New $9M Trail in Grand Rapids Connects Neighborhoods to Downtown

Get ready to lace up your sneakers (or hop on your bike)—Grand Rapids just broke ground on a new trail that will connect neighborhoods, the riverfront, and downtown!

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This week, shovels hit the dirt on the Oxford Trail, a $9 million project that’s going to transform the way folks on the city’s southwest side get around and enjoy the outdoors.

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Trail Route and Neighborhood Connections

When it’s finished, the non-motorized Oxford Trail will link the Roosevelt Park and Black Hills neighborhoods straight to downtown. Starting at its main trailhead on Oxford St. SW, it’ll be easier than ever to walk, bike, or roll to the heart of the city—and eventually all the way along the Grand River Greenway, a trail system that will eventually stretch from Lowell to Lake Michigan.

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Play, Fitness, and Community Spaces

And this isn’t just about a sidewalk with a new coat of pavement. The project includes a playground, outdoor fitness equipment, a half-court basketball area tucked under the Oxford Street bridge, and even a community amphitheater for neighborhood gatherings. Think of it as part trail, part park, part community hub.

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“This project is about more than just a trail,” said Laura Cleypool, interim parks and recreation director. “It’s about creating spaces that bring people together, strengthen neighborhood connections, and open the door to new opportunities for recreation, wellness, and community.”

Some project highlights:

• New trail segments connecting Oxford Street SW to Hall Street SW and Godfrey Avenue SW
• Rebuilt pathways from Wealthy Street SW to Oxford Street SW
• A playground designed with accessibility in mind
• Fitness and workout stations
• Gathering spaces with shelters and an amphitheater
• Half-court basketball under the bridge

Funding for the Project

The Oxford Trail project is funded by a mix of American Rescue Plan Act dollars and a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with support from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Erhardt Construction, and Progressive Companies.

Follow the City of Grand Rapids on Facebook for updates on the project!