SAGINAW, MI — The City of Saginaw is inviting residents to share their input on the design of the upcoming Riverfront Park, a key element of the city’s larger Medical Diamond Project. The city is holding two public input sessions on Wednesday, October 23, giving the community a chance to engage with representatives from SCAPE Landscape Architecture, the firm responsible for designing the park.
The first session will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Avenue. A second session will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the “We Love Saginaw Businesses” Trunk or Treat event at Celebration Park, 1830 Fordney Street. For those unable to attend in person, residents can participate by completing an online survey available on the City of Saginaw’s website until November 15, 2024.
The new Riverfront Park, part of the downtown development along Washington Avenue and Water Street, will focus on improving public spaces along the river. SCAPE, which is still in the early stages of the design process, plans to incorporate water access, recreational amenities, and fishing areas, as well as connect the park to the Iron Belle Trail. The goal is to create a vibrant space that promotes human health, education, ecological sustainability, and local culture.
Phil Karwat, Saginaw’s Director of Public Works, emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the park’s design. “This is an exciting project for downtown Saginaw, and public engagement is critical to its success,” Karwat said. “We want the park to bring life to the riverfront with performances, recreation, and a walkable environment that connects our neighborhoods to the waterfront.”
The park’s design is part of a broader effort to develop the Medical Diamond Anchor site, a project that began when Studio Gang Architects and SCAPE were selected in February 2024 to create a master plan for the area.
Residents are encouraged to attend one of the input sessions or visit the city’s website to provide feedback on the park’s design priorities, which include fostering a healthy, active, and vibrant space for the community. For more information and to complete the survey, visit www.saginaw-mi.com/610/Future-Saginaw-Riverfront-Park.
