Gateway Park

1271 Riverside Drive West

As a linear property, Gateway Park begins at Riverside Drive West and runs nearly one kilometre south to Wyandotte Street West. It is between 50 and 70 metres wide and bordered on each side by a thick overgrowth of diverse plants and trees. A row of Japanese cherry blossoms, donated in 2002 by the Consulate-General of Japan’s Sakura Project as a symbol of international friendship, lines a narrow foot trail in the centre of the park. In 2021, the City entered into a 99-year licence agreement with the Detroit River Tunnel Company, granting the City the right to manage, maintain and improve the property as a public park.

In 2022, a granular trail was constructed through the park from Riverside Drive West to Wyandotte Street West, creating a continuous connection with solar lighting, benches and waste receptacles along the route. The park now features outdoor fitness equipment located at the foot of Riverside Drive that can accommodate up to nine users at a time, as well as BenchFit exercise signs along its one-kilometre pathway. The outdoor fitness area includes instructional signage and poured-in-place recycled rubber surfacing, and the 11 BenchFit stations along the granular trail offer a total of 44 body-weight exercises at two difficulty levels. Located at each bench, BenchFit signs offer additional exercises that visitors can incorporate into their walk, encouraging physical activity and wellness throughout the park. Visitors can complete the full circuit or spend additional time repeating exercises at their preferred stations. Together, the stations provide a comprehensive, full-body workout designed to improve strength, balance and flexibility. The outdoor fitness area and BenchFit exercise signs were supported through Ward 2 ward funds. The poured-in-place recycled rubber surfacing was funded in part through the Kal Tire RePlay Fund, which supports community projects that incorporate products made from recycled Canadian tires.

Amenities

Map Provided by Google

MappMyCity Park Finder