It’s no surprise to anyone living in Detroit (or likely to anyone living in a Midwestern state), but this has been a particularly rough winter. In fact, to the dismay of many Michigan elementary students, this winter’s total accumulated snowfall was just shy of shattering the State’s all-time record of 93.6 inches: a record that was set in 1880.

But just last week, despite persistent rumors that the winter season may, in fact, never end at all this year, the grey skies parted, the incessant western winds quieted and Detroit, Michigan had its first real day of spring. The day was made even more miraculous by the fact that it was the Tigers Opening Day and in the ninth inning, they managed to beat the Royals 4-3.

Now, I’ve got to admit that I’m not really a baseball fan, but living in Detroit/Metro Detroit/perhaps the whole State of Michigan means knowing the score of most sports games, even when you’re not seeking them out. So I might not be looking forward to a whole lot of baseball jargon I don’t understand this summer, but seeing as the sun is shining, the weather is fine, and I can’t see any snow from my window,  I thought that this month, I would share a quick list of what I am excited about during the coming Detroit summer.

11.  The Expansion of the Detroit Riverwalk

The Detroit Riverwalk is set to expand west this summer by over a mile- a construction project I have been watching from my apartment window for several months. With lots of open green space and uninterrupted views of Canada and the Ambassador Bridge, I can’t wait to stretch my legs on these trails. Read more about all the projects being taken on by the Riverfront Conservancy here: http://www.detroitriverfront.org/news/riverfront-construction-progress-continues

10. Sand Volleyball

Thanks to Come Play Detroit, this summer I will get a chance I haven’t had since high school to play some competitive volleyball. The added bonus? After every game I can enjoy some of Detroit’s best pizza and some good brews at Z’s Villa. Check out all of the summer sports leagues available at: http://leagues.comeplaydetroit.com/leagues

9. Bike and Brunch/Slow Roll/ biking to work

After nearly 6 months of letting it collect dust in my parking structure, last week I finally broke out my bike and rode it to work. Now that I’ve somewhat got my biking legs back, I can’t wait to get back to biking with Slow Roll on Monday nights, taking my bike to the Green Garage in Midtown Tuesday through Thursday and, my favorite, taking awesome tours of the finest biking and dining Detroit has to offer (not to mention the coolest people I’ve met) with Detroit Bike and Brunch. Got a bike? Join us on a ride: https://www.facebook.com/groups/detroitbikebrunch/

8. Belle Isle

At this point, it’s probably becoming obvious that I’m just jonesing for some sunshine, but I really am looking forward to spending some weekends this summer enjoying the newly State-leased Belle Isle. Swimming, picnicking and sunshine awaits here: http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/RecreationDepartment/BelleIsle.aspx

7. The New Detroit Dog Park

Anyone that has had to survive having an active dog in an apartment this winter knows what I’m talking about: this dog park cannot come soon enough! Located in Corktown, the Detroit Dog Park is set to be the first off-leash dog park in the City of Detroit. While an official deadline for its opening has not yet been released, you can keep up with the progress (and even volunteer to help) here: http://detroitdogpark.org/ And in the meantime, the Old Tigers Stadium hosts a “pop-up” dog park the third Saturday of every month from 11-1!

6. Detroit River Days

Last summer I missed the Detroit River Days by just a couple of weeks, making me even more excited to check out this weekend of events this summer. Mark your calendars for the 2014 Detroit River Days on June 20-22 and keep up with the planned events here: http://detroitriverfront.org/things-do/river-days

5. Music Festivals: Movement, DEMF, Jazz Fest and more!

Before I knew anything else about Detroit, I knew about its music scene. And so far I have not been disappointed! This summer I am really looking forward to attending some of the famous music festivals Detroit is known for including Movement, the Electronic Music Festival and Jazz Fest. Check out these shows and more summer events at: http://events.detroit.cbslocal.com/search?cat=festivals_parades

4. Outdoor Adventure Center

It’s coming… And judging by the progress made even through the harsh winter months, it’s coming soon! Detroit’s Outdoor Adventure and Discovery Center to be located in the recently renovated Globe Building along the Riverfront will offer an opportunity for visitors to experience a variety of outdoor activities in an amazingly realistic adventure park. I hope to check out some simulated outdoor adventure as soon as this place opens its doors! More details here: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10369_64258—,00.html

3. Eastern Market

Now don’t get me wrong, Eastern Market was still very much alive despite feet of snow and icy roads, but I’m excited for all the locally grown produce to start popping out of the ground and showing up at the farm stands now that the weather is finally thawing out the ground. There’s just nothing quite like a summer shopping trip at Eastern Market! Check out vendors and other EM events at http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com/

2. Beer Festivals

Like many of my generation, I really enjoy a good, crafty brew on a hot summer day. Luckily the State of Michigan is known both for its beers and its beer festivals and I can’t wait to check a few of them out this summer! I’ll see you at the following: http://www.mibeer.com/summer-festival

1. Getting to know my city even better

But most of all this summer, I am really looking forward to continuing the endless exploration of this great city. I’ve got my cohort of 30 amazing fellows and so many other great friends in the city that I can’t wait to spend my summer with. Won’t you join us? www.challengedetroit.org