Grand Rapids Parks Projects

Park Millage 5-Year Report

Click below to see what we've done together so far, and what's to come in 2019.

See the Millage Report(PDF, 10MB)

Types of improvements

Repair and Rehab

• Picnic table and grill repairs, bathroom accessibility upgrades, and resurfaced walking paths, basketball courts, and tennis courts

More Pool Time

• Community pools at Richmond, Briggs, and Martin Luther King, Jr. parks can stay open longer in the summer

New Features

• Splash pads, skate parks, picnic shelters, futsol and pickleball courts, benches, drinking fountains and more

Investment Charts - Click to view larger

Fiscal year 14-19 total Investment by type of improvement

(PNG, 137KB)

Fiscal year 19 Investment by park

(PNG, 96KB)

Choosing the Projects

• Each year, the Parks Department chooses several parks throughout the city for improvement. Over the course of the 7-year millage, every park in the city is getting upgrades
• We involve residents and encourage everyone to share your ideas for your neighborhood park
• The citizen-run Parks Advisory Board reviews the projects. City Commission then approves them before any funds are spent
• Maintenance and administrative tasks are paid for by the Parks Department general fund

Funds Pay for the Following

• Park amenities (benches, grills, picnic areas, etc.)
• Athletic fields and sport courts
• Landscaping
• Park buildings, restrooms, furnaces, air conditioning
• Sidewalks, trails, boardwalks, and parking lots
• Park design, construction, and community engagement

In December of 2019, David Marquardt, Director of Parks and Recreation updated City Commission on the department's work as it relates to the 2013 voter-approved Parks Millage. The update presentation includes information on 2019 park improvement projects and the future of the parks system with 2020 projects and new park acquisition strategies.

View the Presentation(PDF, 15MB)