Downtown Grand Rapids Riverwalk to Reopen After Renovations

A riverwalk downtown Grand Rapids along the Grand River has been closed due to disrepair - but that's about to change!

Downtown Grand Rapid Riveredge Trail Improvements

According to Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the riverwalk renovation project is one of 16 that the City unveiled in its annual update to City Commission.

Improvements include:

• New accessible pathways
• Improved access to the river's edge
• Upgraded lighting
• Upgraded seating
• Flood mitigation elements

The project is awaiting permission from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

If all goes as planned, the City says they hope to begin construction on improvements next year.

You can see the City's presentation on past and future park improvements here. More information on GR parks projects can be found here.

City of Grand Rapids Parks Projects

In 2022, the City of Grand Rapids completed 18 parks projects made possible through a voter-approved park millage.

Completed projects over the past year include:

• Bouldering Wall at Highland Park
• Briggs Park Butterfly Garden 
• Ottawa Hills Fitness Park 
• Nagold Park  
• Riverside Park 
• Sweet Street Park 
• Hillcrest Dog Park 

Among the park projects for 2023, are the City's 15th and 16th splash pads.

Do You Have Ideas for Grand Rapids City Park Improvements?

The City of Grand Rapids is seeking input from residents on what they'd like to see at parks and playgrounds. They encourage anyone with ideas on park improvements to submit them here.