News Summary
The Grand Rapids City Commission has authorized a $9 million renovation and extension of the Oxford Trail that will improve connectivity and create recreational spaces. The project will enhance 1.5 miles of current and new trailways and is part of the broader Grand River Greenway initiative. Expected features include bike repair stations, amphitheaters, and picnic areas, significantly benefiting local neighborhoods and enhancing quality of life.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids City Commission has authorized a $9 million renovation and extension project for the Oxford Trail, set to begin next month. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and recreational opportunities for residents by upgrading and extending the trail that connects downtown Grand Rapids to neighborhoods on the southwest side.
The construction contract has been awarded to Erhardt Construction, which will oversee the amendments to approximately 1.5 miles of both existing and new trailways. These improvements will encompass the creation of new shade spaces, a small performance amphitheater, grills, picnic tables, bike repair stations, playground equipment, and additional connections to Godfrey Avenue and Hall Street.
Designed to extend deeper into the Black Hills neighborhood, the project seeks to unify Black Hills with Roosevelt Park and downtown Grand Rapids, making the area more accessible for residents and visitors. The existing trail begins at Wealthy Street, crosses the Grand River, and heads south past Market Avenue to Oxford Street, with the future expansion reaching Hall Street.
This endeavor is part of a larger environmental initiative known as the Grand River Greenway, which aims to establish an extensive 85-mile trail network along the Grand River throughout West Michigan. The Greenway project’s objective includes the creation of continuous riverside trails and public parks stretching from Grand Haven to Lowell.
According to City Engineer Tim Burkman, the transformation of the Grand River represents a significant step towards turning it into a valuable community asset that provides economic, environmental, and social benefits. The renovation of the Oxford Trail is being coordinated by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, while the design and engineering aspects are managed by Progressive Companies.
Funding for the renovation comes from various sources, including $1 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $8 million sourced from the DGRI’s Greenway Grant. This financial support underscores a governmental commitment to enhance neighborhood connectivity and promote recreation within the city.
Additional enhancements to the trail will include features such as new asphalt pavement, lighting, fencing, signage, benches, bike racks, drinking fountains, and outdoor grills. Notably, Erhardt Construction has pledged to subcontract 15% of the project’s work to a Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) firm, emphasizing community involvement in the project.
Community feedback played a significant role in shaping the design of the Oxford Trail improvements, with the intention of celebrating the neighborhood’s cultural and artistic heritage. This approach aims to foster a sense of community ownership and pride among local residents as the Oxford Trail evolves into a more engaging and inclusive space.
As construction progresses, the enhancements to the Oxford Trail are expected to provide a safer, more enjoyable experience for pedestrians and cyclists alike, while also contributing to the broader vision of the Grand River Greenway. The project not only offers the potential for increased recreational activities but also serves as a catalyst for economic development and environmental stewardship within the region.
The completion of the Oxford Trail renovation and extension is anticipated to significantly benefit local neighborhoods, enhance quality of life, and rejuvenate the outdoor environment in and around Grand Rapids.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: $9M Oxford Trail Improvement Work Set to Begin
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- MLive: $9M Trail Expansion Aims to Connect Neighborhoods
- Google Search: Oxford Trail Grand Rapids
- MLive: Grand River Access to Expand
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- WZZM 13: Grand Rapids Factory Yards Project Fund Approved
- Google News: Grand Rapids Trail Improvements
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.
