Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is passionate about growing community through nature.With community, we plant trees, restore habitats, maintain trails, steward our park spaces, and explore all Grand Rapids’ parks have to offer.
Engaging the community to care for parks is core to our mission. Whether you’re a volunteer restoring native habitat or a neighbor who likes to bike, bird watch, skate, read, or play—you belong out here!
We’re working toward 40% urban forest canopy, prioritizing planting trees in neighborhoods with a low tree population. Our community-centered approach has already added over 11,000 trees to Grand Rapids streets.
By maintaining, activating, and expanding natural-surface trails, Friends ensures that natural areas are accessible for recreation and for ecological management.
Explore 12 of Grand Rapids’ parks guided by our Parks Passport—your guide to park activities, ecological features, and interesting trees across the city. Parks features scavenger hunts, tree facts, and activities to try as you enjoy all our parks have to offer. And once you’ve visited each park, place a sticker to “stamp” your stop—just like a real passport. Passports are available for free at Friends events, all Grand Rapids Public Library branches, and other partner locations across Grand Rapids.
From planting trees to volunteering, we offer opportunities that help make our city greener and bring us closer together!
Metrics last updated: June 30, 2026
Your support brings trees to more neighborhoods, natural resource management to parks, and inspires a love for nature through events and education.
