$2.7 Million in improvements expand recreation opportunities at park
Photo credit: Raul Mellado
The Kent County Parks Department, in partnership with the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (WMMBA), has completed $2.7 million in improvements at Johnson Park in Walker, expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
The improvements include an expanded parking lot, a four-season family restroom, a replacement playground, covered gathering spaces, and an eight-mile mountain bike trail system. The community is invited to explore the improvements during a free mountain biking jamboree Saturday, Oct. 24, beginning at 10 a.m. at Johnson Park, 4048 Butterworth St. SW.
As the westernmost trailhead for Kent County’s Grand River Greenway, Johnson Park serves as a gateway to a growing network of public parks, trails and natural areas connecting West Michigan communities to the Grand River, from Lowell to the lakeshore.
“Johnson Park is an important piece in the Grand River Greenway puzzle,” said Ben Swayze, Director of the Kent County Parks Department. “These investments help us build on the park’s unique natural setting and create a destination where residents and visitors can gather, explore, and experience the outdoors while strengthening connections across West Michigan.”
The new mountain bike trail system uses Johnson Park’s varied terrain to offer diverse riding experiences, from beginner-friendly routes to progressive trails and fast-flowing descents for more experienced riders. Adaptive design elements help expand opportunities for riders with different mobility needs, creating a destination for a broad range of ages, abilities, and experience levels.
“Johnson Park is an exciting addition to the region’s mountain biking network, creating new opportunities for riders of all abilities to get outside and connect with the sport,” said Dan Frayer, President of the WMMBA. “With the expertise of partners like Spectrum Trail Design and the support of the broader community, we’re helping establish a destination that will serve riders throughout West Michigan and beyond. We look forward to seeing these trails bring people together for years to come.”
West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners
Community
- Ada
- Algoma
- Allegan
- Allegan County
- Allendale
- Alto
- Baldwin
- Baltimore Township
- Barry County
- Battle Creek
- Belding
- Belmont
- Benton Harbor
- Berrien Springs
- Big Rapids
- Bridgman
- Bryon Center
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cannonsburg
- Carlton Township
- Carson City
- Cascade
- Cedar Springs
- Cloversville
- Comstock Park
- Coopersville
- Creston
- Crockery Township
- Douglas
- East Grand Rapids
- East Hills
- Eastmanville
- Eastown
- Eaton Rapids
- Fennville
- Ferrysburg
- Forest Hills
- Fruitport
- Georgetown Township
- Grand Haven
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Grant
- Greenville
- Hamilton
- Hart
- Hastings
- Hastings Township
- Holland
