Mary Waters Park

Recreational Facilities

Found in Grand Rapids' Creston neighborhood, Mary Waters Park is a breath of fresh air amid the urban landscape. This local space offers outdoor activities for everyone in the family, a nice option for nearby residents looking to enjoy some time outside.

Kids will love the shaded playground that keeps the summer heat at bay while they explore. The thoughtfully designed play areas separate equipment for younger and older children, so everyone from toddlers to pre-teens can find their fun. On hot days, the splash pad provides relief - water fountains spray up from the ground in all directions, creating a cool-down spot where kids can have fun.

Sports and Picnic Areas

Got a basketball enthusiast in the family? The park's basketball court is great for shooting hoops or jumping into a pickup game with neighbors. When hunger strikes, head over to the covered picnic area where tables nestled under shady trees provide a comfortable spot to enjoy lunch or an early dinner. The shade is particularly welcome during those peak summer months!

Park Amenities

You can find the basics covered here with restrooms available in two separate facilities (though you might want to bring hand sanitizer as soap can be hit-or-miss). Parking is available in a small lot, but it fills up quickly on busy days - just a heads up that you might need to find street parking along the neighboring roads if you arrive during peak times.

The park is generally clean and well-maintained with open spaces that provide good room to move around. Drinking water is readily available for those hot days, and if you're looking to get your steps in, there's a nice walking trail that loops through the grounds.

Seasonal Activities

When winter blankets Grand Rapids in snow, Mary Waters Park transforms into a sledding paradise. The sledding hill works well for families since it offers varying slopes for different comfort levels. Little ones can start on the gentler inclines while more adventurous sledders can tackle the steeper sections. From the top, you'll catch some pretty nice views of the surrounding area - a little bonus to your winter fun.

Recent Improvements

The park got a serious upgrade back in 2016 when nearly $800,000 was poured into renovations. These improvements added new features and refreshed existing ones, making the park a community space where locals of different ages can gather.