Grand Rapids, Michigan, boasts a diverse array of parks and recreational facilities managed by various entities, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to engage with nature and community activities.

City Parks: The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department oversees more than 75 city parks, providing year-round programs and amenities for all ages. These parks feature playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and free public Wi-Fi in 35 locations. Notable among them is Ottawa Hills Park, which reopened in 2018 as the city’s first universally accessible playground, equipped with sensory play objects and rubber surfacing to accommodate children of all abilities.

County Parks: In addition to city-managed parks, Kent County operates over 40 parks and 100 miles of trails, encompassing a variety of natural areas and recreational facilities. Millennium Park, one of the largest urban parks in the region at approximately 1,500 acres, offers a beach, splash pad, boating center, and extensive trail systems. This park connects the cities of Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Grandville, and Walker, providing a vast green space for various outdoor activities.

State Parks: The area also includes six state parks within a 30 to 45-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids, primarily along Lake Michigan. These parks offer pristine beaches, hiking trails, and camping facilities, making them ideal for day trips and extended outdoor adventures.

Collaborative Management: The management of these parks involves collaboration between city, county, and state agencies, each responsible for the maintenance and programming of their respective facilities. The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, for instance, focuses on urban parks and community programs, while the Kent County Parks Department manages larger natural areas and trail systems. This cooperative approach ensures a wide range of recreational options are available to the public, catering to diverse interests and promoting a healthy, connected community.