City invites public to provide feedback on proposed 2027-2032 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting residents to help shape the future of local parks, trails and recreation opportunities by reviewing and providing feedback on its proposed 2027-2032 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The draft plan is now available for public review through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Community members are encouraged to review the draft plan and share their thoughts during the 30-day public comment period.
The draft plan is available online at grandrapidsmi.gov/parks. Hard copies are available the Cook Library Center (1100 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW), the department office (1500 Scribner Ave NW), and at the following Grand Rapids Public Library locations:
- Main Library (111 Library Street NE)
- Seymour Branch (2350 Eastern Ave SE)
- Van Belkum Branch (1563 Plainfield Ave NE)
- West Side Branch (713 Bridge St NW)
Residents can submit comments online by emailing parkinfo@grcity.us or by writing to the Department of Parks & Recreation (1500 Scribner Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 30.
The City will also host a public hearing to provide community members with an opportunity to share feedback on the proposed plan before its adoption.
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 1
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: City Commission Chambers (9th Floor) at City Hall (300 Monroe Avenue NW)
Updated every five years, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan serves as a roadmap for future investments in the City’s parks and recreation system. The plan identifies community needs, establishes goals and priorities, and guides decisions about park improvements, recreational facilities and programs, and natural spaces.
“Our parks and recreation facilities are more than just places to play,” said Laura Cleypool, director of parks and recreation. “They’re where our community comes together. This master plan gives us a framework for making strategic investments, caring for our existing spaces, and making sure those spaces continue to reflect the needs of the people who use them. Community feedback is an important part of making sure we’re moving in the right direction.”
Following the public comment period and hearing, the City of Grand Rapids will review community feedback and consider the plan for adoption on Dec. 15. Once adopted, the plan will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for review and approval in January 2027.
The Parks and Recreation master plan is developed in accordance with Michigan DNR guidelines. An approved five-year recreation plan is required for communities seeking certain state and federal recreation grants, including funding through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund and US Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund.
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