Campus Martius Beach to Freshen Up with $125,000 Grant

The Beach at Campus Martius is set for a wave of change after the Downtown Detroit Partnership landed a $125,000 grant to revamp the summer destination.

After four years of operations, the landlocked beach will get new furniture, toys, games and programming to reach all ages, the DDP said in a news release. The funding from Southwest Airlines Foundation will also be used for infrastructure upgrades including lighting and landscaping as well as a beach attendant.

Funds will also be used to help run events such as the Friday Beach Party. Some new events at the ad hoc beach include beach-side beer and wine tastings and Beach House: Summer Sounds from Around the World. Beach House features Detroit-area DJs spinning from a retrofitted Airstream trailer, the release said.

DDP was one of five recipients across the country to receive a grant from SWAF’s Heart of the Community program. The initiative supplies financial and technical assistance to bring purpose to public spaces, a release said. SWAF has worked with New York City nonprofit Project for Public Spaces to provide more than $3.6 million in grants.

“Five years ago, Southwest Airlines played a key role in bringing the Beach to Campus Martius Park which has evolved into a central summer gathering place for Detroiters and visitors from all walks of life,” Robert Gregory, DDP chief planning and public space officer, said in the release. “We are thrilled to once again have their support which will allow us to enhance the visitor experience at the Beach and ensure Campus Martius Park remains a world-class public space.”

Detroit 300 Conservancy, a Downtown Detroit Partnership affiliate, and the city of Detroit manage Campus Martius.

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