City celebrates major milestone in Grand River Edges Trail – Leonard to Ann extension
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – City leaders, state officials and regional partners gathered today along the Grand River to celebrate a major milestone in the construction of the Grand River Edges Trail – Leonard to Ann extension, a key connection in the Grand River Greenway that will connect West Michigan communities to each other and the Grand River from Lowell to the Lakeshore.
The event marked the significant progress already underway on the project, which is approaching its halfway point and reflects years of planning, collaboration, fundraising and coordination among numerous public and private partners.
This transformative 0.75 mile, 12-foot-wide multiuse trail segment includes at‑grade street crossings, lighting, benches, native plantings and trees, wayfinding signage and an interpretive plaza celebrating the area’s natural and cultural resources. Once complete, it will link downtown Grand Rapids to Riverside Park and, by extension, the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, closing one of the region’s most significant trail gaps.
At the groundbreaking event today, Mayor David LaGrand highlighted how the project is transforming underutilized riverfront space into a welcoming public asset that will benefit residents for generations. He noted that reconnecting people to the Grand River is central to the City’s broader river corridor revitalization efforts, including the recent Lower Reach Restoration groundbreaking.
“This extension is about creating safe, accessible opportunities for people to walk, bike, gather and experience the waterfront,” LaGrand said. “It’s exciting to see decades of planning and partnership becoming reality.”
City Manager Mark Washington emphasized the significance of reaching this milestone after years of coordination with state agencies, regional partners, adjacent property owners, businesses and technical experts. He recognized the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and West Michigan Trails for their funding support.
“This progress shows what is possible when organizations and community partners align around a shared vision,” Washington said. “This investment will have a lasting impact on residents and future generations.”
Parks and Recreation Director Laura Cleypool closed the program by thanking partners, funders, contractors and community members for their collaboration and commitment.
“Today’s celebration is about more than construction progress — it’s about bringing us closer to a future where people can move safely, connect with one another along the Grand River Greenway, and enjoy the outdoors along the Grand River,” Cleypool said. She noted that construction is expected to continue through the year, with completion anticipated in December.
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to explore nearby trail sections and participate in a commemorative photo with project partners and elected officials.
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