River for All project: Discussing its impact on Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) have come together to envision the River For All project. These organizations hope to breathe new life into six parks along the Grand River, allowing clean and family-friendly environments for the people of Grand Rapids to enjoy. The future parks will also go hand-in-hand with the Grand Rapids Whitewater Restoration project, adding open water sites for easier access to the Grand River.

Rochelle Morris, a Grand Rapids resident, is somewhat concerned about the cost of the project. “Where are the funds coming from? How will they be raised?” she questions.

David Marquardt, the director of the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, states the estimated cost for the project is “about $44 million right now.” The plan is to gain grants as well as federal and state funding for the project. Another option is private funding from large families.

“This adds another reason to come to the city,” Marquardt says about the final project’s contribution to added residency and tourism in Grand Rapids. He mentions how the parks will be new features to make a greater destination city.

“Once we are able to start [construction] in 5-6 years, it could take anywhere from another 5-6 years,” Marquardt states. He hopes to have it completed as "Quickly as possible, knowing that alignment of funding and permitting is a reality that often dictates the timeline.”

Josh Wolf, a Grand Rapids community member, believes the River For All project is a huge benefit to the Grand Rapids community. “Anything to get people to spend time outdoors is good.” Wolf wants people to see how “disgusting the river is” and hopefully take initiative to fix it.

Concept plans are complete and the timing of the River For All project is being coordinated with the Whitewater Restoration Project.