Your City, Your Parks
Big things are happening in our public parks! Following the end of a 7-year millage passed in 2013, a new dedicated parks millage was approved by Grand Rapids voters in 2019.
The new, evergreen millage allows continued investment in City parks. It will provide approximately $5 million each year for repair, maintenance, and new improvements to parks, pools, and playgrounds.
What is millage funding used for?
Park Improvements
Continued capital improvements and rehabilitation of our 80 parks including:
- New and improved recreation features like playgrounds, basketball courts, futsal courts, and athletic fields
- Accessibility upgrades to walking paths, restrooms, and parking lots
- Site amenities like benches, drinking fountains, picnic areas, lighting and signage
Pools
Outdoor community pools at Brigs, Martin Luther King and Richmond Parks can stay open longer in the summer
Park Maintenance
Staffing and resources to maintain parks at a higher level
Recreation Programming
Funding for increased programming and scholarship opportunities for recreation classes
Choosing the Projects
We use an equity-centered, criteria-based system to prioritize millage funding for park capital projects. The system focuses on racial and economic equity to target investments where they are most needed.
Parks are ranked on criteria of community characteristics (areas of concentrated poverty, communities of color, population density, etc.) and park characteristics (asset lifespan, asset condition, accessibility needs, etc.)
We involve residents in the planning and design of each project. Design typically begins one year before construction.
The citizen-run Parks Advisory Board reviews the projects. City Commission then approves them before any funds are spent.
The State of the Park System
Updated December 2023
Projects Summary
- Completed projects: 87
- Current/Upcoming Construction: 16
- Design/Community Input: 20
Investment Summary
- Total millage investment: $67.1 million
- Total leveraged funding (like grants and partnerships): $77 million
- Grand total investment to date: $144.1 million
Level of Service
We have a goal to raise the level of maintenance service at every park in the City based on four grade levels. See our progress below.
Grade A - Showpiece Facility
- Pre-millage: 0% of parks
- Today: 8% of parks
- 5-year goal: 15% of parks
Grade B -Comprehensive Stewardship
- Pre-millage: 14% of parks
- Today: 61% of parks
- 5-year goal: 65% of parks
Grade C -Managed Care
- Pre-millage: 64% of parks
- Today: 31% of parks
- 5-year goal: 20% of parks
Grade D -Reactive Management/Crisis Response
- Pre-millage: 22% of parks
- Today: 0% of parks
- 5-year goal: 0% of parks
22 parks have improvements planned for 2023-2024.
Ward 1 Parks
Ah-Nab-Awen Park (220 Front Ave NW)
- Planned Improvements: Complete park reconstruction
- Construction timeline: Expected to start Fall 2023/24, pending funding
Garfield Park (250 Burton Ave SE)
- Planned Improvements: New splash pad, renovated gym restroom and basketball court rehab
- Construction timeline: Completed in Summer 2023
Oxford Trail
- Planned Improvements: Reconstruction of existing trail and new connection south to Hall St
- Construction timeline: Preliminary design in FY24, construction planned for FY25
Plaza Roosevelt (680 Cesar E Chavez Ave SW)
- Planned Improvements: Playground, multi-use gathering spaces, flexible seating, and historical elements
- Construction timeline: Expected to start Spring/Summer 2024
Richmond Park (963 Richmond St NW)
- Planned Improvements: New universally accessible playground and parking lot reconstruction
- Construction timeline: Playground project expected to begin Summer 2024. Parking lot project expected to begin Fall 2024.
Riverwalk Trail East (Fulton St to Wealthy St)
- Planned Improvements: New trail construction
- Construction timeline: Expected to begin in 2025
Roosevelt Park (739 Van Raalte Dr SW)
- Planned Improvements: Lodge building renovation and other site improvements
- Construction timeline: Preliminary design in FY24, construction planned for FY25
Sullivan Field (650 Valley Ave NW)
- Planned Improvements: Grandstand renovation
- Construction timeline: Expected to begin Summer 2023 and be complete in Spring/Summer 2024.
Ward 2 Parks
Ball Perkins Park (1675 Perkins Ave NE)
- Planned Improvements: New south parking lot, additional trails and signage
- Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2023 and be complete in Spring/Summer 2024.
Cherry Park (725 Cherry St SE)
- Planned Improvements: Basketball and tennis court rehab
- Construction timeline: Expected to be complete late July 2023
Highland Park (700 College Ave NE)
- Planned Improvements: New multi-use sports courts and parking lot reconfiguration
- Construction timeline: Expected to be complete November 2023
Midtown Green (747 Fountain St NE)
- Planned Improvements: New nature playground, seat wall, picnic areas, accessible pathways, and drinking fountain
- Construction timeline: Completed in Summer 2023
Ward 3 Parks
Camelot Park (2230 Rowland Ave SE)
- Planned Improvements: New restroom building, picnic shelter and splash pad
- Construction timeline: Pending grant funding
Plaster Creek Trail
- Planned Improvements: Erosion control on two washout locations
- Construction timeline: Pending permitting
MLK Park (1200 MLK Jr. St SE)
- Planned Improvements: Lodge rebuild, new pool locker room facility, parking lot reconstruction and other site improvements
- Construction timeline: Demolition begins Fall 2023
Ottawa Hills Park (2060 Oakfield Ave SE)
- Planned Improvements: New restroom building and parking lot reconstruction
- Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2023 and be complete in Summer 2024
Downtown Parks
Canal Park (941 Monroe Ave NW)
- Planned Improvements: A new "River Story" universally accessible play space, new multi-purpose plaza with enclosed pavilion, river overlooks and seating terraces, and a river landing with an accessible kayak launch platform
- Construction timeline: Pending permitting, expected to begin Spring/Summer 2024 or 2025
Grand River Edges Trail (Leonard to Ann connection)
- Planned Improvements: New upper pathway connection
- Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2024
Grand River Walk (JW Marriott to Blue Bridge)
- Planned Improvements: Pathway reconstruction
- Construction timeline: Pending permitting
Heartside Park (301 Ionia Ave SW)
- Planned Improvements: New self-cleaning restroom building with mural, sidewalk connections
- Construction timeline: Completed in Summer 2023
Lyon Square (296 Lyon St NW)
- Planned Improvements: Complete park reconstruction
- Construction timeline: Expected to begin Fall 2023 and be complete in Fall 2024
Veterans Memorial Park (101 E Fulton St NE)
- Planned Improvements: Renovation of historic building facing Sheldon Ave
- Construction timeline: Expected to be complete late Summer 2023
Project Goals
- Upgrade old or broken amenities
- Add new amenities that fit the needs of neighbors
- Create a shared space that fosters community
For more information on a specific project, contact us at parksandrec@grcity.us or 616-456-3696.
2024 Grant Applications
Bike Park Site Improvements
The proposed grant application would make improvements at Bike Park, including a new paved entrance drive and parking lot, new picnic shelter with tables, new drinking fountain, bike loops and trash receptacle and additional improvements to the pump tracks and skills development areas.
In December of 2023, David Marquardt, Director of Parks and Recreation updated City Commission on the department's work as it relates to the voter-approved Parks Millage.
The update presentation includes information on 2023 park improvement projects and the future of the parks system with 2024 projects and beyond.
View Presentation
Explore Projects by Park Name
Did you know there are over 80 City-owned parks in Grand Rapids? We've made improvements at every single one over the last seven years – and we're just getting started.
With the passage of the voter-approved Parks Pools and Playgrounds Millage in 2019, the park system will continue to receive meaningful updates, new programming, and improved maintenance for years to come.
A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T V W
Aberdeen Park 2230 Eastern Ave NE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Alexander Park 610 Alexander St SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $203,626
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2017 Improvements: Upgraded playground, seating, picnic areas, park sign, fencing, and landscaping.
Concept Plan
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Alger Park 921 Alger St SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Before
No images available.
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Aman Park O-1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW
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Ball Perkins Park 1675 Perkins Ave NE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $166,038
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2017 Improvements: Bench seating, crushed limestone/natural trail, wetland overlook, trail identification signs.
Park Master Plan
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No images available.
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Belknap Park 30 Coldbrook St NE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $540,859 (plus $97,000 in outside leveraged funding)
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2019 Improvements: Pathway improvements, restroom upgrades, electrical upgrades, and improvements to pickleball courts, bike polo court, and baseball diamonds.
Before
No images available.
After
Images coming soon.
Bike Park 580 Kirtland St SW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $369,793 (plus $22,093 of outside leveraged funding)
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2018 Improvements: New tot track (bike loop course for 2 to 5-year-olds), intermediate pump track, bike playground/skills loop, and general site improvements.
Concept Plan
Briggs Park 324 Knapp St SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $691,132 (plus $31,360 of outside leveraged funding)
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2019 Improvements: Accessible pathway improvements, picnic shelter, playground improvements, and site amenities.
Concept Plan
Burton Woods 2259 Everest Ave SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $53,926
- 2020 Improvements: Improved entryways, updated benches and litter receptacles, fence removal on north and east side of property, natural play area using recycled fallen City trees.
Concept Plan
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Cambridge Park 1444 Gladstone Dr SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $127,068
- 2018 Improvements: New pathway connections, restored lawn at ballfield, pedestrian access improvements, new bike rack, picnic tables and drinking fountain, and improved landscaping.
Concept Plan
Before
Images coming soon.
After
Images coming soon.
Camelot Park 2230 Rowland Ave SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $230,025 (plus $150,000 in outside leveraged funding
- 2016 Improvements: Improved playground access, walking path, and seating
Concept Plan
Campau Park 51 Delaware St SW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $840,924 (plus $89,700 of outside leveraged funding)
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2016 Improvements: Splash pad, playground, restrooms, picnic areas, walking paths, landscaping, lighting, seating, and drinking fountains.
Concept Plan
Caulfield Park 1119 Caulfield Ave SW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $118,295 (plus $78,376 in outside leveraged funding)
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2020 Improvements: New lighting, drinking fountain, custom bench, and trash receptacle. Improvements in collaboration with Grandville Ave. Arts and Humanities and Ferra Studio.
Concept Plan
Cherry Park 725 Cherry St SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $468,653 (plus $22,500 in outside leveraged funding)
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2015 Improvements: Splash pad, community event space, restroom renovations, bike racks, seating, and site amenities.
Concept Plan
Before
No images available.
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Cheseboro Park 951 Merritt St SE
Investment Summary
- Investment: $156,351
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2018 Improvements: New playground, pedestrian access improvements, improved landscaping, new picnic area and benches, additional site amenities.
Concept Plan
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Coit Park 727 Coit Ave NE
Investment Summary
- Investment: $356,076 (plus $44,700 in outside leveraged funding)
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2018 Improvements: Removal of non-functioning restroom building, relocation of playground with additional play equipment, new community picnic and event area, new trees and benches along upper pathway, drinking fountain, landscaping improvements, various site amenities.
Concept Plan
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Covell Dog Park 526 Covell Ave NW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $179,115
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2020 Improvements: Separated small dog/large dog areas with separate entryways, new shade structure, drinking fountain, and play components.
Concept Plan
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Dickinson Park 1635 Willard Ave SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $126,294 (plus $134,306 of outside leveraged funding)
- 2016 Improvements: New picnic shelter, lighting, playground, landscaping, walkway repairs, seating, bike racks, and accessibility improvements.
Concept Plan
Douglas Park 301 Lexington Ave NW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $87,871 (plus $137,954 of outside leveraged funding)
- 2016 Improvements: Picnic area, playground, walking paths, seating, bike racks, ornamental lighting, and landscaping.
Concept Plan
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After
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Eastern Park 758 Eastern Ave NE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $332,179 (plus $78,456 of outside leveraged funding)
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2020 Improvements: New pathways, new swing set, half basketball court, benches, and a grill.
Concept Plan
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Fish Ladder Park 624 Front Ave NW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $15,788 (plus $19,000 of outside leveraged funding)
- 2021 Improvements: Erosion control along river bank and replacing pathways.
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Foster Park 343 Cherry St SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Fourth Street Woods 651 Valley Ave NW
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Fuller Park 250 Fuller Ave NE
Project Details
- Investment to date: $499,633
- 2015 Improvements: New playground equipment, lighting, splash pad, picnic areas, improved restrooms, and site amenities.
Concept Plan
Before
No images available.
After
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Garfield Park 250 Burton Ave SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $892,965 (plus $338,750 of outside leveraged funding)
- 2015 Improvements: Paved walking paths, new picnic shelter, futsal courts, improved playground, restroom improvements, and site amenities.
- 2018 Improvements: Updated gymnasium floor and kitchen space.
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2021 Improvements: New splash pad, picnic area with shade sails, restroom upgrades, accessible pathways, and rain garden.
2015 Concept Plan
2021 Concept Plan
Before
No images available.
After
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Heartside Park 301 Ionia Ave SW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $24,075
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2021 Improvements: Resurfaced basketball court with mural, all-season restroom facilities, new drinking fountain, sidewalk improvements and power pedestal for community events.
Concept Plan
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After
More images coming soon.
Heritage Hill Park 501 Paris Ave SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Before
After
Images coming soon.
Highland Park 523 Grand Ave NE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $503,161 (plus $105,700 of outside leveraged funding)
- 2015 Improvements: Updated buildings, splash pad, improved playground equipment, landscaping, paved path with lighting.
- 2021 Improvements: Outdoor bouldering wall
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2023 Improvements: A new accessible trail loop, reconfigured parking area, additional lighting, two new multi-sport courts for basketball, four square, shuffleboard, bike polo and roller hockey, gathering spaces, and other small-scale amenities like benches, bike racks, a trash receptacle, and new trees
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2023 Supplemental Improvements: We've submitted a grant request to replace the existing restroom building with a new restroom and pavilion structure. Learn more about progress in the Michigan DNR Grants section at the top of this page
2015 Concept Plan
Bouldering Wall Concept Plan
2023 Concept Plan
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Hillcrest Dog Park 250 Fuller Ave NE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $18,980
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2021 Improvements: New nature path, upgraded dog agility equipment (dog "nature play"), kids nature play with bench, reconfigured dog park entrance, expanded large dog area, drinking fountain with doggy bowl, bike racks, rain garden and landscaping improvements.
Concept Plan
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No images available.
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Huff Park 1500 Aberdeen St NE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
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Joe Taylor Park 1001 Baxter St SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $146,421
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Improvements: New drinking fountain, improved landscaping, improved playground, larger outdoor grills, new pedestrian lighting.
Concept Plan
Before
No images available.
After
Images coming soon.
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Ken-O-Sha Park 3155 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $409,712 (plus $300,000 of outside leveraged funding)
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2020 Improvements: New nature play space, improved stormwater management and native plantings, new outdoor classroom, and trailhead improvements with screened portable restroom.
Concept Plan
Kensington Park 902 Curve St SW
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
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Lexington Park 48 Gold Ave NW
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Lincoln Park 231 Marion Ave NW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $450,170 (plus $105,700 in outside leveraged funding)
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2015 Improvements: Paved path with lighting, improved pedestrian entrances, splash pad, playground equipment; mural by John Ball Area Neighbors and Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts.
Concept Plan
Lincoln Place 235 State St SE
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Lookout Park 801 Fairview Ave NE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $307,485 (plus $5,600 in outside leveraged funding)
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2019 Improvements: New overlook area with seating, new pathway with lighting, picnic tables, and vegetation clearing to improve view.
Concept Plan
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Mackay Jaycees Park 2401 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Investment Summary
- Investment: $805,566
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2019 Improvements: Upgrades to athletic fields, nature trail, and playground; new beach volleyball court, new fitness exercise stations, and concession building upgrades.
Concept Plan
Martin Luther King Park 1200 Franklin St SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $1,154,240 (plus $1,081,360 in outside leveraged funding)
- 2015-2017 Improvements: Resurfaced tennis courts and basketball courts, fencing at basketball court, new roof and boiler for lodge building, water fountains, general repair work at restrooms, concessions, and pool house
- 2019 Improvements: New picnic area including picnic shelter, improved pedestrian lighting, new playground equipment, existing playground upgrades, general site amenities.
Concept Plan
Before
Images not available.
After
Mary Waters Park 1042 Lafayette Ave NE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $311,809 (plus $708,340 in outside leveraged funding)
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2016 Improvements: Playground improvements, splash pad, restroom, walking loop, native landscaping, lighting, seating, and site amenities.
Concept Plan
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No images available.
After
Midtown Green 747 Fountain St NE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Before
After
Images coming soon.
Mooney Park 314 Logan St SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $153,603
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2018 Improvements: New playground equipment, improved pedestrian lighting, landscaping improvements, benches, and additional site amenities.
Concept Plan
Mulick Park 1632 Sylvan Ave SE
Investment Summary
2016 Concept Plan
2021 Concept Plan
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Nagold Park 945 Nagold St NW
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
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Ottawa Hills Park 2060 Oakfield Ave SE
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $771,845 (plus $50,000 in outside leveraged funding)
- 2018 Improvements: New inclusive, universally accessible playground, nature play area, new pathway, picnic area, bike racks and site amenities.
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2021 Improvements: Multi-station outdoor fitness court, new restroom building, repaved parking lot, improved landscaping, new seating, lighting, and signage.
Concept Plan
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Paris Park 942 N Ottillia St SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
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After
Images coming soon.
Pekich Park 2 Cherry St SW
Investment Summary
- Investment: $2,961
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2021 Improvements: New seating, shade trees, drinking fountain with bottle filler, and power pedestal for community events.
Concept Plan
Before
After
Images coming soon.
Plaster Creek Park 2401 Buchanan Ave SW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $1,031,671 (plus $401,750 in outside leveraged funding)
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2019 Improvements: Outdoor classroom, raised planter beds, rain garden, improved entrances and pathways, and natural playscape area. Improvements were made possible in partnership with the Wege Foundation, City of Grand Rapids Environmental Services Department, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Our Community's Children
Concept Plan
Pleasant Park 620 Madison Ave SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
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Reservoir Park 900 Fairview Ave NE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Before
After
Images coming soon.
Richmond Park 963 Richmond St NW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $895,284 (plus $457,000 in outside leveraged funding)
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2020 Improvements: Stairs and fencing for sledding hill, pathway improvements, trailhead signage, pool house entrance upgrades, and other amenities.
Concept Plan
Riverside Park 2001 Monroe Ave NE
Project Details
- Investment to date: $248,097 (plus $243,000 in outside leveraged funding)
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2021 Improvements: New restroom building at picnic shelter, accessible kayak launch, updated picnic tables, grills, and benches throughout the park, native plantings at lagoon edge.
Concept Plan
Roberto Clemente Park 546 Rumsey St SW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $1,059,085 (plus $540,000 of outside leveraged funding)
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2020 Improvements: New restroom building and picnic shelter, outdoor discovery play area, pathways with pedestrian lighting, and green infrastructure improvements.
Concept Plan
Roosevelt Park 1340 Godfrey Ave SW
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Rosa Parks Circle 135 Monroe Center St NW
Project Details
- Investment to date: $370,941 (plus $2,173,000 of outside leveraged funding)
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2021 Improvements: Bandshell improvements, restroom improvements, granite and wood benches, new trail surfacing, site amenities, and interpretive signage.
Concept Plan
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Seymour Park 942 Ottillia St SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Before
After
Images coming soon.
Sullivan Field 650 Valley Ave NW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $54,034
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2021 Improvements: Formal park entrance, museum addition, restrooms, grandstand renovations, bullpens, batting cages, ballfield improvements, and public community greenspace
Concept Plan
Before
Images coming soon.
After
Images coming soon.
Sweet Street Park 475 Sweet St NE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
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Ted Rasberry Field 1050 Sheldon Ave SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
Before
No images available.
After
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Veterans Memorial Park 101 Fulton St E
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $78,811 (plus $1,777,000 of outside leveraged funding)
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2017 Improvements: New oval reflecting pool, commemorative walk with new sidewalks and seating, relocation of monuments, and site amenities. Support from the DDA, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and Veteran's Park Steering Committee.
Concept Plan
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Westown Commons 752 Watson St SW
Investment Summary
- Investment to date: $366,998
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2015 Improvements: New picnic area with shelter, skate plaza, rain garden, brick band and drinking fountain.
Concept Plan
Before
No images available.
After
Wilcox Park 100 Youell Ave SE
Investment Summary
Concept Plan
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