Riverbank Park is located in downtown Flint on the banks of the Flint River and is a critical part of the Flint Riverfront Restoration Project. Completed in early 1980’s, Riverbank Park was designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin. The intricate and complex design scheme created a series of five separate block parks that included market stalls, an amphitheater, a grand fountain, and other water-based site features. The park also featured an Archimedes’ screw that drew water from the river into the park’s system of canals, fountains, and waterfalls. This intricate design created long-term challenges, including challenges for public safety and maintenance. For decades, the park has suffered from these challenges, deteriorating conditions, and a lack of use.
The Flint Riverfront Restoration Plan envisions an improved waterfront at Riverbank Park, transformed by enhanced physical and visual access to the river. Restoration efforts will address longstanding obstacles presented by the existing park infrastructure to safety, accessibility, and maintenance. Design recommendations include creating new access points to the Flint River, constructing ADA accessible pathways, installing a new lighting network, restoring the fountains at both Grand Fountain Block and Waterwall Block, and restoring the public restroom.
