After a weather-related delay earlier this month, the official groundbreaking for a transformative new public park is set to take place this evening, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 680 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue SW. The event, originally scheduled for April 2, was postponed due to inclement weather—but today, under sunny skies and a high of 81 degrees, the celebration is back on.
City and community leaders—including Mayor David LaGrand, City Manager Mark Washington, Parks and Recreation Director David Marquardt, and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Executive Director Bev Thiel—will gather with residents and stakeholders to mark the beginning of construction on the $2.3 million public space.
Designed in close collaboration with neighborhood residents, the new park is a key piece of the broader Plaza Roosevelt Redevelopment Project. The vision: a welcoming, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable community space that honors the area’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Highlights of the park’s design include:
A multi-use plaza with vendor spaces and gathering areas
Inclusive play zones for all ages and abilities
Hammock groves, rentable shelter spaces, and diverse seating options
Public art installations curated with community input
Sustainable landscaping, including a rain garden and enhanced tree canopy
Accessibility and safety upgrades, such as improved lighting, designated bike paths, and modern drinking fountains with bottle fillers
Funding for the park comes from the Michigan Enhancement Grant and the Parks Capital Fund, with project leadership and support from a coalition of partners including Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Habitat for Humanity, and many others.
More than just a park, the space is envisioned as a cultural cornerstone—one that strengthens connections, celebrates identity, and invites future generations to thrive outdoors.
Remarks begin at 5:50 p.m. All are welcome to join in this exciting next chapter for the Roosevelt Park community.
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