Upgrades Compete at Grand Rapids' Hillcrest Dog Park

UPDATE: A Grand Rapids dog park is celebrating its new features with a grand reopening Halloween bash Friday, Oct. 21.

Improvements at Hillcrest Dog Park at 250 Fuller Ave. NE include an expanded dog entryway and off-leash area, wooded nature path, nature play for humans AND dogs using recycled City trees that have fallen, bench seating, and more.

The grand reopening is Oct. 21 5p.m. to 9p.m. with a bonfire, cider and donuts, ghost stories, and yard games. Dogs are welcome, of course!

ORIGINAL STORY 9/16/2022: A Grand Rapids dog park is getting a makeover!

We've seen TONS of improvements to city parks recently, thanks to a voter-approved parks pools and playgrounds millage passed in 2019.

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Grand Rapids' Hillcrest Dog Park Renovations

The latest park to get upgraded is Hillcrest Dog Park in northeast Grand Rapids.

Hillcrest Dog Park is located at 250 Fuller Ave NE.

According to the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, improvements include:

Expanded dog entryway and off-leash area
Wooded nature path
Nature play for humans and dogs using recycled City trees that have fallen
Bench seating
Drinking fountain with dog bowl
Accessible pathways
Rain garden
Bike loops
New landscaping

Follow the GR Parks and Rec on Facebook for updates on when renovations are complete!

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation

You can find more information on Grand Rapids' park upgrades here.

Other recent improvements to area parks include the addition of an accessible kayak launch at Riverside Park, a new playground and sunset-viewing bench at Sweet Street Park, and two new bouldering/ climbing walls now open at Highland Park.

City of Grand Rapids Dog Park Rules

The City also owns Covell Dog Park in Grand Rapids, located at 526 Covell Ave NW.

They ask visitors to abide by the below rules in the off-leash areas:

Always clean up after your dog.
Dogs must be current on all shots and display proper tags including current identification information, license and rabies.
Supervise your dog closely; never leave your dog unattended. Dogs must be under your voice control at all times.
No dogs younger than four months allowed because of inoculation requirements.
No more than two dogs per owner.
All dogs must be spayed or neutered.
If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, please leash him/her and leave immediately.
Fill in any hole your dog digs.
No smoking or food in the off-leash area.
Please remove pinch and spike collars before entering.
No children under 10 years old allowed in the off-leash area.
Owners are liable for any damage or injury inflicted by their dogs.

Outdoor Games, Gear, and Equipment You Can Rent for FREE From Grand Rapids Gear Library

Grand Rapid Parks and Recreation recently added skateboards to the Thrive Outside Gear Library. Did you know about all the cool stuff you can rent for free? Just about anything you'd need for a camping trip you'll find in the Gear Library at Roosevelt Park Gym, plus team sports equipment, clothing, picnic supplies, even gear for cold weather activities too! The Gear Library is located at the gym at Roosevelt Park at 739 Van Raalte Dr. SW in Grand Rapids. The library is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Top 8 Apple Orchards Near Grand Rapids

It's apple-picking time! Where's your favorite farm to visit for fall activities? According to Yelp, these are the top eight orchards near Grand Rapids to pick up apples, and maybe even go on a hayride, visit a corn maze, and snack on delicious cider donuts!