Restoring the Grand River to its natural state is designed to bring more visitors to downtown Grand Rapids. Increasing economic growth, but for whom? Black, Indigenous, and people of color have come together under the banner Grand River Voices making sure they’re included in the decision-making process and benefiting from its outcomes.
There are six goals outlined within Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.’s Grand River Equity Framework. The second priority is simple, make the Grand River accessible by improving and expanding what’s being defined as equitable connections to the river and create vibrant public open spaces.
Reaching those goals consists of a long list of outcomes including an arrangement with Indigenous tribal communities to receive dedicated ceremonial river space. All redevelopment projects are Americans with Disabilities Act accessible. A 20% increase in active river user access including 50 acres of new and renovated urban core riverfront park spaces developed over 10 years. Same goes for 200 acres of Kent County riverfront park spaces. In two years, by 2025, there’s a target to attract one million unique river visitors to special events. Public transit connections to the river will include 40 miles of new bike lines and off-street trails.
For more information, log on at www.downtowngr.org/our-work/projects/grand-river-network.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/downtowngr.org/general/Grand-River-Equity-Framework-ExecSum-min.pdf?mtime=20230223151537&focal=none