The Robert C. Valade Park along Detroit's east riverfront will open Saturday as part of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy's annual outdoor HarvestFest Detroit.

The more than 3.2-acre park boasts a spacious sandy beach dotted with chairs and umbrellas, a musical garden for children, climbing playscapes, a community barbecue pavilion and a floating bar called Bob's Barge, according to a news release.

The project, which connects Stroh River Place to Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre with a new bridge, signals the completion of a series of family-oriented parks within 10-minutes walking distance along the east riverfront.

The $4 million park, previously known as Atwater Beach, was renamed in August in recognition of a donation from the late Carhartt Inc. leader's family foundation.

Valade Park includes a 3,600-square-foot building called The Shed that will be used for food, events and programs, the release said.

Two food options operating out of The Shed, offering sushi and barbecue, are expected to open in the near future, spokesman Marc Pasco said in an email. Food will be available for purchase Wednesday-Sunday, along with beer, wine and spirits. Local food trucks will also be stationed at the park during special events throughout the year, according to the release. Pasco declined to disclose the names of the food vendors

Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America provided funds that will be used for future programming for the new park, which could include fitness classes, senior activities, tango lessons, yoga classes, Tai Chi and more, Pasco said.

Pasco declined to disclose the amount of funding the nonprofit received from Bank of America that is intended to ensure the park is programmed with activities throughout the winter months.

HarvestFest Detroit, scheduled for noon-4 p.m. Saturday, will feature Halloween trick-or-treating, bounce houses, hayrides, free pumpkins, meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with superhero and princess characters and more, according to the release. Admission is free.

The festival is being shifted to Valade Park from the Dequindre Cut.

"Every year, HarvestFest Detroit keeps getting bigger and better," Detroit Riverfront Conservancy President and CEO Mark Wallace said in the release. "Last year we had more than 2,500 people come out for the event. This year, we are expecting even more because people are very excited to experience Robert C. Valade Park."

The project was backed by the Molly and Mark Valade Family Fund, the William Davidson Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Walters Family Foundation and the Mona and Richard Alonzo Fund, the release said. The project also received support from the Gannett/USA Today Network as part of the A Community Thrives initiative, which backs programs that positively impact local communities, according to the release.

Valade Park, at 2670 Atwater Street, will be open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.