Grand Rapids Park Gets City’s First Solar Powered Picnic Shelter

Grand Rapids' Riverside Park has gotten even more upgrades!

Get our free mobile app

Grand Rapids' Riverside Park Gets Upgrades

Last spring we told you a new accessible kayak launch was put in at Riverside Park, which is located at 2001 Monroe Ave NE, along the Grand River.

The next phase of park upgrades is now complete! The newly reconstructed Island Shelter at Riverside Park is now the first picnic shelter in the City to be powered completely by the sun. It also features power outlets, accessible pathways, and more seating than the previous shelter.

Here is a side-by-side look at the old picnic shelter vs. the new one.

Other improvements to Riverside Park include a refurbished restroom building (also powered by solar panels), bike loops, and a drinking fountain with a dog bowl.

The upgrades to Riverside Park were made possible through a voter-approved parks millage with support from a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant.

Activities at Riverside Park

When weather allows, the City of Grand Rapids hosts kayaking demonstrations and classes, some of them free.

In fact, coming up October 7th, there is a free kayak trip for residents ages 50 and up.

Food Truck Fridays at Riverside Park runs May through September.

There's about 200 acres at Riverside Park to explore, with 2.3 miles of paved multiuse trails for year-round use. You'll also find grills, disc golf, a playground, ball diamond, and soccer fields.