Ada Covered Bridge Park Opens With Splash Pad, Pickleball

Just in time to squeeze the last drop out of those warm summer days, a new park has opened up in West Michigan with tons of amenities.

Ada Covered Bridge Park Now Open

Earlier this week, Ada officially cut the ribbon on Covered Bridge Park.

The project gives Ada Township its very first public splash pad, which is huge news. I was so excited when one was installed near my house in Grand Rapids a few years ago. My nieces obsess over it every time they visit, and the place is always popping all summer long.

Beyond the splash pad, the project completely transforms the Leonard Field Park site along the Thornapple River into a 15-acre, long-term destination for the community.

Getting the space reimagined took years of planning, backed by a mix of public resources and private donors before crews finally broke ground last September. The overhaul opens up the riverfront while keeping the town connected to its local roots.

👇BELOW: MICHIGAN LANDMARKS LOCALS SAY THEY TOOK FOR GRANTED👇

Preserving History at the 1867 Ada Covered Bridge

Anchoring the property is the historic Ada Covered Bridge. Built back in 1867, the 125-foot Brown truss span carries Bronson Street across the water, sitting just south of M-21 where the Thornapple meets the Grand River. It remains the physical and visual center of the whole park.

Here it is all lit up during the holiday season:

Ada Township Downtown Development Authority, Facebook

Playground, Pickleball, and New Pedestrian Bridge

Around the bridge, the new layout packs in countless ways to spend time outside. In addition to the splash pad, kids get a massive playground with separate zones tailored for different age groups. Anyone looking to get moving can take advantage of two new pickleball courts, paved walking and biking trails, a dedicated kayak launch, a dog park, and a brand-new pedestrian bridge over the river.

The site also features a quiet river overlook, a veterans memorial, renovated restrooms, shade canopies, expanded parking, and plenty of open green space to sit back and relax.

Future Trail Connections and Downtown Momentum

There is more to come as well. Construction crews are still putting the final touches on connecting additional pedestrian paths to that newly installed pedestrian bridge and surrounding downtown spaces.

Looking further out, township officials plan to keep building on this momentum by tying upcoming residential growth and expanded trail networks straight into the green spaces along the Thornapple River.

Michigan Landmarks Locals Say They Took For Granted

All across the state, there are places you don't realize are either cool or convenient until they're not around anymore. These are some landmarks that users on the r/Michigan subreddit mentioned.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill