As the city of the City of Grand Rapids continues its efforts to re-imagine the community’s relationship with the Grand River, city officials Monday announced a new entry point for kayak enthusiasts. The City of Grand Rapids is tearing down the old dock at Riverside Park and replacing it with a with a universal-access canoe and kayak launch they say will enable everyone to easily access the Grand River. As part of a $150,000 recreation passport grant, from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, city officials say the new kayak launch, will be equipped with “guide rails for easy access in and out of the water, launch rollers for easy movement of the watercraft and a transfer bench for wheelchair users.”
David Marquardt is the Director of the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
“This grant is really providing the city of Grand Rapids the opportunity to begin implementing some of the recommendations that came from residents and community members through the Parks’ master planning process, one of those things, being greater access to the Grand River, and paddle sport opportunities, and doing so in a way where we are meeting all of the needs of Grand Rapidians,” Marquardt said.
In addition to the kayak launch, the grant will also provide funding to demolish the current restroom/shelter building and replace it with a state of the art restroom and picnic shelter, as well as adding handicap spaces near the dock and additional handicap parking nearby. Construction begins in the spring of next year.