Detroit has opened a new two-mile stretch of the Joe Louis Greenway and unveiled a bronze statue honoring boxing legend Joe Louis — not for his fights in the ring, but for breaking racial barriers in golf.
The newest segment runs between Joy Road and Intervale Street, transforming once-blighted rail land into a landscaped path with bike lanes, sidewalks, trees, lighting, emergency call boxes, and steel fencing for safety.
A new trailhead and plaza at Grand River Avenue near Cloverdale Street now serve as a main gateway, featuring gathering space for events, food truck access, and the new “Outside the Ring” statue of Joe Louis.
The sculpture celebrates Louis’ role in desegregating American golf. He was the first African American to play in a PGA-sanctioned tournament and created the Joe Louis Open in Detroit, giving Black golfers a place to compete and paving the way for future inclusion in the PGA.
Known worldwide as a heavyweight boxing champion and Detroit icon, Louis also became a community leader, businessman, and sports pioneer beyond boxing.
With this opening, nearly six miles of the 27-mile greenway are complete, and the city expects another six miles to open by the end of 2026.
Officials say the project is part of Detroit’s Blight to Beauty push — turning abandoned land into safe, vibrant spaces that connect 23 Detroit neighborhoods with Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn while celebrating the city’s history and culture.
