Frequent visitors to the riverfront may have noticed an increase in the number of young professionals enjoying themselves this summer. This increase could be directly linked to the outreach efforts of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy's new "Riviere28" group.

Riviere28 hosted three events this summer that introduced close to 1,000 young professionals to the riverfront while engaging them in all sorts of activities, from channeling their inner Zen during a yoga class, to toasting S'mores over an open campfire to even creating urban artwork along the Dequindre Cut. Since attending these events, many guests have returned to the riverfront and brought friends and family members with them.

These activities were part of a successful outreach initiative by Riviere28, a new volunteer group created within the Conservancy that looks to engage the growing number of young and active professionals who live, work or play in Detroit and introduce them to the riverfront.

The inaugural event of the series was held in June at Milliken State Park and Harbor as guests showed up to "Light Up the Riverfront" for a delicious pig and turkey roast. As the evening progressed, the roast turkey and pig made way for graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate as guests huddled over campfires to create S'mores with the beautiful riverfront as a backdrop.



Several hundred guests visited the Dequindre Cut for "Soiree on the Greenway," a July event with a decidedly hip, urban feel to it. The event featured the live creation of a colorful mural by an underground graffiti artist and also allowed for each guest the opportunity to try his or her artistic hand on one of the walls along the Cut. Food was provided by a local food truck with a late evening pizza delivery. Live musical entertainment kept the crowd jamming well into the evening.



In August, Riviere 28 hosted its third and final event of the summer at Gabriel Richard Park at the foot of the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle. "Sunday Funday" featured an hour-long morning yoga session along the riverfront and a variety of board and lawn games such as bocce ball and backgammon. An enthusiastic crowd of young professionals enjoyed fun summer fare from local food trucks. Popular DJ Dez Andres provided the beats for the event.



Julie Howe, manager of donor relations at the Conservancy and a founding member of Riviere28 said committee members are pleased with the success they've enjoyed this summer and have ambitious plans for the future of the group.