Grand Rapids — The long-awaited Restore the Rapids project—more than 15 years in the making—is reportedly close to making headway in downtown Grand Rapids, bringing community and water recreation to a city named after the river that runs through it.
What began as a small idea in 2008 was announced during former Gov. Rick Snyder’s 2013 State of the State address and is now a multi-million dollar project—but more than a decade later, work still hasn’t begun.
The Whitewater Project portion is led by Grand Rapids Whitewater, a 501(c)3 nonprofit focusing specifically on the river restoration aspect of the riverfront renovation.
According to the group, the project is planned to be completed in two parts: Lower Reach and Upper Reach. The Lower Reach focuses on Bridge Street to Fulton Street, while the Upper Reach will cover Ann Street to Bridge Street. The Upper Reach cannot begin until the Lower Reach is completed.
The objectives also differ between the two areas. Construction on the Lower Reach, for example, will focus on restoring the rapids themselves: “Recapturing the sight, sound, and spirit of the historic and iconic rapids” and improving recreation opportunities.
After construction, Whitewater anticipates residents and tourists to be able to wade, fish, and kayak.
The Upper Reach project is focused on much more practical matters: public safety, flood control, fish passage, and sea lamprey control.
Construction is currently slated to begin this August, but updates are few and far between. Bureaucratic red tape is partially to blame, as a myriad of different agencies and groups must approve various aspects of the project before work can begin.
Not to mention, in-channel work is only possible between July and October, a window that is rapidly closing.
Another aspect of the work is protecting native river species such as mussels. More than 15,000 mussels were moved last fall to prepare the river for renovation. Many mussels are recognized as endangered.
While Grand Rapids residents are still waiting on the restoration of the actual rapids, community areas around the river have recently been built up, creating a more dynamic riverfront experience.
Lyon Square, near the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, just opened last month. The park boasts riverfront views and is a step in the right direction toward a more accessible and appreciated riverfront in downtown GR.
Coming in at $12 million, the project included seating, landscaping, mood lighting, and pedestrian walking paths.
And just down the street from the Lyon Square park will be the $184 million Acrisure Amphitheater, planning to open in 2026. The outdoor theater will hold 12,000 people and is expected to host more than 50 ticketed events and shows throughout the year.
The city has big plans for the Grand River waterfront, yet the rapids themselves are TBD. But the goal is that Grand Rapids’ population of more than 200,000 people will eventually enjoy waterfront realities that have long been teased.
What’s a couple more years when you’ve been waiting over a century?
Kamden Mulder is a contributing writer for Michigan Enjoyer.
