Did you know the High Line leads a coalition of 46 infrastructure reuse projects at varying stages of development, known as the High Line Network, extending our impact across North America? Founded in 2017, the High Line Network leads a professional community composed of developing and established public spaces from the US, Canada, and Mexico, with a mission of creating vibrant and equitable public spaces.

During biennial symposia, the High Line Network convenes 250+ leaders from the infrastructure reuse field to connect with and learn from each other. In October 2024, this symposium, Rooted, focused on ways public spaces can be authentically rooted in the needs, culture, and aspirations of their communities, and offered sessions led by High Line staff on putting into action the Community First Toolkit, a High Line-developed best-practices resource for creating public spaces and adapting urban infrastructure.

Hosted in Detroit, Michigan, with support from local partner projects from the Network—the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership and Detroit Riverfront Conservancy—the symposium explored and drew inspiration from powerful community-driven public placemaking examples of the Motor City itself.

Watch videos from the plenary sessions below to get a taste of the incredible work being done in Detroit—and across the continent—to create community-centered public spaces.

Investing in Detroit: Centering Place

The opening keynote sets the stage with a city leader, followed by a panel exploring the role of public space in Detroit’s revitalization. Hear insights from leaders in government, philanthropy, and public space management on how strategic investments in public space are transforming the city.

Welcome Remarks:
LaTrice McClendon, Director of Detroit Programs, Knight Foundation
Josh Sirefman, CEO, Michigan Central Innovation District
Asima Jansveld, Chief Program and Engagement Officer, High Line

Keynote: Brad Dick, Chief Operating Officer, City of Detroit

Prelude: JJ Velez, Director of Public Space, Gilbert Foundation

Moderator: Orlando Bailey, Executive Director, Outlier Media

Panelists:
Matthew Cullen, Chairperson, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Brad Dick, Chief Operating Officer, City of Detroit
Leona Medley, Executive Director, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership
Mariam Noland, Retired President, Community Foundation for SE Michigan

Placemaking Together

This candid keynote discussion delved into the challenges and setbacks of placemaking projects, at large and within the context of Detroit. Panelists also shared insights on how two major, modern public space projects can genuinely benefit their communities, exploring critical considerations for creating inclusive, impactful spaces that resonate with local needs and aspirations.

Welcome Remarks:
Asima Jansveld, Chief Program and Engagement Officer, High Line
Alan van Capelle, Executive Director, High Line

Keynote: Rachel Frierson, Vice President of Operations and Programming, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

Moderator:
Anika Goss, President and CEO, Detroit Future City

Panelists:
Ryan Myers-Johnson, Executive Director, Sidewalk Detroit
Leona Medley, Executive Director, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership
Rachel Frierson, Vice President of Operations and Programming, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Jamon Jordan, Educator, Historian, Founder, Black Scroll Network

Decolonizing Design & Spaces for Liberatory Joy

Dr. Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall, design anthropologist and author of Decolonizing Design: A Cultural Justice Guidebook, shared why public spaces have the responsibility to be reflective of and responsive to the needs of all community members. Tunstall offered actionable strategies for designing public spaces in solidarity with Indigenous communities. Viewers are invited to explore how to create inclusive experiences that center joy and respect cultural heritage, fostering environments that celebrate and uplift diverse voices and traditions.

Address by: Dr. Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall, Lead Executive Officer, Dori Tunstall, Inc.

Moderated Q&A: Gerard Rodriguez, Indigenous Land Justice Advisor, PLACE