Your City, Your Parks
We help create a connected and healthy community. With 75+ parks and year-round recreation programs across the City, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Pools and Splash Pads City Parks Directory
Park Highlights
Ottawa Hills Park
Ottawa Hills Park is the first universally accessible playground in Grand Rapids. The park reopened in 2018 after improvements were made thanks to the voter-approved 2013 Parks Millage. The park has two playgrounds designed for older and younger children, sensory play objects, picnic areas, and rubber surfacing for soft landings and accessibility.
Rosa Parks Circle
Rosa Parks Circle is a public art space in the heart of downtown. It was designed by the world-renowned artist, Maya Lin. In the winter months, the space transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink. Numerous concerts, events, and festivals are also held here throughout the year.
Roberto Clemente Park
This Roosevelt Park neighborhood park received transformative upgrades in 2019, including stormwater management infrastructure, new restroom and picnic shelter, outdoor classroom, and natural play elements.
Trails
Looking to escape the city bustle? Visit one of our trails and explore the natural beauty of Grand Rapids.
Aman Park
- Park acres: 339
- Miles of trails: 6.4
- Features: natural hiking and cross country skiing trails, bridges, interpretive trails, natural wooded areas
- Trail map
Ball Perkins Park
- Park acres: 80
- Miles of trails: 0.65
- Features: natural pathway, wooded areas, wetland overlook, rest areas
- Trail map
Burton Woods
- Park acres: 6
- Miles of trails: 0.4
- Features: natural pathway, wooded areas
Huff Park
- Park acres: 90
- Miles of trails: 1
- Features: boardwalk loop through wetlands, observation deck, bird watching opportunities
- Trail Map(PDF, 576KB)
Oxford Trail
- Miles of trails: 3
- Features: paved pathway for non-motorized recreation, neighborhood and park connections views of the Grand River.
- Trail map(PDF, 2MB)
Plaster Creek Trail
- Park acres: 141
- Miles of trails: 2.7
- Features: paved pathway for non-motorized recreation, interpretive trails, views of Plaster Creek
Riverside Park
- Park acres: 187
- Miles of trails: 2.3
- Features: paved pathway for non-motorized recreation, river overlooks, bridges
Park Maintenance
Our park system is made up of over 2,000 acres of parkland spread across 75 parks. Our maintenance team works to keep these important community spaces safe, clean and vibrant for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Visit the Park Maintenance Homepage
Park Planning and Improvement Projects
Park Improvement Projects
We're improving our parks all the time! Grand Rapids voters approved a 7 year Parks Millage on November 5, 2013. We use these funds to make improvements, repairs and rehabilitate parks, pools and playgrounds.
Park Improvement Projects
Strategic Master Plan
Our 5-year Master Plan outlines long-term development, programming, and sustainability of parks, public spaces, and recreation facilities.
See Our Strategic Plan
FY22-FY24 Department Operating Plan
This document goes into the details of how we're reaching our objectives.
See Our Operating Plan(PDF, 18MB)
Recreation and Aquatics
Recreation
Adult fitness classes, youth sports and enrichment, and more! There are lots of ways to get active in Grand Rapids. Find what's best for you.
Recreation Homepage
Aquatics
Find information on outdoor pools, splash pads, and swim lessons below.
Aquatics Homepage
Forestry
The Forestry Division ensures healthy tree canopy in Grand Rapids. We keep an inventory of all street, park and cemetery trees. We use this to assess tree health and track progress for tree canopy goals.
Forestry Homepage
Cemeteries
A cemetery is a resting place for those who have passed on and a place of comfort for the living to remember their loved ones. There are many choices when considering a burial option. We recommend pre-planning. We'll help you with pricing, lot selection and peace of mind with this decision.
Cemeteries Homepage