The Riverside Park located directly next to the Ambassador bridge that connects the United States and Canada through Detroit, has been a site of continued tension. Following the September 11th attacks the Detroit International Bridge Company who owns the Ambassador bridge tried to restrict access to the park for security reasons. The community took the issue to court and then won. Despite being successful in gaining access to the park it was short lived. In 2012 the Detroit International Bridge Company reported to the city that the soil and groundwater in the park was contaminated with hydrocarbons, nickel, chrome and lead and the park was closed for cleanup. However, residents continue to push for swift action for clean up and a complete reopening of the park. Detroiters continue to use portions of the park for recreation and fishing despite the contamination. |