News Summary
Kent County is embarking on significant upgrades to Millennium Park and Johnson Park, with renovations set to enhance recreational facilities. Key improvements include playground structures and an accessible mountain bike trail system, tackling accessibility issues and improving user experience. The renovations are expected to be completed by 2026 and will also affect additional parks in the county, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing public recreational spaces.
Kent County to Undergo Significant Park Improvements by 2026
Kent County is set for substantial upgrades to its beloved Millennium Park and Johnson Park, with renovations beginning soon and expected to be completed in 2026. This project includes major updates to playground structures and the introduction of a new accessible mountain bike trail system, marking a significant enhancement of recreational facilities in the area.
Millennium Park Enhancements
Millennium Park, located at 1415 Maynard Ave. SW in Walker, Michigan, is a sprawling 1,400-acre urban park known as one of the largest in the nation. It features a six-acre beach, nearly 18 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and biking, and a large play area that serves as Kent County’s largest playground. This area, identified as the “rec core area,” is heavily utilized, making the upgrades particularly significant.
As part of a comprehensive renovation effort, two of the three playground structures within Millennium Park will be receiving a substantial overhaul. This renovation, which Kent County Parks Director labeled a “significant replacement,” will cater to children aged 3 to 5 and those aged 5 to 12. The updated playground is expected to offer unique features that are not currently available at other playgrounds across Kent County. The total cost of the playground renovation is approximately $500,000, funded through the Millennium Park endowment and annual capital improvement project allocations.
Construction is already in progress, with an anticipated completion date set around Memorial Day 2025, just in time for the summer season.
Johnson Park Developments
Located at 2600 Wilson Ave. SW, Johnson Park will also benefit from a series of improvements, including the establishment of an innovative six-mile accessible mountain bike trail system. This will be the first of its kind in Kent County and is designed to accommodate both traditional mountain bike riders and those requiring adaptive bikes due to physical or sensory limitations.
In addition to the bike trails, the renovation plan for Johnson Park includes the construction of new shelters, updated restroom facilities, and a refreshed playground area, all aimed at improving accessibility and user experience. Funding for these enhancements is being partially sourced from $15 million allocated from Kent County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, along with an additional $500,000 earmarked specifically for the mountain bike trail project.
The Johnson Park improvements are the result of a collaborative effort involving Kent County Parks, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and the West Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance, with completion expected by 2026.
Future Expansions in Kent County
Besides the updates at Millennium and Johnson Parks, other parks across Kent County are also slated for improvement. Noteworthy expansions include the introduction of a new dog park at Wahlfield Park and enhancements to Wabasis Lake Park & Campground as well as Myers Lake Park. These projects are designed to enhance public recreation opportunities and access to green spaces throughout the area.
With these extensive upgrades underway, Kent County is poised to significantly improve the recreational offerings available to its residents and visitors, showcasing a commitment to maintaining and enhancing public use spaces thoroughly.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Exciting Playground Updates
- Wikipedia: Kent County, Michigan
- WOODTV: Kent County Parks Projects
- Google Search: Kent County Parks updates
- MLive: Mountain Biking Trails
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan
- GR Magazine: Kent County Parks Reopening
- Google News: Michigan parks
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.
