After celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Blue Water River Walk last summer, the popular waterfront destination is set to receive a series of upgrades and improvements this year aimed at making it even more welcoming and user-friendly for visitors.

“We’ve had some upgrades in mind for several years now,” said Randy Maiers, the President & CEO of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, which built and owns the Blue Water River Walk. “Our first improvement in 2025 will take place at the old ferry dock on the southern end of the River Walk, the former docking site of the Gray Fox ship.”

The Foundation’s plans include a new paved, fully accessible trail spur connecting to the ferry dock, as well as upgraded lighting, security cameras, new decking, and railing. Additional public art will also be added to complement Stella the Sturgeon and Sugar the Iron Horse, enhancing the experience for all who visit. While $125,000 has already been secured, the Foundation is calling on community members, local businesses, and organizations to help secure the remaining $191,000 needed to bring the full vision to life. Community support will be key to making these improvements a reality.

Maiers said the Foundation will begin some of the improvements with the funds they have available to them, while other more expensive components, such as the decking and new rail system, will wait until more funds are raised from other donors. “We envision the quality of the southern ferry dock will match the other ferry dock on the north end of the River Walk,” Maiers said. “It’s a great location for watching freighters go by, fishing or just relaxing and having lunch.”

The Blue Water River Walk is one of the most scenic stretches of the Bridge to Bay Trail system, which runs from Algonac up to Lakeport. The Community Foundation, Friends of the St. Clair River, St. Clair County Parks & Rec, and multiple other stakeholders have been working together since 2017 to finish the remaining trail gaps. 

The coastal communities along the St. Clair River corridor have other waterfront amenities that have seen upgrades and new investments in recent years. The Community Foundation wants to ensure the Blue Water River Walk continues to meet its original goals and objectives. By making these improvements, we can increase the River Walk’s accessibility, safety, and appeal, ensuring it remains a popular destination for residents and visitors.

In recent years there has been a renewed effort at upgrading waterfront amenities, including:

• Lakeside Beach, Lighthouse Park & Pine Grove Park in Port Huron
• Chrysler Beach & Veterans Park in Marysville
• Palmer Park in St. Clair
• Marine City Marina
• River Park in East China is just starting its upgrades and improvements

The Community Foundation has provided some degree of grant funding to several of those projects and continues to place a strong emphasis on public assets which enhance the visitor experience to the St. Clair River corridor. 

“Our downtowns all have their own unique flavor and atmosphere,” Maiers said. “But it’s the St. Clair River that is their common denominator.”

Anyone interested in supporting the planned improvements and upgrades to the Blue Water River Walk—whether individuals, businesses, or organizations—can reach out to Randy Maiers or Natacha Hayden at the Community Foundation.