Southwest Detroit Opens First Rouge River Access with Kayak Launch at Fort Street Bridge Park

Work started Friday on a new kayak launch and viewing deck at Fort Street Bridge Park. This marks the first time Southwest Detroit will have public access to the Rouge River.

The construction starts the final stage of park development, adding to a plaza that marks the 1932 Ford Hunger March. The site will open up fresh ways to spend time on the 29-mile water path.

"This is so exciting. This is a dream come true," said Sally Petrella, watershed ecologist for Friends of the Rouge, according to WXYZ.

Since 1986, the group has worked to fix the river. Petrella spent 25 years building the water trail. She wants to shift how people think about the waterway as it gets cleaner.

"To embrace the Rouge as it's gotten clean enough to support paddling and to try to change people's perception of this dirty river as the valuable resource that it is, a place we can go out and recreate," Petrella said.

Money from the Gilbert Family Foundation backs this new phase. The fresh additions will blend with the current plaza, making one unified space for visitors.

Herman Jenkins, who manages trails for Friends of the Rouge, points out the site's worth to the area. "It's a community that's often last on the list," Jenkins said.

Calvin Pearson, who lives nearby, can't wait to use the new spot. "Just seeing what they did already looks like a totally different place," he said. When the launch opens, he plans to try kayaking for his first time.

This spot used to be just a blur for passing cars. Now it's turning into something more. "It really does create spaces for respite, gatherings, and allow people to enjoy themselves and the community in their own backyard," Jenkins said.