APPRECIATING OUR DOWNRIVER COMMUNITIES
TO TAKE STOCK OF SOMETHING or someplace is to think carefully about a situation and then form an opinion. It’s never too late to do that sort of inventory when it comes to the community or region where you live. That’s something we’ve been doing at Destination Downriver for the past 3 1⁄2 years now. Our entire mission is based upon the premise of finding and telling stories about this area that otherwise weren’t getting appropriate exposure. Initially, our focus dwelled on the natural spaces and places that were recovering and rebounding from former brownfields. The trailways, waterways, and parklands that color the landscape of this region. However, as we dig deeper into this topic and others two things have stood out to us about the remarkable community of people that live in Downriver. First, we have found that behind every story about a place, attraction, or activity there’s another even deeper and more personal story about the individual or team of people who are responsible for making a difference in Downriver. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things is an asset as much as the 100+ miles of trails that knit together 18 downriver communities.ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS IS AN ASSET AS MUCH AS THE 100+ MILES OF TRAILS THAT KNIT TOGETHER 18 DOWNRIVER COMMUNITIES.
Second, an equally human connection, we are struck by the cultural and ethnic diversity prevalent throughout all the Downriver communities. The differences and cultural crossovers have helped to shape and define this region and are just as appealing and engaging as the natural wonders that go with having miles of riverfront along the three large tributaries that converge in this area of Michigan.
Downriver is a microcosm of what you’d expect to find in a major metropolitan area with one possible exception, we are 18 small communities integrated and operating as one multi-cultural, multiracial population. So, whether it’s a vast array of dining choices from around the globe or hemisphere, urban kayak adventuring, strolling through more than 7,000 acres of parklands or discovering new and interesting shops or festivals, not many areas of our state can rival the variety of experiences you can have in downriver’s own backyard.
WE ARE 18 SMALL COMMUNITIES INTEGRATED AND OPERATING AS ONE MULTI-CULTURAL, MULTIRACIAL POPULATION.
WHAT COMES TO YOUR MIND as you think about what makes living in this part of the Great Lakes State special?
Take stock of the special community of people and the social connectivity that comes with being part of this place where we’re all neighbors. Learn the stories that Downriver has to tell. Ample research shows that people who are more socially connected live longer lives and are more protected against stress, depression and decline in memory.
