Grand Rapids Taking Next Step Towards Restoration of Rapids

The restoration of the rapids to the Grand River in Grand Rapids is a years-long project which will bring major changes to the look and activities found in downtown Grand Rapids.

The project is set to take another step forward soon.

The City of Grand Rapids has announced an open house with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Whitewater and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. on Thursday, May 2. The open house is primarily for businesses that provide landscaping, tree removal, trucking, information technology and other services. Their help will be needed when work on the Grand River begins.

This is still the early stages of planning with construction expected to begin in spring 2021.

The first work in the river will take place from Bridge Street to Fulton Street. The early work will include the removal of four dams, restructuring of the river channel, addressing shoreline access and more.

The open house will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2019, at the Grand Rapids Community College Tassell M-TEC at 622 Godfrey Ave. SW in Grand Rapids. Register here for the free open house which includes lunch.