News Summary
Grand Rapids has initiated the Oxford Trail improvement project aimed at enhancing connectivity and outdoor recreation. With a budget of $9 million, it links neighborhoods to downtown and improves access to the Grand River. The project includes new trails, playgrounds, fitness equipment, and gathering spaces, fostering community wellness while honoring local heritage. Slated for completion by 2026, it aligns with strategic development and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Grand Rapids has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance connectivity and recreational opportunities in the city with the groundbreaking of the Oxford Trail improvement project, which took place on October 1, 2023. With a budget of $9 million, this initiative is designed to link southwest neighborhoods to downtown Grand Rapids, enriching local community wellness and access to outdoor spaces.
The ceremony was held at Oxford Street SW between Godfrey and Norwich avenues, featuring prominent city officials including Mayor David LaGrand and City Manager Mark Washington. Community stakeholders such as Rocio Rodriguez from the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association and Tim Kelly of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. were also in attendance to support the project.
Laura Cleypool, the interim director of parks and recreation, underscored the central aim of the project: to strengthen neighborhood connections and foster community wellness. The enhancements on Oxford Trail will offer residents of the Roosevelt Park and Black Hills neighborhoods direct access to the Grand River and serve as an important link to the larger Grand River Greenway, which will eventually stretch from Lowell to Lake Michigan.
Project Components
The Oxford Trail improvement project comprises several key components that include:
- New trail segments connecting Oxford Street SW to Hall Street SW and Godfrey Avenue SW.
- Reconstruction of the existing trail from Wealthy Street SW to Oxford Street SW.
- A universally accessible playground.
- Outdoor fitness equipment and a designated workout area.
- Community gathering spaces, which will incorporate shelters and an amphitheater.
- A half-court basketball area located under the Oxford Street bridge.
Funding and Partnerships
Funding for the project is sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act and a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, distributed through Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Key partners involved in the execution of the project include Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Erhardt Construction, and Progressive Companies.
Strategic Alignment and Community Feedback
This initiative aligns with Grand Rapids’ strategic development plans, including GR Forward and River For All, which focus on enhancing river access and improving neighborhood connectivity. The project design has been shaped by community feedback, prioritizing accessibility while honoring local cultural and artistic heritage. Furthermore, there is a commitment that 15% of the project work will be subcontracted to a Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) firm, promoting local economic engagement.
Timeline and Expectations
Construction is slated for completion by the end of 2026. The existing Oxford Trail runs from Wealthy Street SW over the Grand River and south past Market Avenue to Oxford Street. The upcoming enhancements will expand the trail south through various neighborhoods and developments, significantly improving access to downtown and the Grand River.
The Oxford Trail improvement project is part of an extensive goal to establish 85 miles of trailway connecting West Michigan with accessible pathways, ensuring a more integrated and connected urban landscape. The commitment of city officials and community stakeholders is paving the way for a more accessible, engaging, and healthy environment for all residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
