The beach at Campus Martius is getting revamped

For those yearning for a beach getaway but can’t quite make it out of the city, Campus Martius can at least offer a sandy oasis in the middle of downtown. The beach area is a popular spot for kids and adults, and it just added more offerings to visitors.

Thanks to a $125,000 Southwest Airlines Foundation grant—part of their Heart of the Community program—to the Downtown Detroit Partnership, a “refresh” is now complete at the park. Visitors can expect to see new beach furniture, new toys and games, additional programming, new lighting, a beach attendant, and a modified airstream trailer with DJs. Visitors can also look forward to more wine and beer tastings, plus an expansion of the southwest garden of the park, with lawn games, shuffleboard, giant Jenga, and ping pong.

“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,” said Robert Gregory, DDP Chief Planning and Public Space Officer. “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.”

The neighboring Cadillac Square—which hosts a variety of food trucks—has also started a recycling pilot program with a push to use more biodegradable materials. Recycling kiosks are available in the public space; the DDP estimates 2,500 people visit the food trucks every week.