Saginaw Requests Citizen Input On New Riverfront Park

The City of Saginaw is inviting residents to attend one of the upcoming input sessions with representatives from SCAPE Landscape Architecture to provide  input as they begin the design phase of the new Riverfront Park, which is part of the planned $30.3 million-dollar Medical Diamond Project - a transformational infrastructure development  project that will run along Washington Ave. and Water Streets in Downtown Saginaw.

The input sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, October 23 from 11am to 2pm at the SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Avenue, and from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the “We Love Saginaw Businesses” Trunk or Treat at Celebration Park, 1830 Fordney Street.

Citizens can also participate in the online survey by clicking this link.

The Riverfront Park is part of the public space improvements included in the Medical Diamond Project planned for the downtown area along Washington Avenue and Water Street. The input we received from residents will be integrated with other information and shape the key priorities that will drive the design of the park.

In February 2024, Studio Gang Architects and SCAPE were selected by the City to develop a master plan for the Medical Diamond Anchor site. The City and SCAPE are now moving forward to advance the outcome of the master plan and begin the design of the public riverfront park and infrastructure improvements for this area.

SCAPE is in the preliminary stages of the design process but plan to add water access, recreational amenities, and fishing along the river as part of the Riverfront Park. Other plans include connections to the Iron Belle Trail and creating a gateway to connect surrounding neighborhoods to the riverfront.

The input sessions scheduled for October 23 and the online survey will allow citizens to provide their input on these plans and the four key principles emphasized for the park, which include human health, education, ecological vibrancy, and place and culture.

Phil Karwat, Director of Public Works, has worked closely with SCAPE throughout this process and commented on the importance of public input, “This is such an exciting project. We want this park to have a positive impact on the downtown area and accommodate performances and recreational activities along the riverfront and in downtown Saginaw. Public engagement is the key to this park’s success, and we want to hear from the community. The input from citizens will help us determine how we can bring activity to the riverfront and create a walkable development that takes advantage of the riverfront location. I encourage all citizens to attend one of the input sessions on October 23 and complete the online survey on our website.”

Citizens can attend one of the following input sessions to speak with SCAPE representatives:

• October 23 11 am to 2 pm—Table Sit @SVRC Marketplace, 203 N. Washington
• October 23 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm—We Love Saginaw Businesses Trunk or Treat at Celebration Park, 1830 Fordney St.

Citizens can also complete the online survey and learn more about the Riverfront Park by visiting the City of Saginaw website at www.saginaw-mi.com/riverfrontpark. 

The survey will be available until November 15, 2024.