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Kent County parks department reports record earned revenue, details Greenway and dog‑park projects
Summary
Parks director Ben Swayze reported that the department manages 43 parks across about 8,000 acres, achieved roughly $3.3 million in earned revenue in 2024 (about 45% cost recovery), and outlined multi‑year Greenway construction and a 10‑acre Wallfield dog park planned for 2026.
Ben Swayze, director of Kent County Parks, told the Operation and Policy Committee that the county maintains 43 parks and green spaces covering almost 8,000 acres and manages 109 miles of regional and park trails.
Swayze said the department’s 2024 operating budget was about $7,500,000 and that earned revenue — from Kaufman Golf Course, Wabasis Campground, Millennium Park Beach and facility rentals — reached a record $3,300,000 in 2024, representing just over 45% of operating budget in that year. He cautioned that a 2023 spike reflected a nine‑month budget anomaly but said the department normally recovers 40–50% of costs through earned revenue.
Swayze highlighted volunteer support: more than 11,000 volunteer hours in 2024 with a translated value near $340,000, and engagement with 149 outside organizations. The department also completed several capital projects, including the Dwight Lydell Park water‑wheel restoration, and reopened the North Millennium Trailhead after removing asphalt and restoring wetlands.
Looking ahead, Swayze described Greenway projects under way with partners such as Plainfield Township and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. He listed 2026 projects including a tunnel under Northland Drive, pathway segments connecting Canonsburg and Pettis to Knapp Street, and a pedestrian bridge over the Grand River at Knapp Street; he said some funding carries spending deadlines at the end of the next year.
Swayze described planned investments at Wallfield Park: a 10‑acre all‑enclosed dog park with a one‑acre small‑dog area, a pond with a beach and jump dock, restroom and dog‑wash station, aimed for ribbon cutting in 2026. Johnson Park Phase 2 will add 6–8 miles of adaptive mountain bike trails, a new restroom and playground replacements to serve as a west trailhead for the Greenway.
On operations and innovation, Swayze said the parks department is piloting automated gates and mowers (Creekside Park) and that a Metro Council pilot will evaluate trail assets using a trailer‑mounted condition survey tool to support an asset management program. He said the department approved a new five‑year parks, trails and natural areas master plan in 2024 to maintain eligibility for DNR trust fund grants; Swayze said the department has received more than 60 DNR trust fund grants historically.
Commissioners praised the parks staff and asked questions about coordination with local jurisdictions, long‑term operations funding for Greenway maintenance, options for cabin and campground expansion, and communications efforts. Swayze said a department communications manager increased outreach and application rates (for example, nearly 1,000 applicants for 42 seasonal hunting permits after active promotion).
