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Kent County parks department reports record earned revenue, outlines Greenway and Wallfield dog‑park plans
Summary
Kent County Parks presented its annual report, saying it manages 43 parks covering nearly 8,000 acres, produced roughly $3.3 million in earned revenue (about 45% cost recovery), and described forthcoming projects including the Grand River Greenway sections, a 10‑acre Wallfield dog park and new adaptive mountain‑bike trails at Johnson Park.
Ben Swayze, director of Kent County Parks and Recreation, presented the department’s annual report to the Kent County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16.
Ben said the department manages 43 parks and green spaces totaling nearly 8,000 acres, 109 miles of regional and park trails (about 43 miles paved), and employs 28 full‑time staff plus roughly 200 seasonal employees in a typical year. The operating budget for 2024 was about $7,500,000 with an additional $1,000,000–$1,500,000 provided for capital improvements.
Parks recorded about $3,300,000 in earned revenue in 2024, which Ben said represented slightly more than 45% cost recovery; he noted 2023 showed an anomalous spike tied to budget timing. Earned revenue comes primarily from Kaufman Golf Course, Wabasis Campground, Millennium Park beach admissions and rentals of shelters and facilities.
The department highlighted volunteer support: more than 11,000 volunteer hours in 2024 with an estimated value of about $340,000, 2,400 individual volunteers and partnerships with 149 outside agencies. It also said the county approved its five‑year Parks, Trails and Natural Areas Master Plan in 2024, which keeps the county eligible for Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grants.
Significant recent accomplishments included a multi‑phase restoration at Dwight Lydell Park (the water wheel restoration was completed), restoration of the North Millennium Trailhead and the seventh‑floor lease at 250 Monroe for the public defender (noted in Facilities presentation). Looking ahead, the department said Grand River Greenway construction is underway for a Plainfield Township section and additional segments are planned for 2026, many of which have end‑of‑next‑year spending deadlines tied to outside grants. The department is partnering with municipalities and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. on operations and maintenance planning for a consistent experience across jurisdictional boundaries.
Planned projects include a 10‑acre Wallfield Dog Park with a separate one‑acre small‑dog area, a pond with beach and jumping dock, restrooms and a dog‑wash station; a ribbon cutting is planned in 2026. Johnson Park Phase 2 will add 6 to 8 miles of adaptive mountain‑bike trails, an all‑season restroom, a renovated playground and gathering spaces to create a west trailhead for the Greenway.
Ben described pilot programs in automation: automated gates and robotic mowers at Creekside Park were deployed this spring; gates close at night and mowers operate with geofence alerts. The department will install automated gates at three more parks and additional robotic mowers as the capital plan advances.
Commissioners praised the parks department for high cost recovery and encouraged coordination across jurisdictions and asset‑management planning. Ben said the department has a new communications manager who has helped increase public awareness of permits, programs and park amenities.
