Last month, I took the kids to the grand opening of the Southwest Greenway located in the Corktown and Mexicantown neighborhoods of Detroit. We arrived later in the afternoon, so we missed the ribbon cutting. But we still made it at a good time so we could enjoy the festivities.
There were free tacos and churros from a local food truck, live music, free bike taxi rides (the kids LOVED this!), live mural art painting, and other family-friendly activities.
The kids enjoyed riding their scooters, creating chalk art, dancing with the Motor City Street Dance Academy, and bouncing in the bounce house.
They loved the bounce house so much that they jumped in it until it was time to take down the inflatable!
WHERE IS SOUTHWEST GREENWAY LOCATED IN DETROIT?
The Southwest Greenway is located near the Michigan Central Station in Corktown running from Bagley Street to Jefferson Avenue. It’s right down the street from Honey Bee Market. You can even see the historic train station from the entrance of the greenway on Bagley Street.
The greenway is a half-mile long, and it will connect you directly to the Detroit Riverfront.
It’s cool that the Southwest Greenway is also located right down the street from Roosevelt Park (located in front of the Michigan Central Station). You can ride your bike or walk from the park to the greenway.
It’s a great way to get some exercise and spend a fun day outside with family and friends (or if you’re riding solo)!
I read online that the grand opening of Roosevelt Park is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The event will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony, live entertainment, and fun activities for kids.
EXPLORING THE YARD GRAFFITI MUSEUM AT SOUTHWEST GREENWAY DETROIT
We also explored The Yard Graffiti Museum, a preserved art space located within Southwest Greenway. The Yard features graffiti art by some of Detroit’s most talented artists and it is also dedicated to late artists TEAD, Loaf, Teck9, Gasm, Astro, and Canc.
According to the Detroit Riverfront, The Yard is where graffiti artists would come down to the underpass to connect and paint. The original murals were sealed with a protective clear coat to help keep the artwork intact.
When you visit The Yard, you can actually walk in the art space. The murals are surrounded by yellow chains to encourage visitors not to touch the art.
The artwork is a beautiful sight to see! Definitely bring your camera because you’re going to want to take pictures.
I’m excited the Southwest Greenway is open now. With Roosevelt Park also opening soon, the greenway will be another outdoor space for the community to enjoy.
You can also ride a MOGO bike at the Southwest Greenway.
Sometimes when I’m at the farmers market at Eastern Market, I enjoy riding a MOGO bike at the Dequindre Cut. Now that the Southwest Greenway is also open, this will be another cool place for me to bike ride.
Plus, I can take the kids to ride their scooters or go for a walk when we’re in the area or hanging out at the Riverfront.
I’m looking forward to attending future community events at the new greenway (I can definitely see events happening there, just like at the Dequindre Cut).
Have you been to Southwest Greenway in Detroit yet?
A FEW MORE PHOTOS AT THE SOUTHWEST GREENWAY IN DETROIT
