DowntownFriday, October 30
Canal Park reopens along the Grand River after a $9.9 million overhaul
The Good Day Grand Rapids team
If you've missed a riverfront stroll downtown, Canal Park is open again. The overhaul added a playground, an enclosed pavilion, wider paths and scenic overlooks, and it took down the fencing that limited direct access to the Grand River. There's also an accessible kayak launch, seating and more green space.
$9.9 millioncost of the Canal Park overhaul
Canal Park is open to the public now.
Sources: mlive, WOODTV.com
“It’s a very, very inviting space and great for gathering.”
Pfauth told WOOD the goal was to get people back engaged with nature and the river. What was a small pocket park now has more green space, raised elevation and a playscape.
Canal Park's overhaul ran from April 2025 and a ribbon-cutting is planned for spring 2027
- April 2025Construction begins on the park
- Oct. 2026Construction is completed and the park opens to visitors
- Spring '27An official ribbon-cutting is planned in spring 2027
Sources: mlive, WOODTV.com
- Where: 905 Monroe Ave. NW
- Length: more than half a mile of riverfront
Sources: mlive, WOODTV.com