Sandy K. Baruah President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Twitter Website
Sandy K. Baruah President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Twitter Website
The Joe Louis Greenway, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and Belle Isle are key public spaces in the Detroit Region, drawing over 15 million visits annually. These greenways and parks play a significant role in uniting diverse communities and fostering cultural understanding. They also contribute to economic growth by attracting talent and supporting small businesses.
At the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, a panel discussion highlighted the importance of these spaces for community connectivity and their potential for further development. Representatives from the Joe Louis Greenway, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and Belle Isle participated in this conversation.
McMillan emphasized expanding park connectivity through a greenway system to ensure access to a Metropark within a 20-minute drive for every Southeast Michigan resident. “If we want people to stay in the state of Michigan, help in the state of Michigan, [and] move to the state of Michigan, we have to have quality public spaces,” McMillan stated.
Elliott noted that Belle Isle is already a major attraction with 5.5 million annual visitors and is poised for further growth with new projects like the Belle Isle Common. Elliott described it as creating a “world-class asset” designed to enhance visitor experiences.
These greenways not only manage environmental concerns but also serve as inclusive gathering places connecting communities such as Dearborn and Southwest Detroit. Medley remarked on their ability to connect people across cultural lines: “That connects you to cultural differences.”
Sullivan echoed this sentiment about diversity found in these public spaces: “There really aren’t many places...that do truly bring together the entire fabric of our communities.”
Greenways are vital for talent retention as they act as "third places" beyond home or work where people find community. Elliott stressed their importance: “To me, that’s everything.”
Medley added that investments in public spaces often lead to broader economic benefits like housing development and infrastructure improvements. She cited national trends showing how such investments spur other forms of economic activity.
The session at the Mackinac Policy Conference was hosted by The Kresge Foundation.
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