, Hamtramck and Dearborn to each other and to Detroit's nationally recognized international waterfront.

The Joe Louis Greenway is a centerpiece of Mayor Mike Duggan's "Blight to Beauty" initiative. Construction on the greenway began in 2021, and so far, more than 26 Olympic-sized swimming pools of debris and 23,000 tires have been removed between Warren and I-96 alone.

"This is a great day for Detroit," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "What used to be an abandoned railroad tracks, overgrowth and tons of illegal dumping is now going to be a signature entry point to the Joe Louis Greenway for thousands of people each year. The world-class quality our General Services Department, the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership and partners like the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is creating in Joe Louis' name surely would make him proud."

"The Joe Louis Greenway Partnership is excited for the ribbon cutting on the Warren Gateway Trailhead, this is not just the opening of a new path; we're opening the path to a future where equitable public spaces unite us, where community engagement fuels our spirit, where social connections weave our stories together, where sustainability breathes life into our environment, and where neighborhood pride shines as our guiding light," said Leona Medley, Executive Director of the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership. "This moment is a testament to the power of unity, for when we come together, we pave the way for a brighter, more connected, and sustainable tomorrow. Together, we've built more than a trail; we've built a legacy of hope and togetherness for generations to come."

Joe Louis worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of Black Americans and to promote social justice in the United States. The Joe Louis Greenway is more than a tribute to his legacy. It celebrates Joe Louis as a role model, as someone whose values can guide this project and the people it brings together.

"I wish we could express how grateful we are as a family to the City of Detroit for their tireless efforts and dedication to keeping our father's legacy alive and in the hearts of the people of this beautiful city," said Joyce Barrow-Henderson, daughter of Joe Louis. "As we celebrate the ribbon-cutting on another leg of this beautiful space, we are filled with overwhelming anticipation for the countless families who will be able to connect and create memories there. My heart swells with pride for the countless opportunities the Joe Louis Greenway will offer the families of Detroit, knowing that my mother and father are never too far away. I believe they will be with us at this event, humble and proud."

"The Joe Louis Greenway is more than just infrastructure; it's a celebration of collaboration and fortifies our communities' connection," said David Egner, president & CEO, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. "We take pride in being early supporters, from the project's inception to significant investments, and now as part of the Unified Greenway Campaign. We're partnering to ensure that future generations can utilize this invaluable community resource. With the Warren Gateway now complete, we eagerly anticipate the unity and enjoyment it will bring to Dearborn and Detroit, as our partners continue the journey towards the full realization of the Joe Louis Greenway."