What is millage funding used for?

Park Improvements
Continued capital improvements and rehabilitation of our 80 parks including:

• New and improved recreation features like playgrounds, basketball courts, futsal courts, and athletic fields
• Accessibility upgrades to walking paths, restrooms, and parking lots
• Site amenities like benches, drinking fountains, picnic areas, lighting and signage

Pools
Outdoor community pools at Brigs, Martin Luther King and Richmond Parks can stay open longer in the summer

Park Maintenance
Staffing and resources to maintain parks at a higher level

Recreation Programming
Funding for increased programming and scholarship opportunities for recreation classes

Choosing the Projects

We use an equity-centered, criteria-based system to prioritize millage funding for park capital projects. The system focuses on racial and economic equity to target investments where they are most needed.

Parks are ranked on criteria of community characteristics (areas of concentrated poverty, communities of color, population density, etc.) and park characteristics (asset lifespan, asset condition, accessibility needs, etc.)

We involve residents in the planning and design of each project. Design typically begins one year before construction.

The State of the Park System

Updated December 2023

Projects Summary

• Completed projects: 87
• Current/Upcoming Construction: 16
• Design/Community Input: 20

Investment Summary

• Total millage investment: $67.1 million
• Total leveraged funding (like grants and partnerships): $77 million
• Grand total investment to date: $144.1 million

Level of Service

We have a goal to raise the level of maintenance service at every park in the City based on four grade levels. See our progress below.

Grade A - Showpiece Facility

• Pre-millage: 0% of parks
• Today: 8% of parks
• 5-year goal: 15% of parks

Grade B -Comprehensive Stewardship

• Pre-millage: 14% of parks
• Today: 61% of parks
• 5-year goal: 65% of parks

Grade C -Managed Care

• Pre-millage: 64% of parks
• Today: 31% of parks
• 5-year goal: 20% of parks

Grade D -Reactive Management/Crisis Response

• Pre-millage: 22% of parks
• Today: 0% of parks
• 5-year goal: 0% of parks

22 parks have improvements planned for 2023-2024.

Ward 1 Parks

Ah-Nab-Awen Park (220 Front Ave NW)

• Planned Improvements: Complete park reconstruction
• Construction timeline: Expected to start Fall 2023/24, pending funding

Garfield Park (250 Burton Ave SE)

• Planned Improvements: New splash pad, renovated gym restroom and basketball court rehab
• Construction timeline: Completed in Summer 2023

Oxford Trail

• Planned Improvements: Reconstruction of existing trail and new connection south to Hall St
• Construction timeline: Preliminary design in FY24, construction planned for FY25

Plaza Roosevelt (680 Cesar E Chavez Ave SW)

• Planned Improvements: Playground, multi-use gathering spaces, flexible seating, and historical elements
• Construction timeline: Expected to start Spring/Summer 2024

Richmond Park (963 Richmond St NW)

• Planned Improvements: New universally accessible playground and parking lot reconstruction
• Construction timeline: Playground project expected to begin Summer 2024. Parking lot project expected to begin Fall 2024.

Riverwalk Trail East (Fulton St to Wealthy St)

• Planned Improvements: New trail construction
• Construction timeline: Expected to begin in 2025 

Roosevelt Park (739 Van Raalte Dr SW)

• Planned Improvements: Lodge building renovation and other site improvements
• Construction timeline: Preliminary design in FY24, construction planned for FY25

Sullivan Field (650 Valley Ave NW)

• Planned Improvements: Grandstand renovation
• Construction timeline: Expected to begin Summer 2023 and be complete in Spring/Summer 2024.

Ward 2 Parks

Ball Perkins Park (1675 Perkins Ave NE)

• Planned Improvements: New south parking lot, additional trails and signage
• Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2023 and be complete in Spring/Summer 2024.

Cherry Park (725 Cherry St SE)

• Planned Improvements: Basketball and tennis court rehab
• Construction timeline: Expected to be complete late July 2023

Highland Park (700 College Ave NE)

• Planned Improvements: New multi-use sports courts and parking lot reconfiguration
• Construction timeline: Expected to be complete November 2023

Midtown Green (747 Fountain St NE)

• Planned Improvements: New nature playground, seat wall, picnic areas, accessible pathways, and drinking fountain
• Construction timeline: Completed in Summer 2023

Ward 3 Parks

Camelot Park (2230 Rowland Ave SE)

• Planned Improvements: New restroom building, picnic shelter and splash pad
• Construction timeline: Pending grant funding

Plaster Creek Trail

• Planned Improvements: Erosion control on two washout locations
  
• Construction timeline: Pending permitting 

MLK Park (1200 MLK Jr. St SE)

• Planned Improvements: Lodge rebuild, new pool locker room facility, parking lot reconstruction and other site improvements
• Construction timeline: Demolition begins Fall 2023

Ottawa Hills Park (2060 Oakfield Ave SE)

• Planned Improvements: New restroom building and parking lot reconstruction
• Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2023 and be complete in Summer 2024

Downtown Parks

Canal Park (941 Monroe Ave NW)

• Planned Improvements: A new "River Story" universally accessible play space, new multi-purpose plaza with enclosed pavilion, river overlooks and seating terraces, and a river landing with an accessible kayak launch platform
• Construction timeline: Pending permitting, expected to begin Spring/Summer 2024 or 2025

Grand River Edges Trail (Leonard to Ann connection)

• Planned Improvements: New upper pathway connection 
• Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2024 

Grand River Walk (JW Marriott to Blue Bridge)

• Planned Improvements: Pathway reconstruction
• Construction timeline: Pending permitting

Heartside Park (301 Ionia Ave SW)

• Planned Improvements: New self-cleaning restroom building with mural, sidewalk connections
• Construction timeline: Completed in Summer 2023

Lyon Square (296 Lyon St NW)

• Planned Improvements: Complete park reconstruction
• Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2023 and be complete in Fall 2024

Veterans Memorial Park (101 E Fulton St NE)

• Planned Improvements: Renovation of historic building facing Sheldon Ave
• Construction timeline: Expected to be complete late Summer 2023

Project Goals

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

For more information on a specific project, contact us at parksandrec@grcity.us or 616-456-3696.

2024 Grant Applications

Bike Park Site Improvements

The proposed grant application would make improvements at Bike Park, including a new paved entrance drive and parking lot, new picnic shelter with tables, new drinking fountain, bike loops and trash receptacle and additional improvements to the pump tracks and skills development areas.

• Draft Grant Application(PDF, 10MB)

In December of 2023, David Marquardt, Director of Parks and Recreation updated City Commission on the department's work as it relates to the voter-approved Parks Millage.

The update presentation includes information on 2023 park improvement projects and the future of the parks system with 2024 projects and beyond.

View Presentation

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $607,119

• 2017 Improvements: New Michigan-themed splash pad, improved restrooms, seating, and park sign.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $203,626

• 2017 Improvements: Upgraded playground, seating, picnic areas, park sign, fencing, and landscaping.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $370,745

• 2019 Improvements: New splashpad and updated restroom building.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $194,066

• 2020 Improvements: Erosion control, bridge replacement, trailhead and signage improvements.

Photos coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $166,038

• 2017 Improvements: Bench seating, crushed limestone/natural trail, wetland overlook, trail identification signs.

Park Master Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $540,859 (plus $97,000 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2019 Improvements: Pathway improvements, restroom upgrades, electrical upgrades, and improvements to pickleball courts, bike polo court, and baseball diamonds.

Before

No images available.

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary 

• Investment to date: $369,793 (plus $22,093 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2018 Improvements: New tot track (bike loop course for 2 to 5-year-olds), intermediate pump track, bike playground/skills loop, and general site improvements.

Concept Plan

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $691,132 (plus $31,360 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2019 Improvements: Accessible pathway improvements, picnic shelter, playground improvements, and site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $53,926
• 2020 Improvements: Improved entryways, updated benches and litter receptacles, fence removal on north and east side of property, natural play area using recycled fallen City trees.

 Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $127,068
• 2018 Improvements: New pathway connections, restored lawn at ballfield, pedestrian access improvements, new bike rack, picnic tables and drinking fountain, and improved landscaping.

Concept Plan

Before

Images coming soon.

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $230,025 (plus $150,000 in outside leveraged funding
• 2016 Improvements: Improved playground access, walking path, and seating

Concept Plan

Photos coming soon.

Investment Summary 

• Investment to date: $840,924 (plus $89,700 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2016 Improvements: Splash pad, playground, restrooms, picnic areas, walking paths, landscaping, lighting, seating, and drinking fountains.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $118,295 (plus $78,376 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2020 Improvements: New lighting, drinking fountain, custom bench, and trash receptacle. Improvements in collaboration with Grandville Ave. Arts and Humanities and Ferra Studio.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $468,653 (plus $22,500 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2015 Improvements: Splash pad, community event space, restroom renovations, bike racks, seating, and site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment: $156,351

• 2018 Improvements: New playground, pedestrian access improvements, improved landscaping, new picnic area and benches, additional site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment: $356,076 (plus $44,700 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2018 Improvements: Removal of non-functioning restroom building, relocation of playground with additional play equipment, new community picnic and event area, new trees and benches along upper pathway, drinking fountain, landscaping improvements, various site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $179,115

• 2020 Improvements: Separated small dog/large dog areas with separate entryways, new shade structure, drinking fountain, and play components.

Concept Plan

Photos coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $126,294 (plus $134,306 of outside leveraged funding)
• 2016 Improvements: New picnic shelter, lighting, playground, landscaping, walkway repairs, seating, bike racks, and accessibility improvements.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $87,871 (plus $137,954 of outside leveraged funding)
• 2016 Improvements: Picnic area, playground, walking paths, seating, bike racks, ornamental lighting, and landscaping.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $332,179 (plus $78,456 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2020 Improvements: New pathways, new swing set, half basketball court, benches, and a grill.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $15,788 (plus $19,000 of outside leveraged funding)
• 2021 Improvements: Erosion control along river bank and replacing pathways.

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $143,561

• 2019 Improvements: Landscaping, decorative fencing, chess table, other site amenities

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $29,654 (plus $14,500 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2021 Improvements: New nature play space, improved playground entrances, new seating.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Project Details 

• Investment to date: $499,633
• 2015 Improvements: New playground equipment, lighting, splash pad, picnic areas, improved restrooms, and site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available. 

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $892,965 (plus $338,750 of outside leveraged funding)
• 2015 Improvements: Paved walking paths, new picnic shelter, futsal courts, improved playground, restroom improvements, and site amenities.
• 2018 Improvements: Updated gymnasium floor and kitchen space.

• 2021 Improvements: New splash pad, picnic area with shade sails, restroom upgrades, accessible pathways, and rain garden.

2015 Concept Plan

2021 Concept Plan

Before

 No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $24,075

• 2021 Improvements: Resurfaced basketball court with mural, all-season restroom facilities, new drinking fountain, sidewalk improvements and power pedestal for community events.

Concept Plan

Before

After

More images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment: $7,229

• 2021 Improvements: Pathway improvements, pollinator garden, and seating.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $503,161 (plus $105,700 of outside leveraged funding)
• 2015 Improvements: Updated buildings, splash pad, improved playground equipment, landscaping, paved path with lighting.
• 2021 Improvements: Outdoor bouldering wall

• 2023 Improvements: A new accessible trail loop, reconfigured parking area, additional lighting, two new multi-sport courts for basketball, four square, shuffleboard, bike polo and roller hockey, gathering spaces, and other small-scale amenities like benches, bike racks, a trash receptacle, and new trees

• 2023 Supplemental Improvements: We've submitted a grant request to replace the existing restroom building with a new restroom and pavilion structure. Learn more about progress in the Michigan DNR Grants section at the top of this page

2015 Concept Plan

Bouldering Wall Concept Plan

2023 Concept Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $18,980

• 2021 Improvements: New nature path, upgraded dog agility equipment (dog "nature play"), kids nature play with bench, reconfigured dog park entrance, expanded large dog area, drinking fountain with doggy bowl, bike racks, rain garden and landscaping improvements.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available. 

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $2,236,392 (plus $300,000 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2017 Improvements: New boardwalk, updated restrooms, and new playground.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $146,421

• Improvements: New drinking fountain, improved landscaping, improved playground, larger outdoor grills, new pedestrian lighting.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $409,712 (plus $300,000 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2020 Improvements: New nature play space, improved stormwater management and native plantings, new outdoor classroom, and trailhead improvements with screened portable restroom.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $296,356

• 2020 Improvements: Improved picnic area with tables and grills, improved athletic field drainage, improved playground and new entrance pathway from Dorchester Ave.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $210,691

• 2019 Improvements: New picnic area, new playground, hammock grove, landscaping.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $450,170 (plus $105,700 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2015 Improvements: Paved path with lighting, improved pedestrian entrances, splash pad, playground equipment; mural by John Ball Area Neighbors and Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary 

• Investment to date: $24,311

• Improvements: Irrigation improvements

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $307,485 (plus $5,600 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2019 Improvements: New overlook area with seating, new pathway with lighting, picnic tables, and vegetation clearing to improve view.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment: $805,566

• 2019 Improvements: Upgrades to athletic fields, nature trail, and playground; new beach volleyball court, new fitness exercise stations, and concession building upgrades.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $1,154,240 (plus $1,081,360 in outside leveraged funding)
• 2015-2017 Improvements: Resurfaced tennis courts and basketball courts, fencing at basketball court, new roof and boiler for lodge building, water fountains, general repair work at restrooms, concessions, and pool house
• 2019 Improvements: New picnic area including picnic shelter, improved pedestrian lighting, new playground equipment, existing playground upgrades, general site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

Images not available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $311,809 (plus $708,340 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2016 Improvements: Playground improvements, splash pad, restroom, walking loop, native landscaping, lighting, seating, and site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $11,080

• 2022 Improvements: Nature play area, community gathering space, pollinator garden, and seating.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Images coming soon. 

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $153,603

• 2018 Improvements: New playground equipment, improved pedestrian lighting, landscaping improvements, benches, and additional site amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $392,318 (plus $51,728 in outside leveraged funding)
• 2016 Improvements: Improved picnic area, ball field upgrades, tot lot playground, lighting, lighting, seating, and site amenities.

• 2021 Improvements: Expanded playground in partnership with the Junior League of Grand Rapids and Sinclair Recreation.

2016 Concept Plan

2021 Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $9,659

• 2021 Improvements: New pathway, seating, and pollinator garden.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary 

• Investment to date: $771,845 (plus $50,000 in outside leveraged funding)
• 2018 Improvements: New inclusive, universally accessible playground, nature play area, new pathway, picnic area, bike racks and site amenities.

• 2021 Improvements: Multi-station outdoor fitness court, new restroom building, repaved parking lot, improved landscaping, new seating, lighting, and signage.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $4,795

• 2021 Improvements: Low maintenance planting bed with public art piece and new park sign.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment: $2,961

• 2021 Improvements: New seating, shade trees, drinking fountain with bottle filler, and power pedestal for community events.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $1,031,671 (plus $401,750 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2019 Improvements: Outdoor classroom, raised planter beds, rain garden, improved entrances and pathways, and natural playscape area. Improvements were made possible in partnership with the Wege Foundation, City of Grand Rapids Environmental Services Department, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Our Community's Children

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $88,354

• 2020 Improvements: New swing set and shade sails for playground, new water spigot and entryway improvements, and rain garden upgrades.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $78,792

• 2019 Improvements: New seating and site amenities, sidewalk improvements, vegetation clearing to improve view.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $895,284 (plus $457,000 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2020 Improvements: Stairs and fencing for sledding hill, pathway improvements, trailhead signage, pool house entrance upgrades, and other amenities.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Project Details 

• Investment to date: $248,097 (plus $243,000 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2021 Improvements: New restroom building at picnic shelter, accessible kayak launch, updated picnic tables, grills, and benches throughout the park, native plantings at lagoon edge.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $1,059,085 (plus $540,000 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2020 Improvements: New restroom building and picnic shelter, outdoor discovery play area, pathways with pedestrian lighting, and green infrastructure improvements.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $679,465 (plus $56,000 of outside leveraged funding)
• 2016 Improvements: New splash pad, bench seating, and access improvements; mural and rain garden by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Cook Arts Center, Plaster Creek Stewards and WMEAC.

• 2018 Improvements: New walking path with exercise equipment installed with support from Herman Miller Cares, Peter C. Cook Foundation, and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Project Details 

• Investment to date: $370,941 (plus $2,173,000 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2021 Improvements: Bandshell improvements, restroom improvements, granite and wood benches, new trail surfacing, site amenities, and interpretive signage.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $0

• 2021 Improvements: Preserved open space with floating benches, ornamental trees, and park sign.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $54,034

• 2021 Improvements: Formal park entrance, museum addition, restrooms, grandstand renovations, bullpens, batting cages, ballfield improvements, and public community greenspace

Concept Plan

Before

 Images coming soon.

After

Images coming soon.

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $16,418 (plus $5,000 in outside leveraged funding)

• 2021 Improvements: Improvements to playground, pathways, sports courts, and seating.

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $130,177 (plus $100,000 in outside leveraged funds)

• 2019 Improvements: New playground, site amenities, and general site improvements with support of Grand Rapids Junior League and Kompan.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $78,811 (plus $1,777,000 of outside leveraged funding)

• 2017 Improvements: New oval reflecting pool, commemorative walk with new sidewalks and seating, relocation of monuments, and site amenities. Support from the DDA, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and Veteran's Park Steering Committee. 

Concept Plan

Before

After

Investment Summary

• Investment to date: $366,998

• 2015 Improvements: New picnic area with shelter, skate plaza, rain garden, brick band and drinking fountain.

Concept Plan

Before

No images available.

After

Investment Summary

• Investment: $624,527 (plus $78,545 in outside leveraged funding)
• 2015 Improvements: New splash pad, landscaping, playground equipment and baseball backstop; mural by West Michigan Center for Arts Technology (WMCAT).

• 2018 Improvements: Resurfaced basketball court with support from Eastown Community Association and Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Concept Plan

Before

After