Partners
Our Partners are critical to the success of Downriver Linked Greenways. Whether a community, business or other entity, our partners provide financial support for various projects and contribute their time, talent, and gifts for each project.
"Our network of trails throughout the Downriver and Southern Wayne County region provides remarkable benefits and opportunities for all who work, play, and live in our region. As a proud partner of the Downriver Linked Greenways, the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber understands that our trails not only provide valuable health benefits but also deliver tremendous and lasting economic resources to business in all sectors of our local economy."
Ronald J. Hinrichs
President & CEO, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber
"Whether it’s a town trail, linked greenways, island living, or Michigan’s statewide Iron Belle Trail, what makes us a distinct, appealing destination are the natural attractions that can only be found Downriver."
Destination Downriver Detroit
"Downriver Linked Greenways trails are an essential part of our Downriver communities. With all the natural beauty that Downriver has to offer, the Downriver Linked Greenways (DLG) has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that trails and recreational opportunities are available to our residents. This helps improve our quality of life and is part of the reason that the Downrivers are a hidden gem to live, raise a family and work in. The DLG trails helped fulfill John Dingell's visions of preserving the outdoors and getting more people to enjoy the natural beauty we are so blessed to have in our region. Partnering with DLG to continue our work in creating more trails and promoting access to the outdoors is something I continue to look forward to."
Debbie Dingell
U.S. Congresswoman, District 12
"As a runner for many years, it has been exciting to see the development of the extensive network of trails known as the Downriver Linked Greenways (DLG). To use these trailways and to see the broad use of them is a clear indication that the DLG has greatly improved recreational opportunities for Downriver residents and has added to the quality of life of the community."
David Howell
Past-Chair of Friends of the Detroit River
Chairman of Friends of Polly Ann Trail (Lapeer County)
Friends of the Detroit River and Downriver Linked Greenways have partnered with one another for more than twenty years. Since 1998, Downriver Linked Greenways has helped to facilitate over 100 miles of water and land trails in the Downriver Region of Metropolitan Detroit.
In 2019, Friends of the Detroit River became the fiduciary for the Downriver Linked Greenways to build capacity for non-motorized trail planning, design, and construction. The current trail network reaches within a half mile of every home and connects millions of residents to each other across Downriver.
The trails traverse over many different areas that include rural, urban, and over 7,000 acres of parkland. The Huron Clinton MetroParks, Wayne County Parks, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, National Water Trail Huron River, and Detroit Heritage River Water trail anchor our entire trail system.
People we have worked with
Partner Communities
Organizational Partners
Master Plan
Our original plan was developed in 2000 through funding from numerous Downriver communities, Kodak and Rails-to-Trails, with assistance from Congressman John D. Dingell, State Representative George Mans, Downriver Community Conference and Michigan Sea Grant. The plan provides an overall vision for 21 communities in Wayne and Monroe Counties, distinguishes primary trail routes and local connectors, identifies potential funding resources and outlines project readiness criteria.
In 2008, a Master Plan Addendum was written to include updates on regional trail efforts and changes in funding resources since the original plan was written.
Wayfinding Manual
The Wayside Companion is offered to DLG cooperators who are developing their own wayside exhibit plan. It will help you determine if wayside exhibits are right for your project; how to define your interpretive themes, goals and objectives; how exhibits are fabricated and produced; and how to create the exhibits you want. The document also provides a template, color schemes and other DLG signage guidelines.
Downriver Delta Greenway Map
In 2008, the Fort-Visger Community Development Corporation created a map showing the linkages between the cities of Detroit zip code 48217, Ecorse, River Rouge and Lincoln Park on the North-South Connector of the Downriver Linked Greenways.