City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation

🌧️ Given today's weather, kayak rentals and today's dog training class are cancelled. (Fri, June 5)

This Saturday, June 6, marks the start of our 2026 outdoor pools and splash pad season! Pools are filled, staff are trained, and we're ready to welcome you for another season of staying cool in the city.

Things to Know:

☀️ Day passes aren't available this year.
☀️ If you don't have your pool pass card yet, plan a little extra time into your first visit to get it.
💦 Fuller Park splash pad is currently closed for repair. We anticipate it opening by the end of June.

🔗 For more information about pools and splash pads, please visit grparks.info/poolsandsplashpads.

☀️ It's another beautiful week for some free outdoor fitness classes! Please note that:

➡️ Glute Aerobics will now be at 555 Monroe
➡️ TurnUp Dance Fitness is at Garfield Park Futsal Court

We can't wait to see you at a class this summer! And if you're looking for more ways to get moving, check out our July/Aug fitness class schedule (including youth classes) that's now open for registration: grparks.info/recclasses

☀️Summer kayak rentals are back for 2026! Every weekend through Aug. 30 find us at the Riverside Park Kayak launch just inside the park’s Guild St. entrance (weather permitting). Here’s what you need to know 👇

Adults: $10/hr
Youth (17 and under): $5/hr

Fridays: 4-8 p.m.
Sat. & Sun.: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

☀️Rentals are first come, first rented for up to 3 hours. Life jackets are included. Age restrictions for solo kayaks do apply. Visit https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/parks-recreation/recreation/kayaking/ for more information before you go.

Send a message to learn more

Ah-Nab-Awen is looking a little different these days 👀

The park is now closed to allow for in-river construction work because yes, we really are removing the low-head dams! Currently, construction crews are preparing the staging area for the in-river work that will start later this summer.

What does this mean for you?

🚧 Please respect the sidewalk closures and do not enter the construction zone.
🛑 The sidewalk/trail along the river’s edge is closed from under Gillett Bridge to the switchback just north of Michigan St.
🛑 The crosswalk between Bridgewater Place and the north end of the park is also closed. Please use the crosswalk at Bridge/Scribner streets or the east end of the Michigan St. bridge instead.
✅ Gillett Bridge will remain open.

We know you have a lot of questions about this project, the park, and the Grand River. We will continue to provide closure updates, project information, and more as things progress for this two-year project.

P.S. Yes, the park will be restored after the river work is complete 😎

Memorial Day Reminders:

1) Our office is closed.
2 No recreation classes tomorrow - including free outdoor classes.

Don't say we didn't warn you 🤷 Grand Rapids' favorite birds are in nesting mode which means any and all threats will be "dealt with" if they come too close. How close is too close? We tried to ask but just got pecked in response. Best to steer clear and find an alternate route.

P.S. Even though it may seem funny to dare a friend to run past these birds, please do not provoke them. They're just doing their jobs protecting their homes and ladies 😎

🦮 Dog training classes with are back for Summer '26 with more options for floofs and humans alike!

We're offering $5 training classes focused on leash walking, recall, not jumping up during greetings, nosework, impulse control, and tricks. For our reactive dog friends and their owners, we're offering FREE workshops and support groups (for humans only) to help you better understand and care for your pup 💚

Registration is required for all classes and space is limited.

🔗 Browse classes and sign-up at: https://grparks.info/dogtraining

We're hiring at MLK Park Community Center! Our Recreation Program Technical Supervisor (RPTS) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the center. Responsibilities include:

📋 Oversee and coordinate recreation, athletic, and event programming to expand access and align services with community needs, including new program development as needed
📊 Manage business administration needs including developing and managing program budgets, and monitoring expenditures
😎 Ensure programs and the facility are inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for all participants
..and more!

Applications are now open and close at 11:59 p.m. on May 31. To learn more and apply, visit https://grparks.info/careers