Bicycle riders, runners and people just out for a stroll have found the latest connection in Detroit ? the Dequindre Trail that links the Detroit RiverWalk to the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor and the Dequindre Cut Greenway.

This short, but important pedestrian and bicycle path creates a seamless connection from the RiverWalk, which runs along the Detroit River, to the Dequindre Greenway, which leads into the heart of the city near the Eastern Market. As Mayor Dave Bing said at the Trail?s grand opening, ?We are creating public spaces that will attract residents, visitors and investment. The Trail is a great example of the fresh approach we are taking to make Detroit a more active, better connected and healthier city.?

The Trail has the same amenities as the existing Greenway - a paved path for bicycles and pedestrians, with landscaping, lighting and security features. The EDC contracted with Mannik Smith Group to design the improvements and inspect construction, and with WCI Contractors, Inc. of Detroit to build the Trail. The cost for the project was $1 million and was funded by the EDC, MDNRE, and City. The project will be featured in a special edition of the Construction Association of Michigan's magazine.

As part of its overall plans for the area, the EDC has also started the re-construction of Atwater Street between Rivard and Dequindre Streets. This project is expected to be completed at the end of 2010. The complete road reconstruction project will provide on-street parking to access William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, and a dedicated bike lane to connect the state park Lowland parcel to the Dequindre Greenway.

Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) said the Trail is not just about connecting Eastern Market to the riverfront -- it's about connecting people in southeast Michigan to the out-of-doors. George W. Jackson, Jr., president and CEO of DEGC called the Trail significant because it is part of an overall strategy to transform the East Riverfront District from an industrial zone to a human zone - for residential, recreational, retail and light commercial development. City of Detroit Recreation Department interim director Alicia Minter added that the Trail represents the power of collaboration between governments and nonprofit organizations dedicated to make Detroit a better place to live, work and play.