East Grand Rapids set to decide on Waterfront Park Phase II, reviews parking study
East Grand Rapids city commissioners are scheduled to vote Monday on the conceptual plan for Waterfront Park Phase II, a project that includes wetland restoration, educational areas, and parking expansions. The vote, which would authorize final design work, is the most consequential item on the July 6 agenda.
Recent meetings: Park feedback and parking study
At a June 22 work session, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed community feedback and conceptual designs for the Waterfront Park Phase II improvement project. Commissioners discussed wetland restoration, educational areas, and parking expansions, and also reviewed the 2026 special event calendar and a consultant contract with Abonmarche. No votes were taken; the meeting was an agenda-only session with minutes not yet published.
On June 29, the City Commission held a work session to evaluate current and future parking needs in Gaslight Village. Using data from the 2025 Combined Parking Study, commissioners analyzed parking utilization and discussed the potential impact of removing Lots 14 and 15 during high school construction. A “polarity management” exercise was used to balance the trade-offs between parking abundance and scarcity. Again, no formal decisions were made.
Upcoming meeting: City Commission, July 6
The City Commission will convene at its regular meeting Monday. In addition to the Waterfront Park Phase II vote, commissioners will consider:
- Renewing the winter road salt contract with Compass Minerals at $78.41 per ton through the Kent County Road Commission.
- Approving a one-year vertical alignment contract with East Grand Rapids Public Schools for $50,000.
- Appointing members to the Planning, Zoning, Parks, and Library boards based on the mayor’s recommendations.
- Reviewing three pricing options for middle school athletics programs and offering feedback.
The meeting’s consent agenda includes routine items, and a closed session is scheduled for collective bargaining updates.
Coming up
- **City Commission** – Monday, July 6, 2026 (agenda includes Waterfront Park Phase II vote, salt contract, school services agreement, board appointments).
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.