THE RIVER TRULY RUNS THROUGH IT! The “Happenings in the Ville” theme continues as we note our Community’s history-making event of Daylighting the River at the Downs this past Wednesday. The river saw the sunlight in its entirety for the first time since last century, when it was placed underground to create space for the largest fair in the State (Wayne County Fair till 1944). It was an exciting event, watching the water flow into its new channel, bordered with rocks, preparing it for the 1200 trees which are starting to be planted.
We will take a look at this and other activities in the Northville area in my letter today. And REMEMBER, only a few more weeks left of summer … take advantage and walk, jog, or bike along our water pathways to stay cool as the season winds down.
Before looking at River activities this week, let’s see today’s happenings:
- Declan Carter Victory Run – Saturday, 9/6 – Inaugural downtown event benefits the Declan Carter Foundation / Ford Field playground and OLV Athletics. Link
- Mill Race Village is open Sundays, 1-4 PM – Stroll the bricked lane, visit the blooming gardens and historic buildings.
- Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Chamber/DDA Link, Maybury Link, Marquis Link, Northville Winery Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link, Tipping Point Theatre Link
- City News Footage – The Rouge River sees sunlight for the first time since last Century at the Downs. Link
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 8/21, 7:00 PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
- Cemetery Restoration Mtg – 9/8, 7:00 PM City Hall (David Marold – Chair)
INFO FOR CITIZENS …
Projects Around Town
- Ford Field – Phase I:Experience the Waterfall system. Phase II: DTE infrastructure completing, and the vista location foundation work has begun on this new placemaking area, a great place to watch the sunrise over the park. New playscape plans were presented at the public gathering last Saturday, and bathrooms are planned for 2026.
- Riverwalk – The River started flowing above ground this week at the Downs. Trees were being placed, bridge abutments built, rocks and timbers placed in the riverbanks (for erosion avoidance), and the opening of the River (above ground) was this past week’s highlight.
- Downs Initiative – Infrastructure continues ... Sales offices being readied, Wayne County Roundabout on Sheldon/7 Mile construction beginning soon. Move-ins start in September.
- Farmers’ Market – This City & Township gathering place (7 Mile/Northville Rd) continues to host many activities. The County work on Six mile and the roundabout infrastructure has increased traffic in this location... all will be OK.
- Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Link
Let’s take a look at the Opening of the River this week!
---- THE RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT! ----
Daylighting the river in the Downs area was “Headline News” this past week. The 10+ acre bioswale park along the water connects to the County’s Hines Drive pathway system and is the first of 5 river walk sections that will be completed throughout Northville. The Downs development will have 31% green space, with rivers running through its multiple parks for all in southeastern Michigan to enjoy.
- From the pathway system through the Downs, citizens will be able to walk or bike south to Ohio, North to Mackinaw City, and connect to other pathways leading to local Parks, County or State Parks.
- Additionally, the Downs Development will link directly to our historic downtown where we will be celebrating our bicentennial in 2027.
- The river has been underground for most of last century because additional land was needed for the Wayne County Fair which was held here and it was larger than even the State Fair at that time. Additionally, over 1200 trees have been brought in to beautify this area which was once used for horse racing the past 100 years.
- Northville is the highest point in Wayne County, and our water infrastructure system drops several hundred feet to the Detroit River. Our rivers come together from four individual counties, feeding fresh water into the Great Lakes through the Detroit River.
Environmental Attributes
- Reduction in flooding from the Rouge River that runs into the Detroit River
- Water management and absorption of wastewater and run-off
- 1200 mature trees are being added to the park space for cooling and carbon monoxide reduction
- In the riverbed, every twenty yards there are rock beds that create a swirling effect and increase oxygenation for the fish.
Partnership
- PUBLIC – Federal, State, and County grants
- PRIVATE/PUBLIC Partnerships – Hunter Pasteur, Toll Brothers, DTE, Comcast, Consumers Energy, Northville Lumber, Charitable funds, & private individuals
- Northville Township/City of Northville – Working together, the new farmers’ market location on the River became a reality and wonderful benefit for all in the community
The concept that “The River runs through it...” is part of our DNA. Keep that Northville Faith and get ready to experience a burbling brook running through the Downs River Park, past our local topography and merging with additional sections of our waterway system. As summer winds down, I encourage you to experience all the placemaking areas in our town which was historically known as the “Hamlet in the Hills” or “Switzerland of Wayne County.”
Get out and enjoy our green spaces and touchpoints around our river systems before the end of summer!
Brian Turnbull
Motorsport Mayor – Northville