Love GR Parks? 17 Big Changes Coming in 2025
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Thank you, Grand Rapids! Take a look around GR and you’ll notice something pretty cool – little by little, our 75+ city parks just keep getting nicer. Ever since folks voted to get behind the Parks, Pools and Playgrounds millage in 2019 ($5 million a year, if you’re curious), we’ve been watching them transform.
If you’re like me, you want to know what’s happening in GR’s parks this year. I’m happy to report that we’re getting three brand-new playgrounds, plus they’re rebuilding the MLK lodge and giving the pool locker room an extreme makeover. And for people that enjoy a nice place to walk, you’re in luck, too—some of our biggest trail connections are getting a touch of magic in 2025.
Here’s a closer look at what’s planned for park upgrades this year in Grand Rapids:
in this article
New Playgrounds & Splashpads Coming in 2025/2026
Richmond Park Playground – A brand-new Universally Accessible Playground is on its way! (Start date Spring or Fall 2025, currently out for bid)
Houseman Field Playground – A community-built upgrade set for Fall 2025.
Canal Park – See below
Plaza Roosevelt* – See below
Oxford Trail – See below
Camelot Park – 2230 Rowland Ave SE. This little park is getting a new bathroom, shelter, and splashpad (Summer 2025–Summer/Fall 2026)
New Parks & Big Changes
Some parks are getting more than just a facelift in 2025.
Plaza Roosevelt*
680 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW. A Brand new park space! The name Plaza Roosevelt is a placeholder as community members select a new name, which should be announced any day now.
This park will be a multi-use space with a new playground, gathering areas, and flexible seating. Proposed features include play areas, café style seating, flexible gathering areas, a hammock grove, a rentable shelter space, and an interpretive kiosk featuring the cupola from the former St. Joseph the Worker Parish. Construction kicks off in spring 2025 and runs through summer 2026.
MLK Jr. Park Lodge – Full Lodge & Pool Locker Rebuild
1200 MLK Jr St SE. If you’ve spent any time at MLK Jr. Park, you know the lodge has long been a gathering place for community events, celebrations, and summer fun. But it needed an upgrade, and now it’s finally happening! The old lodge and pool locker room were demolished last summer to make way for a full lodge & locker room rebuild. Add in parking lot reconstruction and site improvements, and MLK Jr. Park is getting a major refresh. The project is expected to be completed by January 2026.
Canal St Park – A Total Rebuild from the Ground Up
905-941 Monroe Ave NW. Another big park projects happening soon is the complete reconstruction of Canal St Park. Here’s what’s included:
- A one-of-a-kind “River Story” playground that weaves art and play to tell the story of the Owashtanong River. Expect play towers, bridges, stone steppers, and sculptures, all set on squishy rubber surfacing.
- River overlooks and seating terraces
- A river landing with an accessible kayak launch platform
Work begins April 2025 and will continue into 2026.
Oxford Trail – A Linear Park
Oxford Street Trailhead 751 Oxford St SW. This year, Oxford Trail—a key piece of Grand Rapids’ trail network is getting a whole new vibe. Currently, the 3-mile paved path connects the Black Hills neighborhood to Millennium Park and the Kent Trails system. Soon, it’ll stretch all the way to Hall Street, adding even more miles to Grand Rapids’ growing trail network and will include:
- 1.5 miles of fresh, reworked trails
- A new linear park in the Black Hills neighborhood
- Children’s playground
- Greenspaces built for movement, play, and just hanging out
- A small amphitheater for performances and community events
- Public art celebrating the cultures that shape the neighborhood
- Bike repair stations and more shady spots to recharge
This is all happening thanks to a $55 million grant awarded to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. in 2022. It’s also part of the larger Grand River Greenway plan to reconnect more neighborhoods to the river. Progressive Companies is project lead, but the vision comes from the community. Construction kicks off in summer 2025, with the new and improved Oxford Trail ready to roll by the end of 2026.
Oxford Trail Plans 📷DGRI & Progressive Companies
Sullivan Field – Bringing a Historic Grand Rapids Landmark Back to Life
This one is for baseball fans, local history buffs, and anyone who loves a good outdoor concert. Once known as Valley Field, Sullivan Field is tucked away in a residential neighborhood on Grand Rapids’ west side. This historic ballpark is getting a grandstand renovation and site upgrades to bring back its classic charm while modernizing the facilities.
The improvements will preserve the field’s rich history while making it more functional for games, events, and community gatherings. Work is expected to continue through summer 2026.
Grand River Revamp: Easier Access & Better Trails
Grand Rapids is making it easier to hang out by the waterfront, too. Here are projects to watch along the Grand River in 2025:
Riverwalk (Blue Bridge to JW Marriott)
Currently closed due to disrepair, this key riverfront path is getting a full rebuild. Upgrades include better river access, improved lighting and seating, native plantings, and flood mitigation. Once finished, it’ll be a smoother, more scenic spot for walkers, runners, and riverfront visitors. Expected reopening: spring 2025.
East Riverfront (US-131 to the Railroad)
This stretch of riverfront is getting a major upgrade. A new accessible trail between Fulton and Wealthy will improve public access, enhance flood protection, and add new lighting, seating, and native landscaping.
The project also fills a critical gap in the regional trail system, linking downtown Grand Rapids to the Oxford Trail, Millennium Park, and the Grand River Greenway in Ottawa County. Work begins in spring 2025 and runs through 2026.
Grand River Edges Trail (Leonard–Ann)
A new upper pathway (and eventually pedestrian underpasses) at Leonard and Ann Streets, plus the Grand Rapids Eastern Railroad line, will finally close the “missing link” between downtown and Riverside Park. Right now, this gap makes it tough for cyclists and pedestrians—especially those coming from longer routes like the White Pine—to connect to the city.
Once complete, it will link Grand Rapids to hundreds of miles of uninterrupted trails to the north and west. Tree clearing started in spring 2024, with construction beginning in summer/fall 2025.
All 2025 Grand Rapids Park Projects
Here are the scheduled park improvements for 2025:
- Ball Perkins Park – New south parking lot, trails, and signage (Spring/Summer–End of 2025)
- Belknap Park (Griffin’s Chiller Work) – Conversion/removal of existing bathroom (Spring–Fall 2025)
- Camelot Park – New bathroom, shelter, and splashpad (Summer 2025–Summer/Fall 2026)
- Canal St Park – Complete park reconstruction (April 2025–2026)
- Cherry Park – Finish court repair (final coating) (Spring/Summer 2025)
- East Riverfront Improvements (US-131 to Railroad) – Improve public riverfront access, trail connection, and site improvements (Spring 2025–End of 2026)
- Grand River Edges Trail (Leonard–Ann) – New upper pathway connection; tree removal starts Spring 2024 (Summer/Fall 2025–2026)
- Houseman Field Playground – Community build for playground improvements (Fall 2025)
- MLK Jr. Park Lodge – Lodge rebuild, new pool locker room, parking lot reconstruction, and site improvements (Under construction until January 2026)
- Ottawa Hills Park – New restroom and parking lot reconstruction (Opens Spring 2025)
- Oxford Trail – Trail reconstruction and extension to Hall St + new linear park (Spring 2025–End of 2026)
- Plaster Creek Erosion Control – Erosion control washouts along trail at two locations (Summer 2025–Fall 2025)
- Plaza Roosevelt (680 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW) – Playground, multi-use gathering spaces, flexible seating, and historical elements (April 2025–Summer 2026)
- Richmond Park (Parking Lot) – Parking lot reconstruction (Start date Spring or Fall 2025, currently out for bid)
- Richmond Park (Playground) – New inclusive playground and accessibility improvements (Starts Summer/Fall 2025, dependent on parking lot timing)
- Riverwalk (Blue Bridge to JW) – Reconstruction of walkway (Final Restoration in Spring 2025)
- Sullivan Field – Grandstand renovation and site improvements (Under construction until Summer 2026)
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