Rooted, at Michigan Central’s Newlab
The Rooted symposium brought together thought leaders to explore community-centered practices for equitable public space development, drawing on insights from the Community First Toolkit and the expertise of Detroit-based partner organizations.
Through panels, workshops, and peer-to-peer sessions, participants gained tangible skills across topics ranging from community engagement to operational strategies. The event deepened attendees' understanding of the potential impact of their work, expanded their peer network, and reinforced a shared commitment to fostering positive social, environmental, and physical change within their communities.
Community First Toolkit
About the Organizer
High Line Network
Presented by the High Line, the High Line Network is a group of infrastructure reuse projects—and the people who help them come to life. As cities become denser and land for traditional parks becomes more scarce, residents are finding creative ways to bring greenspace to their neighborhoods. Projects in the High Line Network transform underutilized infrastructure into new urban landscapes. Redefining what a park can be, these hybrid spaces are also public squares, open-air museums, botanical gardens, social service organizations, walkways, transit corridors, and more.
Our Local Partners
With deep experience in local partnerships, these organizations are bringing community-centered programming to the forefront of their work in Detroit and are leading practitioners in the urban infrastructure reuse field.
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy was formed in 2003 with the vision of transforming Detroit's international riverfront—the face of the city—into a beautiful, exciting, safe, accessible world-class gathering place for all. The Conservancy is responsible for the establishment, improvement, operation, maintenance, security, programming and expansion of the Detroit Riverwalk and associated green spaces including the Dequindre Cut, Southwest Greenway and Mayor Dennis Archer Greenway. The ultimate vision for the Riverwalk stretches 5.5 miles from the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle on the east to the Ambassador Bridge to Canada on the west. Currently, 3.5 miles of Riverwalk and 3.5 miles of greenways are complete under the Conservancy's portfolio.
Joe Louis Greenway Partnership
The Joe Louis Greenway is a transformative nearly 30-mile biking and walking trail connecting Detroit to Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck. Weaving together the Dequindre Cut, Detroit RiverWalk, Iron Belle Trail, and Southwest Greenway, it will create a vibrant space for people of all abilities to walk, bike, and run. More than just a pathway, the Greenway will unite neighborhoods, parks, schools, and businesses, fostering a more connected, inclusive, and active Metro Detroit.
Support
The High Line Network is made possible by the founding support of The JPB Foundation. Major support for the High Line Network Rooted Symposium is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Gilbert Family Foundation. Program support for the High Line Network Rooted Symposium is provided by Guardian Life.
In kind support is provided by our generous host venues Newlab and Michigan Central. Additional support is also provided by Delta Air Lines and TD Bank.
