The Grand River Revitalization Project promotes connectivity, health and belonging along Michigan’s longest river through Kent County to Lake Michigan
The project involves removing five aging, low head dams in order to—among other social, economic and environmental benefits—put the rapids back in Grand Rapids.
This keystone project aims to break ground in 2026. Along the waterfront, the Grand River Greenway is transforming the east and west riverbanks into a 80+ mile greenway and network of trails and amenities that link the urban core with regional communities, destinations and partners Kent County to Ottawa County westward, connecting the greenway to Lake Michigan. The primary greenway connections will be completed by 2031.
In the Downtown Grand Rapids hub, greenway connection projects include:
- Acrisure Amphitheater
- Blue Bridge-to-JW Marriott river edge trail improvement
- Canal Park trail & renovated playground
- Fulton-to-Wealthy river edge trail improvement
- Grand River Lower Reach Restoration dam removal & invasive species mitigation
- Grand Rapids Public Museum riverfront classroom & trail improvement
- Leonard to Ann trail
- Lower Grand River Water Trail route signage & access points
- Lyon Square public space rehabilitation
- Riverfront art, activation and events
These projects and more across Kent County are being made possible through the broader Grand River Network of community leaders and partners. For project details, completion timelines, and Downtown Grand Rapids greenway updates, visit the Grand River Network website.