Grand River Greenway Trail
Kent County is leading the completion of a $60.3 million, 23-mile trail, connecting the gap between the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail, North Country Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. Once complete, this section of trail will fill one of the most significant gaps in the regional trail system, realizing the vision for a full 76-mile trail along the Greenway, between the west and east county borders.
Header photo: Prein & Newhof
Grand River Greenway - White Pine Trail to Lowell.
Details
SCOPE
The 23-mile trail connection that runs through Plainfield, Cascade, Cannon, Ada, and Lowell Townships.
The trail project includes three crucial crossings, addressing significant barriers to pedestrian traffic in Kent County. These pedestrian crossings include a tunnel under the Beltline/Northland Drive at the Rogue River Drive/7 Mile Road intersection, a bridge over the Grand River connecting Kent County’s Chief Hazy Cloud Park to Ada Township’s Roselle Park, and a bridge at Knapp Street that allows for safer pedestrian passage at one of the busiest Grand River crossings in the region.
Along the trail route, Kent County will curate a series of destination points that will provide opportunities to stop and enjoy the outdoors, gather with others, and learn about and celebrate the region’s history and cultural heritage.
Kent County will also build two trailheads at Johnson Park and Chief Hazy Cloud Park.
TIMELINE
Groundbreaking: 2025
Expected completion of trail between the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park and Downtown Ada: End of 2026
KEY MILESTONES ACHIEVED
Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $10 million in Kent County ARPA funding.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. allocated $19.5 million from State of Michigan grant.
Capital Campaign Committee formed, and campaign launched to raise the $15 million philanthropic goal.
CURRENT STATUS
Kent County is finalizing plans and engineering for the first phase of the project, which will connect the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park to Downtown Ada. The county anticipates that construction on the first segment of trail will start in early 2025. Planning for the second phase of the trail, running from Ada to the east county border in Lowell Township, is ongoing and includes discussions with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Phase I of the Johnson Park Trailhead project was completed in 2024, which included the expansion of the parking lot. Phase II of the project is planned for 2025.
Impact
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Connect more than 30 public parks along the Grand River.
Link several regionally significant mountain biking trail networks at the Cannonsburg State Game Area, Cannonsburg Recreation and Ski Area, and Luton Park.
ECONOMIC & SOCIAL IMPACT
Activate regional tourism for events that seek areas with access to 100+ miles of paved, non-motorized trails.
Increase non-motorized traffic to commercial centers, benefiting the local economy and small businesses.
Improve the region’s ability to attract and retain residents.
