What does it mean to restore a place shaped by industry—for the environment, and for the people who live there?
In this episode of Connecting Communities, urban planner Kris Martin shares an inspiring vision for Battle Creek’s riverfront: transforming 10 acres along the Kalamazoo River into a vibrant space for public access, environmental healing, and downtown revitalization.
For decades, the Kalamazoo River in Battle Creek was cut off from the community—dominated by industrial use and pollution. Now, Battle Creek Unlimited is leading a project to “naturalize” the river, creating a welcoming green corridor where people can gather, play, reflect, and reconnect with the water.
It’s a powerful story about reimagining the places we live, the histories we inherit, and the futures we can build—together.
Connecting Communities is a independent series from Public Media Network that amplifies neighborhood voices, civic ideas, and local action.
