What does spring mean to you?  Cleaning?  New clothes?  An abundance of fresh produce?

For me, spring means running outside without multiple bulky layers of clothing.  It means Easter celebrations with my family, busting out my tennis racket and pretending like I know the rules of the game.  To me, spring is time to start kicking myself into high gear for figuring out what comes after Challenge Detroit, as well as to taper before my imminent marathons.  Spring brings the ability to order iced coffee without immediate regret, leaving work when it is still light out, walks on the River Walk, and the opening of my favorite ice cream shop at Woodward and 14 Mile Road.

When I was in school, spring meant eager anticipation of summer.  About this time, I would begin pestering my dad to open the pool, and commence my countdown of days left until school was out.  I would beg my mom to fill the grocery cart with peaches, plums, and berries, and each morning was a battle over whether or not it was warm enough to leave my coat behind.  Spring was full of promise.

Living in Detroit, I have noticed that spring time in the city also signifies this sense of eager anticipation, or biding our time in hopes of the promise of warmer, better days.  In the summer, Detroit comes to life.

The warmer months find the city teeming with energy, life, and sheer delight.  The splash pad in Palmer Park brings glee to young children, similar to the kayaks at Belle Isle.  There are movies along the River Front, and in Campus Martius (which also has its own beach!).  People crowd the streets before Tigers games, and linger to check out the shops surrounding the Hudson Café after brunch.  I love summer in Detroit; it is the time when I truly feel as though I can feel the city’s pulse pounding within me.

As the lingering snow finally departs and we eagerly await the warm months ahead, I challenge us all to get out and explore the awakening city in a new way.  If you’ve always wanted to picnic in front of the train station, go do it!  If you’ve been meaning to check out the bike rentals at the Wheelhouse, head there this weekend!  If you’ve heard sitting outside for brunch at the Woodbridge Pub is a blast, it’s time to taste it for yourself! Grab a friend and head there on Saturday.  Whatever you’ve been meaning to do, now is the time!  Detroit is ready for you!