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Kent County advances Grand River Greenway; Johnson Park to gain trails and amenities
Summary
County officials described progress on the Grand River Greenway, including nearly nine miles of new trails, a pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive, non-motorized bridges, and adaptive mountain bike trails at Johnson Park funded as part of a historic $150 million investment.
County Administrator Al Vanderburgh highlighted the Grand River Greenway as a priority from the parks, trails and natural areas master plan and described active projects and future connections.
Vanderburgh said nearly nine miles of new trails are in development, including a pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive and new non-motorized bridges at Knapp Street and Rogue River Drive. He said the expansion will link the White Pine Trail to Ada Township’s new network by 2026 and that the long-term goal is an 80+-mile corridor extending to Lowell and connecting to regional trail systems.
Vanderburgh said the Greenway is a partnership among state, county and local communities and cited multiple regional trails that will connect to the corridor. He said Johnson Park will be transformed with six miles of adaptive mountain-bike trails developed in partnership with DGRI and the West Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance, plus new amenities including restrooms, a playground and gathering spaces accessible from the Greenway.
Vanderburgh described the work as part of a “historic $150,000,000 investment supported by ARPA funding, local governments, grants and philanthropy,” and said the Greenway is intended to support public health, community connections and protection of the Grand River corridor.
Construction segments under development and an implementation schedule were discussed; Vanderburgh said some elements are expected to open in 2026. No vote was taken at the event.
