DETROIT (WXYZ) — Southwest Detroit is getting its first access point to the Rouge River with a new kayak launch and observation deck at Fort Street Bridge Park, marking a major milestone for the 29-mile river water trail project.

Friends of the Rouge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to river restoration since 1986, broke ground Friday on the second and final phase of the Fort Street Bridge Park project. The development will establish Detroit's only access point to the historic Rouge River, which flows into the Detroit River.

"This is so exciting. This is a dream come true," said Sally Petrella, watershed ecologist for Friends of the Rouge.

WXYZ

Petrella has spent 25 years working on the development of the Rouge River Water Trail. The project aims to change public perception of the w

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