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$5M From Delta Dental To Fund Playground Along Detroit River

Detroit Water Front
Reginald Hardwick
/
WKAR Public Media
Detroit Waterfront

 
Delta Dental is giving $5 million to help build a 5-acre (2-hectare) playground along the Detroit River in what will be Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.

The money announced Wednesday for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will go to the Delta Dental Play Garden.

Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and Monstrum are designing the playground. It will feature a 20-foot (6.1-meter) bear play structure as well as play equipment designed to look like otters, beavers and a dragon.

The park also will feature a swimming cove that can be used for ice skating in colder months. Construction begins in 2020, with the grand opening set for 2022.

Last year, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation announced a $50 million investment for West Riverfront Park. It's being renamed for the late former owner of the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

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