Parks and Recreation

We make sure City parks are clean and safe for you to enjoy. Some parks are home to outdoor art, sculptures and historical monuments. 

City Parks Directory

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.

Westown Commons

The much-loved skatepark is a large draw for area youth who put many volunteer hours into cleaning up and helping redesign the park.

Fitness classes, youth sports, ice skating, and more! There are lots of ways to get active in Grand Rapids. Find what's best for you.

Recreation Homepage

Information on outdoor pools, splash pads, and swim lessons.

Aquatics Homepage

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, 577KB)

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 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.

More Info

Master Plan

Our 5-year Master Plan outlines long-term development, programming, and sustainability of parks, public spaces, and recreation facilities.

More Info

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

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