The Grand River Greenway is a multi-faceted public land-and-water trail system designed to connect with diverse natural and social spaces in our community and improve riverside experiences for Grand River residents’ and visitors.
A greenway is a linear public space that promotes adventure and outdoor recreation, environmental protection and preservation, economic development, local history and culture.
The Grand River Greenway is the blossoming 85+ miles of river and trail that follows the Grand River from Lowell to Grand Haven, where the river empties into Lake Michigan. Here’s what that means for residents, business owners and tourists along the trail:
1) Community-first development
From planning to ribbon-cuttings, each new segment of the Grand River Greenway has been developed through community feedback and engagement. Greenways create meaningful connections and improve access between neighborhoods, business districts, and regional destinations. Our Greenway is designed to fortify a shared sense of belonging and reflect residents’ visions for Grand River revitalization.
2) Increased recreation
The Grand River Greenway connects 45+ public parks and public spaces across Kent and Ottawa Counties, including iconic destinations in West Michigan!
Ongoing Greenway projects are adding 22+ connective non-motorized trail miles for more community gathering and year-round access to safe, welcoming greenspaces.
Recreation doesn’t just happen on land. These trail hubs are situated along the Lower Grand River Water Trail. Once completed, our regional greenway will offer 30+ safe direct river access sites for boating and wading.
3) Enhanced local economy
Local and small business owners are first in line for new business and workforce development opportunities. Grand River Greenway projects open opportunities to local, minority- and women-owned business owners and entrepreneurs to connect with and serve their own communities.
Community-rooted greenway development also increases local talent retention, offers new spaces for small business establishments and generates local tax revenue.
4) More transportation
Non-motorized transportation is a greenway’s specialty. Alternative mobility options by foot, wheel and/or paddle offer enriching ways to spend time in your community and visit others’. More options can mean more affordable transportation that enhances regional access.
Additionally, active transportation supports physical health, mental well-being and promotes a sense of belonging for trail users. Greenway mobility options also improve outdoor and community access for people with different abilities
5) Healthier environment
Greenways steward what’s already there. Developing a community-first greenway means prioritizing native and established species and keeping our waters safe and clean. Our partners monitor a range of environmental indicators to make the river corridor safer for everyone who lives within it.
Greenway projects can strengthen environmental resilience and support biodiversity. In turn, community engagement with the Greenway makes us more aware of the watershed we are a part of and enhances our abilities to steward better, together!
6) Improved educational opportunities & access
Greenways link communities to local assets like schools, venues, and cultural and civic centers. At sites like the Grand Rapids Public Museum, they provide transformative open-air classrooms and studios. Greenways also open opportunities to learn more about Indigenous and local histories through interpretive signage, project designs, public art, community programs and more.
7) Belonging & legacy
Overall, greenways improve our quality of life and empower our sense of belonging. They increase our pride in place and embolden community spirit, embracing what makes us unique within our shared river. The Grand River Greenway is a multigenerational manifestation of civic energy that will be reflected right back to the people, stories and species that make our river, home.
For more on how the Grand River Greenway benefits your community, check out our Grand River Greenway Framework.
