Grand Rapids breaks ground on $19 Million East Riverfront Park
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids is getting a brand-new riverfront park. Today, Thursday, Aug. 21, state, city and community leaders broke ground on the East Riverfront project – a $19 million investment to turn an old industrial site into an accessible green space for everyone.
Located just west of the Acrisure Amphitheater, the East Riverfront project represents the first major public greenspace investment along the Grand River’s southside in generations. When it opens in 2026, it will provide river access for residents and visitors on the city’s southwest side and serve as a vital connection in the 85-mile Grand River Greenway, which links communities across Kent and Ottawa counties.
“This is more than just a park — it’s a promise to future generations,” said Mayor David LaGrand. “We’re turning our old public works site into a beautiful space that brings people back to the Grand River and reflects our shared vision of a River for All. Our Grand Rapids team in Lansing – Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Senator Thomas Albert, Senator Mark Huizenga, Representative Kristian Grant, Representative John Fitzgerald, Representative Carol Glanville and Representative Phil Skaggs – really championed this Greenway project and secured necessary funding. It wouldn’t be happening without their support.”
City Manager Mark Washington echoed the Mayor's sentiments saying, "This project embodies the goals of our Strategic Plan - activation, vibrancy, economic development, and inclusive trails and spaces that reflect the voices of our residents. We're grateful to our state partners, funders and City teams who made this possible."
“The public space we’ve all come together to build here will be the new front yard on the riverfront for residents in Heartside, Black Hills, Roosevelt Park and neighbors across the city," said Tim Kelly, president and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. “This remarkable new stretch of riverfront also will add a critical new piece in the growing network of Grand River Greenway public parks and trails for all residents and visitors across the region to enjoy. We’re thrilled to continue this work with our partners and the entire community."
Phase 1 highlights include:
- 4.5 acres of new greenspace
- A half-mile non-motorized trail along the river’s edge
- Expansive seating areas overlooking the Grand River
- Water access for recreational use
- Opportunities for future public art installations
- An access point to the Acrisure Amphitheater
- New trees and native plantings to enhance biodiversity and manage stormwater
Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (via the Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.), the City of Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority, Kent County Floodwall Bonds, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking grant program.
Project partners include Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., The Right Place, Grand Action 2.0, the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, Owen Ames Kimball, and Viridis Design Group.
