“It’s a really important connection that not many people know about, and I think that’s sort of the impetus for some of the work that we’ve been embarking on with the neighborhood.”
The project represents the first major investment in the Oxford Trail since 2011. The trail connects the west side of the Grand River south of Wealthy Street across to the Black Hills neighborhood west of Godfrey Avenue. The expansion provides a critical connection from the southside neighborhoods to downtown Grand Rapids and the larger Grand River Greenway.
Through an extensive outreach process, the city and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. worked with seven neighborhood leaders, 13 community organizations and 9 local vendors to gather community feedback.
“The result of all of that was some really compelling and interesting design ideas that came directly from the residents of this area.”
Most feedback focused on the importance of accessible, multipurpose gathering space that celebrates the cultural and artistic history of the neighborhood.
“Working with neighbors on new and better-designed signage that is easier to understand, is in multiple languages, and begins to convey a clearer message for the connections to this park space.”
The total project investment is estimated at $9 million. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
