Grand Rapids Reporter

The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department recently gave the City Commission a yearly update on 43 park projects in the conceptual, planning and finished enhancement process.

Parks and Recreation Director David Marquardt noted that the 2022 $3.5 million millage financing is backed by $6.7 million in leveraged funding consisting of grants from outside entities, a recent City of Grand Rapids news release said.

“The improvements made to our incredible park system, recommended by community input and the investment policies initiated by the City Commission and the Parks Advisory Committee, have created meaningful and inspirational experiences for our residents,” Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said in the release. “As responsible stewards of our public spaces, the City is committed to continuing this work on transforming and developing quality parks throughout our community.”

A total of 116 park developments in the city are expected to be financed by the park millage. Since 2014, the total millage is more than $42.5 million with more than $30.6 million in further leveraged funding.

The park construction projects completed in 2022 include Belknap Park, Briggs Park, Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle, Fourth Street Woods, Hillcrest Park, Ottawa Hills Park, Riverside Park and Sweet Street Park.