A quiet stretch along Monroe Avenue is about to get a bold new identity. The Canal Street Park redevelopment is transforming an underused portion of the Grand River’s edge into one of the most intentional public space projects Grand Rapids has taken on in years.
With a total investment of $9.8 million, the project blends history, play, access, and environmental connection into a space designed for all ages and abilities.
What’s coming:
- The Owashtanong playscape, a nature-inspired playground designed in partnership with the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians
- A 14-foot-wide multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists
- Elevated terraces and a seasonal pavilion overlooking the water
- A barrier-free kayak and canoe launch, making river access more inclusive than ever
Funded through the 2019 Parks Millage, a $750,000 MEDC grant, and direct tribal involvement, the project goes beyond infrastructure. It centers cultural acknowledgment, sustainability, and universal design, turning public space into something with deeper meaning.
Why this matters:
Canal Street Park isn’t just about creating a nicer place to walk or launch a kayak. It’s about reconnecting people to the river in a way that honors both past and future. The park’s location is just north of downtown, near the Sixth Street Bridge sits on the edge of the Grand River Greenway and has long been underutilized.
Construction began in April 2025, and by next year, the entire park will be reshaped. With the Owashtanong playscape as its centerpiece, the site is poised to become a cultural and recreational anchor for the North End.
The question now:
Will Canal Street Park become the next essential gathering space along the riverfront? With its mix of design, history, and public input, it’s got all the pieces. The impact will come down to how the community shows up and makes it their own.
