City breaks ground on $9 million Oxford Trail project

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — City and community leaders gathered Tuesday evening to break ground on the $9 million Oxford Trail improvement project, a major step toward creating a more connected and accessible Grand Rapids.

The Oxford Trail project is a new, non-motorized trail that connects the Roosevelt Park and Black Hills neighborhoods to downtown Grand Rapids. It is located on the southwest side of the city, with its main trailhead at 751 Oxford St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The trail runs from Wealthy Street SW, just west of the Grand River, through the Black Hills neighborhood, and is being extended to Hall Street SW. It will also give residents on the city’s southwest side better access to downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand River and the larger Grand River Greenway, a trail system that will eventually stretch from Lowell to Lake Michigan.

“This project is about more than just a trail,” said Laura Cleypool, interim parks and recreation director. “It’s about creating spaces that bring people together, strengthen neighborhood connections, and open the door to new opportunities for recreation, wellness and community.”

Key features of the project include:

• New trail segments connecting Oxford Street SW to Hall Street SW and Godfrey Avenue SW
• Rebuilding of existing trail from Wealthy Street SW to Oxford Street SW
• A new, accessible playground
• Outdoor fitness equipment and a workout area
• Community gathering spaces with shelters and an amphitheater
• A half-court basketball area under the Oxford Street bridge

Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act through the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, along with a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Project partners include Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Erhardt Construction and Progressive Companies.

The Oxford Trail project supports goals outlined in community plans like GR Forward and River For All, which aim to strengthen neighborhood ties and improve access to the riverfront.