Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation welcomes summer with pools, splash pads and kayak rentals
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Summer is here, and the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department invites residents and visitors to make the most of the season with the opening of City pools and splash pads, along with the return of kayak rentals on the Grand River. Whether families are looking to cool off or stay active, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation offers affordable and accessible opportunities for all ages throughout summer.
“Summer is when our parks and recreation system truly comes alive,” said Laura Cleypool, parks and recreation director. “From swimming and paddling to neighborhood splash pads and community events, we’re excited to provide opportunities that help neighbors stay active, connect with others and enjoy the outdoors.”
Pools open for summer fun
The City’s three outdoor pools – Briggs Park Pool, Richmond Park Pool, and Martin Luther King Park Pool – will open for the 2026 season at Noon Saturday, June 6 and operate through Saturday, Aug. 15. Pool hours for all outdoor pools this summer are:
- Mondays: Closed
- Tuesdays – Thursdays: Noon to 7 p.m.
- Fridays: Noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays: Noon to 7 p.m.
- Sundays: Noon to 5 p.m.
Pools offer open swim, swim lessons and water fitness classes throughout the summer. Registration is currently open for the June, July and August classes at grparks.info/recclasses.
Pool schedules, admission rates and program information are available at grandrapidsmi.gov/pools.
Splash pads ready to cool off families across the city
Splash pads throughout Grand Rapids will also open for the season beginning June 6, giving free opportunities to adults and children alike to beat the heat.
Located in parks throughout the City, the department’s splash pads offer a fun and accessible way for neighbors to enjoy water play without leaving their neighborhood. Splash pads are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and operate from June 6 through Sept. 13.
Of the 15 City splash pads, only one will have a delayed opening. Due to a main service line issue, the Fuller Park splash pad will not open on June 6. The department is actively working on repairs and anticipates opening the splash before the end of the month. The service line also affects water to the park’s drinking fountains and Hillcrest Dog Park.
A complete list of splash pad locations and operating hours can be found at grandrapidsmi.gov/pools.
Explore the Grand River by kayak
Residents and visitors can once again experience the Grand River from a new perspective with kayak rentals available at Riverside Park. With an accessible kayak launch, the rentals offer an easy way for beginners and experienced paddlers alike to enjoy the water while exploring one of the City’s most iconic natural resources. Rental options – which include solo and tandem kayak options – are a first come, first rented basis with equipment and lifejackets provided.
Rental hours through August 30 are:
- Fridays: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rental rates are per person, per hour for up to three hours at a time.
- Youth (ages 17 and under): $5
- Adult (ages 18 and older): $10
The department will host two free 30-minute demo weekends during regular rental hours for City residents. Residents and non-residents may still rent kayaks during these weekends. The free-for-City-resident weekends are:
- June 12, 13 & 14
- July 10, 11 & 12
Additional rental information, age restrictions and rules are available at grandrapidsmi.gov/kayaking.
Cancellations and Closures
Throughout the summer, cancellations and closures for all activities will be shared to the department’s Facebook page and posted to the cancellation hotline at 616-456-3699.
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