|
View as Webpage
Quarterly Newsletter | June 2026
Letter from the Parks Director
While we work year-round to keep our parks and trails accessible for all seasons, there’s something especially exciting about preparing for summer. Whether it’s the return of beachgoers to Millennium Park, the first RV rolling into Wabasis Campground, or the laughter of children returning to one of our 30-plus playgrounds, the warmer weather brings a special energy to our community. This year, we’re continuing our popular Nature Neighbors program in partnership with Blandford Nature Center, as well as the Summer Wonder programs with the Kent District Library, which you can read more about below.
The return of summer also means ramping up the care and maintenance our parks and trails require. With nearly 8,000 acres of parkland to manage, we rely on the dedication of our park stewards and volunteers to help keep these spaces beautiful and welcoming for everyone. Opportunities range from park clean-up projects to invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and everything in between. If you’re interested in helping us care for our park system and keep it thriving for the community, we encourage you to explore the volunteer opportunities available this season.
While our parks are bustling with summer activity, you'll also notice a buzz from construction underway. In April, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Northland Pedestrian Tunnel project—kicking off what promises to be a busy season for Grand River Greenway improvements. Soon, you’ll see a flurry of activity along the Cannonsburg Trail, Pettis Trail, and the pedestrian bridge addition to the Knapp Street Bridge over the Grand River. Combined with other Grand River Greenway improvements underway in Plainfield Township and the City of Grand Rapids, these investments represent measurable progress toward making the 85-mile Greenway a reality. To stay up to date on construction and other park improvements, visit the Projects page on our website. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we're always sharing the latest news and updates about our parks.
Thanks for taking the time to read about what's happening across our parks system, and I hope to see you in a park or on a trail soon!
Ben Swayze
Director
|
2025 Annual Report: A Year of Connection and Growth
It’s here! Our 2025 Annual Report is ready to explore. We’re excited to share a look back at a year shaped by momentum, connection, and transformation across our parks and trails.
We made meaningful progress on projects that will shape how our community moves, gathers, and experiences nature for years to come. Some highlights include:
- Kicking off projects along the Grand River Greenway, bringing us closer to a fully connected regional trail system
- Reimagining Dwight Lydell Park, from renovating its iconic water wheel to creating new ways for the community to gather and play
- Celebrating more than 11,000 volunteer hours dedicated to caring for our parks and natural spaces
Take a closer look at the full report and see how, together, we’re shaping the next century of parks in Kent County.
|
Building Better Parks: Recent Progress and What's Ahead
With the return of warm weather comes a familiar rhythm across our parks—birds singing in the trees, turtles sunbathing along the shoreline, new plant growth in every direction, and the steady hum of construction. This summer, we’re excited to continue work on several projects that represent years of planning and preparation.
Grand Opening of Wahlfield Dog Park
After more than a year of anticipation, we’re very close to opening our first park designed specifically for our four-legged friends! We're putting the finishing touches on this one-of-a-kind space and planning a grand opening for mid-to-late July.
This 10-acre park features a 1-acre area for small dogs, a 2-acre open activity field, crushed stone walking trails through natural areas, and a 1-acre swimming pond complete with a dog beach and jumping dock. Amenities also include a four-season family restroom with a dog wash station and an additional restroom serving the park's hiking and mountain bike trail network.
To celebrate, we'll have giveaways for the first 150 dogs, food trucks, and more during the grand opening. It's an event you and Fido won't want to miss! Be sure to follow our Facebook page for more details coming soon.
|
Grand River Greenway Continues to Grow
Progress continues on several sections of the Grand River Greenway project as we work with partners in the City of Grand Rapids, Plainfield Township, and Lowell to complete an east–west non-motorized connection across Kent County. Nearly a dozen projects are taking place this year, many of which are being led by our team.
Northland Drive Tunnel – Pictured below, community leaders and project partners celebrated the groundbreaking of this key Greenway segment on Thursday, April 30. The project will provide safe passage under Northland Drive at Rogue River Drive and eliminate the need to cross seven lanes of traffic on one of the busiest roads in northern Kent County. It also includes a half-mile section of non-motorized trail along the east side of Northland Drive, connecting 7 Mile Road to the north and Cannonsburg Road to the south.
Shortly after the groundbreaking, work began on the east side of Northland Drive, including stormwater improvements and grading for the trail and tunnel. Following the LPGA tournament at Blythefield Country Club in mid-June, construction will shift to the west side of Northland Drive. Work will continue in phases, with completion expected in late fall.
Cannonsburg Trail – This project is divided into two sections: Northland Drive to Chauncey Avenue and Chauncey Avenue to Pettis Avenue. Together, they will connect the trail being built along Northland Drive with the trail under construction on Pettis Avenue. Construction on the Chauncey-to-Pettis section will begin in June. The Northland-to-Chauncey segment is scheduled to go out for bid this summer, with construction expected to begin this fall.
Pettis Trail – This project features 3.5 miles of separated non-motorized trail through the rolling hills of Cannon and Ada Townships. Once completed, the trail will connect the Cannonsburg Trail with the existing Ada Township trail system at Knapp Street and Pettis Avenue near the Forest Hills Eastern campus. Construction is expected to begin shortly after the July 4 holiday and wrap up in late November.
Knapp Street Bridge – This project includes new sections of asphalt path, several raised boardwalks, and a steel pedestrian bridge attached to the existing Knapp Street bridge over the Grand River. Once complete, this important crossing will connect miles of trails in Ada Township and Grand Rapids Township directly to the Grand River Greenway.
The first phase involves relocating a federally protected snuffbox mussel population discovered within the construction area. Once that work is completed in June, crews will begin expanding the bridge piers with work continuing through the summer and into the fall. Due to the complexity of the project, completion is expected in August 2027. We're also continuing to design and raise funds for the next section of the Greenway, which will connect Downtown Ada to the City of Lowell.
Mountain Bike Trails and More at Johnson Park
Work continues along Kent County's western Grand River Greenway trailhead. Building on the expanded parking lot completed in 2024, improvements include a four-season family restroom, a replacement playground, several covered gathering spaces, and a comprehensive adaptive mountain bike trail system.
Thanks to fundraising efforts by the Kent County Parks Foundation and the West Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance, along with increased support from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the mountain bike trail system has grown from 6 miles to 8 miles.
Construction has moved quickly this spring and early summer with more than 2 miles completed and another 4 miles roughed in. Soon, crews will begin work on the new restroom, playground and gathering spaces. We're planning to complete the project in September and hope to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting this fall!
|
A Sign of Summer: Making an Entrance at Millennium Park
Just in time for summer, visitors to Millennium Park will be greeted by a new entrance feature worthy of one of our signature parks
Earlier this decade, we partnered with the Kent County Parks Foundation to secure a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to purchase property at the corner of Butterworth Drive and Maynard Avenue. After removing the existing house in 2025, we completed a new monument sign and enhanced landscaping this spring. We're grateful to the Kent County Parks Foundation for its continued investment in enhancing Millennium Park and making it easier for visitors to get there.
Speaking of, we have a few new programs to tell you about this summer. Read more below!
|
Programming Preview: Screen-Free Activities in Our Parks
As the parks come alive with the return of summer, we’re excited to share a few family-friendly nature programs that invite you to explore, learn something new, and enjoy time outdoors.
Sand, Sculpture, and Summer Fun at Millennium Beach
Celebrate the summer solstice on the sandy shores of Millennium Beach Saturday, June 20 with a special sand sculpting experience!
The talented team from Scott Triplett Sculpting will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering free, informal lessons while creating a large exhibition sculpture throughout the day.
As the sculpture comes to life, beachgoers are invited to join in and try their hand at sand carving. Guidance, tools, and plenty of encouragement will be provided, making it easy for participants of all ages and skill levels to get involved.
No experience is needed—just curiosity, a willingness to get creative in the sand, and regular beach admission. RSVP to our Facebook event to keep it on your calendar!
|
Water Safety Days at Millennium Beach
Thanks to a partnership with Life EMS Ambulance and Corewell Health's Helen Devos Children's Hospital, we're able to offer two FREE programs about water safety at Millennium Beach with normal beach admission:
Join us on the beach for hands-on, family-friendly learning led by trained professionals, including water watcher awareness, water survival skills, and demonstrations such as life jacket fittings and CPR instruction. For more information, email Micah Karell.
|
Blandford Nature Center's Nature Neighbors Program
Nature Neighbors is back for another season in our parks!
From early childhood programs like Bumblebee Nature Walks to adult-friendly Introduction to Birding, enjoy these engaging, low-cost adventures rooted in nature and fun for all ages, interests and experience levels.
Come explore more with Blandford Nature Center program educators at Caledonia Lakeside Park, Fallasburg Park, Long Lake Park, Townsend Park, Wabasis Lake Park, and more!
The season continues through early September as we make the most of the warm weather ahead. Learn more about the program schedule and registration on Blandford Nature Center's website..
|
Kent District Library's Summer Wonder Series
We're excited to partner with the Kent District Library (KDL) again this summer for some interactive and educational programs as part of their Summer Wonder series!
Combine nature with scavenger hunt vibes as you Find Curi across ten different Kent County Parks, or stop by Millennium Park to join in on singing, dancing, and storytelling outside of the KDL Bookmobile. You'll even have a chance to enjoy a foamy-good evening at four parks during their very popular foam parties. Families can also enjoy reading a story one page at a time while walking through StoryWalks at select parks.
As an added benefit, children who register for either KDL’s Summer Wonder program or the Grand Rapids Public Library Summer Reading Challenge will receive a free family day pass to Millennium Park Beach.
To learn more about Summer Wonder activities in our parks, including event schedules and participating locations, be sure to visit the KDL website!
|
Kent County Amateur Golf Tournament
The Kent County Amateur Golf Tournament returns the weekend of Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, bringing top local talent together for one of the region’s most competitive amateur events.
This prestigious two-day tournament is open to the first 160 players who register and maintain a handicap of 10 or less, making it a highlight of the summer golf season for skilled players across West Michigan.
Hosted in partnership with West Michigan Golf Association, the event showcases high-level competition, sportsmanship, and community pride on the course. Registration information and full tournament details are available on their website.
|
Kent County's South Community Fest at Brewer Park
We’re excited that Kent County Community Fest is coming to our very own Brewer Park in Byron Center on Wednesday, July 29 from 4 to 7 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event brings together residents from across the county for an afternoon of food, activities, and connections to local services.
Enjoy food trucks and free ice cream, kids’ activities like face painting and balloon animals, big trucks on display, and demonstrations from the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit and Mounted Patrol.
More than 20 County departments will also be on site sharing resources and information, including us! We hope to see you there! RSVP to our Facebook event to make it official.
|
Sunshine and Stewardship: Planting the Future of Our Parks
Our volunteers had an outstanding spring season across our parks system. Since March, more than 1,200 volunteers have joined us for approximately 35 stewardship and service-learning events. Together, we’ve helped prepare our parks for the busy recreation season through spring cleanups, tree plantings, trail improvements, habitat restoration projects, and community stewardship events.
A major highlight this spring was the planting of 150 large trees and 480 native seedlings across several parks. With support from students, community groups, and corporate partners, we planted everything from canopy trees to native seedlings at locations including at Millennium Park’s North Kent Trail Trailhead, Douglas Walker Park, Dwight Lydell Park, and Creekside Park. These efforts will help create future shade, improve wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term health of our park forests.
Another highlight was the May 13 DNR Urban Forestry Health Stewardship Day at Palmer Park, sponsored by Founders Brewing Company. Volunteers joined Bartlett Tree Experts and our staff for hands-on learning about tree care, soil health, and the importance of healthy urban forests. The day combined meaningful stewardship work with engaging educational demonstrations.
|
Want to Get Involved?
Register for one of the many workdays available on our website and let us know if you have a park, project, or group you'd like to include. Here's a preview of upcoming opportunities:
Whether you're helping plant trees, expand the park canopy, or support community restoration efforts, volunteers are invited to be part of this impactful summer season of stewardship!
The Story Behind Wabasis Lake and Campground’s Rumored Treasure
A recent FOX-17 news story took a closer look at one of Kent County’s most talked-about legends: the rumored buried treasure at Wabasis Lake and Campground. The feature explores the history behind the tale of Chief John Wabasis, the cave often tied to the story, and how the legend has endured for generations. While no treasure has ever been found, the story continues to spark curiosity among visitors and campers.
Watch the full segment to learn more about the history, the myths, and the natural beauty that keeps this local legend alive!
|
Turn the Outdoors into Your Workplace: Apply to Join Our Team
Are you looking for a job that offers flexible work hours, time spent outdoors, and a fun team environment? If so, working for our Parks Department may be the perfect fit for you!
Here's a look at current job openings:
|
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Are you a reporter or member of the media and see something you'd like to cover? Reach out to Christina Anthony, Marketing and Communications Manager, for quotes, interviews, background information, or anything else you may need to tell a great story about our parks:
-
Phone: 724-691-5120
-
Email: christina.anthony@kentcountymi.gov
Have a story idea, partnership pitch, or cool parks picture to share? We love hearing from the community! Email us anytime—we’re always on the lookout for good stories and fresh ideas to share!
|
|
