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

13 parks are set for renovation in 2021. 

• Ward 1: Fourth St. Woods, Garfield Park splashpad, Nagold Park
• Ward 2: Heritage Hill Park, Hillcrest Park, Midtown Green, Sweet St. Park
• Ward 3: Paris Park, Seymour Park
• Downtown: Canal Park, Heartside Park, Pekich Park, Sixth St. Park

We want to hear from you! 

Links to online surveys for these projects can be found at the top of this page. You can also leave comments by phone or email.

Project Goals

• Upgrade old or broken amenities
• Add new amenities that fit the needs of neighbors
• Create a shared space that fosters community

Timeline

Summer 2020 - Outreach Phase I

• Hear community ideas and priorities through online surveys and comments
• Use survey results to create design options incorporating community ideas

Fall 2020 - Outreach Phase II

• Share design options for community feedback
• Create final plan based on community priorities

Winter 2020-21 - Construction prep

• Finalize construction documents
• Bid project

Spring/Summer 2021 - Construction

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)