The City of Grand Rapids and DGRI released new renderings for the Oxford Trail rehabilitation and extension project that will create new linear park space in the Black Hills neighborhood with future connections to Roosevelt Park and eventually Plaster Creek.
This project represents the first major investment in the trail since 2011 and will provide a critical connection from the southside neighborhoods to Downtown Grand Rapids and the larger regional trail network known as the Grand River Greenway. The Oxford Trail is one of many Greenway projects funded primarily by the $55 million grant awarded to DGRI in March 2022 as part of a state infrastructure package.
“This project brings much-needed green spaces and gathering spaces to our neighborhood as well as a critical connection to the Grand River. We’re looking forward to all the life, connection and joy that will be experienced here in years to come,” said Steff Rosalez, CEO of Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities.
The Oxford Trail connects from the west side of the Grand River south of Wealthy Street across to the Black Hills neighborhood west of Godfrey Avenue. The trail abuts the future Factory Yards development and will enhance connections to neighborhoods, parks, schools and future development.
In order to ensure that the project reflects and honors the priorities of community members, the City of Grand Rapids and DGRI conducted an extensive outreach program informed and led by neighbors.
Seven neighborhood leaders were hired to lead in-person engagement efforts throughout the winter of 2023 and the spring of 2024. Engagement events and activities included:
- In-person conversations and events including trail walks and rides, and a variety of community events (6 interactive mini-events, 3 large community gatherings, etc.)
- Door-to-door canvassing
- Print and digital materials and outreach in four languages (Spanish, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and English)
Participation across all of these engagement strategies resulted in:
- Over 600 total event participants
- 169 email subscribers
- 150 survey responses
- 6,000 flyers distributed
In addition to the seven neighborhood leaders, 13 community organizations and 9 local vendors provided support and partnership in engagement efforts.
“As Neighborhood Ambassadors for the project we took the lead on engagement because we know how and where to authentically connect with our neighbors. This allowed us to make sure everyone was truly heard and will deliver a new space that reflects what our community wants and needs,” said Synia Gant-Jordan, one of the neighborhood leaders on the project.
Much of the feedback received from neighbors and community groups focused on the importance of accessible, multi-purpose gathering space that celebrates the cultural and artistic history of the neighborhood. The new designs prioritize universal accessibility, new green space for resting, gathering, and play, and public artworks that elevate the many cultures of the nearby neighborhoods.
The total project investment is estimated at $9 million ($8 DGRI/Grand River Greenway funds, $1 million City of Grand Rapids) and will incorporate the rehabilitation and enhancement of over 1.5 miles of new and existing trails, shade space, a small performance amphitheater, bike repair stations, connections to Godfrey Avenue and Hall Street, and new playground features that provide accommodations for children of all physical, cognitive, and social abilities. The project design and engineering was led by Progressive Companies. Partnerships with developers of the Factory Yards project were critical to trail expansion that will strengthen neighborhood connectivity.
“The investments happening along the Grand River corridor are significant and the Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to see real connections to many of these investments through the design and construction of this Oxford Street Trail project,” said David Marquardt, Parks and Recreation director. “The collaborative nature of the design and construction of the Oxford Street Trail project aligns directly with the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department in providing inspirational experiences to residents and visitors in Grand Rapids.”
The project partners will be soliciting bids for construction over the coming weeks in anticipation of construction work to begin in the summer.
“We are grateful to the neighbors that led these engagement efforts for their critical role in ensuring that this project honors the community’s vision,” said Tim Kelly, President and CEO of DGRI. “Additional thanks goes to our partners at the City for helping us to prioritize this investment that will provide an important connection between Downtown and our neighborhoods.”
For more information on the Oxford Trail project, including the full Community Engagement report, please visit: https://publicinput.com/h6432
For more information on the Grand River Greenway, please visit: https://grandriver.network/
