City invites community to help shape the future of Parks and Recreation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department is inviting residents to help shape the future of the city's parks, trails, recreation programs and public spaces through the development of the 2027–2032 Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan.

The master plan will serve as a roadmap for future investments, improvements and programming throughout the parks system. Building on previous planning efforts, the update will evaluate community needs, recreation trends, park and facility conditions, trail connectivity, equitable access to recreation, and opportunities to strengthen connections to the Grand River and local waterways.

The process includes neighborhood pop-up events, youth and senior focus groups, watershed and river education activities, poolside engagement events, and other opportunities designed to ensure voices from across the community are represented in the final plan. The goal is to create a shared vision for a park system that is welcoming, accessible, resilient and reflective of the needs of Grand Rapids residents.

“Grand Rapids residents have helped build one of the most dynamic park systems in our region, and their voices will guide its next chapter,” said Laura Cleypool, parks and recreation director. “We’re excited to collaborate with the community to ensure our expanding network of parks and programs continues to welcome and inspire everyone.”

Community input is a critical part of the planning process and the department encourages everyone who lives, works, learns or recreates in Grand Rapids to participate and help shape the future of the parks online or at an in-person event.

Take the Online Survey

An online community survey is available now through July 6. Residents of all ages are encouraged to share their experiences, priorities and ideas for the future of Grand Rapids parks and recreation facilities.

Attend a Community Engagement Event
Department staff and the planning team will be attending community events and parks throughout the summer to gather feedback directly from residents. Upcoming engagement opportunities include:

• Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MLK Park Party (900 Fuller Ave SE)
• Thursday, July 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Richmond Park Pool (1101 Richmond St. NW)
• Monday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to Noon at GRPL Outdoor Storytime at Mulick Park (1632 Sylvan Ave SE)
• Thursday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Briggs Park Pool (350 Knapp St.NE)
• Monday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at GRPL Outdoor Storytime at Lincoln Park (231 Marion Ave NW)
• Saturday, August 8, from 9 a.m. to Noon at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks’ Insect Extravaganza! at Plaster Creek Family Park (2401 Buchanan Ave. SW)

Additional community engagement opportunities will be announced throughout the summer.

Residents can learn more about the project, take the survey, view upcoming engagement opportunities and sign up for project updates by visiting the project website here.

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