Millions of Dollars in Upgrades Coming to Grand Rapids Park

A Grand Rapids park is getting a major makeover!

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In July we told you that Martin Luther King Jr. Park at 1200 M.L.K. Jr St. SE was set to receive $6 million as part of the state's “Make it in Michigan” plan. We now know more about this transformational project.

Additional funds came from a millage passed by Grand Rapids voters in 2019, Third Ward Equity Fund and the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

MLK park is getting brand new facilities!

According to the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, engagement sessions with the community surrounding the park resulted in a vibrant, accessible, multi use facility.

Upgrades include:

• A rentable multi-purpose room with tables, chairs, kitchenette, storage, and a stage with capacity to fit 200 guests in banquet style seating
• Two rentable classrooms with roll-up doors to the pool deck for community meetings, birthday parties, art programming, and more
• Two community offices for Our Community's Children and King Park Neighbors
• A fitness room for programming like yoga, dance, and cardio
• A gymnasium featuring a full-sized basketball court for year-round recreation opportunities
• A separate pool house featuring family changing rooms, barrier-free restrooms, lockers, information kiosk, and a pool staff break room
• New expanded parking lot
• New fitness loop
• New playground

The design team is Isaac V. Norris & Associates P.C. and the construction team is Erhardt Construction.

Demolition for the project is set for the coming months with construction starting later this year!