DETROIT, Michigan - Cleveland’s dreams for a connected, vibrant lakefront could get a powerful dose of inspiration from Detroit.

A new $80 million, 22-acre park with giant playground features, nature trails and gathering spots is the latest piece of a decades-long effort to provide steady waterfront access along 5.5. miles of the Detroit River from the iconic Ambassador Bridge to Canada to Belle Isle, with downtown in between.

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park opened last weekend at the same time as two other new stretches of the Detroit Riverwalk — a connector on an adjacent parcel and section nearby featuring a boardwalk that extends 17 feet over the Detroit River to get around a condo and apartment complex.

Planners are now closing in on their goal of completing the 5.5 miles

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