Lace up your skates, because the 6th annual "Rollin' on the River" Detroit Riverwalk skate meetups are back again this year, presented by the Motown Roller Club and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy!
Robert C. Valade Park
Located at: 2670 Atwater Street Detroit, MI 48207 Email address: info@detroitriverfront.org Phone: 313.566.8200
Robert C. Valade Park is the newest park to open along the East Riverfront. It features an expansive, sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas, a children’s musical garden, colorful play scapes for kids to climb on, a community barbecue pavilion and Bob’s Barge, which is Detroit’s only floating bar each summer. The park is also home to The Shed, a 3,600-square-foot building that will be used for food, events and programming. During winter Valade Park will feature over-sized outdoor fire places, hot drinks, marshmallow roasters, the Sled Shed (featuring free sleds when it snows), synthetic ice curling, and more.
Feeling Hungry? Visit the Café at Valade featuring takeout from great local small business Smokey G's Smokehouse.
Café at Valade will be serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hours listed below.
Café at Valade Hours
- Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bar Hours
Bob's Barge & The Shed Bar
- Wednesday - Friday 4 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Formerly known as Atwater Beach, the Robert C. Valade Park project has transformed an industrial site along the East Riverfront into an exciting park that people of all ages will enjoy. Most recently, the 3.2-acre parcel was used as a buoy storage yard and a cement factory. The park completes a series of family-oriented parks along the East Riverfront, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from each other. Robert C. Valade Park includes an important bridge along the RiverWalk, which connects Stroh River Place to Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, two of the most popular destinations along the riverfront.
The park’s official name celebrates native Detroiter and former Carhartt, Inc. Chairman and CEO Robert C. Valade, and is in recognition of a gift to the Conservancy from the Molly and Mark Valade Family Fund.
The project has been supported by a diverse group of leaders, including the William Davidson Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which selected the project as one its 2017 Knight Cities Challenge winners, the Walters Family Foundation, and the Mona and Richard Alonzo Fund. The Conservancy also received a grant for the project from Gannett/USA Today Network as part of the “A Community Thrives” initiative, which supports programs that positively impact local communities.
Robert C. Valade Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free parking is available across from the park in a gravel lot located at the corner of Chene and Guoin (enter on Guoin). Additional parking is available on nearby streets and lots. Please follow all posted parking direction signage.
Valade Park is not available for rentals, and use of the community grill area is first come first serve, you may not hold tables. There is no outside alcohol allowed at Valade Park, or on the Detroit RiverWalk.
Amenities
- Bike
- Café
- Fishing
- Handicap Accessible
- Pavilion
- Playscape
- Restroom
- Security Office
Events at Robert C. Valade Park
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - 6:00pm to 10:00pm
This event occurs every May, June, July and August on the first Tuesday until Tue Aug 27 2024. This event also occurs on Tue May 28 2024, Tue Jun 25 2024, Tue Jul 23 2024 and Tue Aug 27 2024.
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Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - 9:00am to 5:00pm
This event occurs every May, June, July, August and September on the last Wednesday until Wed Sep 25 2024.
Spend your work day on the Detroit Riverfront during Work from the Park! Whether you're a remote worker or an in-office team, Robert C. Valade Park has everything you need to work along the water.
