Grand Rapids Seeks New Urban Agriculture Projects for Parks

Residents can submit proposals for community gardens, farms, and greenhouses in city parks.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The City of Grand Rapids is encouraging residents to submit proposals for new urban agriculture projects in over a dozen local parks. The city has $500,000 in grant funding from Michigan's Office of Environmental Justice to support community-focused initiatives like community gardens, farm plots, and greenhouses. Proposals are due by March 2, and the selected projects could use park property for urban agriculture for years to come.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to expand access to fresh, locally-grown produce in Grand Rapids neighborhoods and build community around urban agriculture. It aligns with broader efforts to promote food security and sustainability in the city.

The details

The city's parks and recreation department is overseeing the Urban Agriculture Project, which will provide funding and infrastructure improvements to enable the use of park land for community-driven agricultural initiatives. Residents can submit their ideas through an online Request For Proposals form by the March 2 deadline.

  • The proposal submission period is open until March 2, 2026.
  • The $500,000 in grant funding is from Michigan's Office of Environmental Justice.

The players

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department

The city department overseeing the Urban Agriculture Project and accepting proposals from residents.

Michigan Office of Environmental Justice

The state agency that provided a $500,000 grant to fund the urban agriculture initiatives in Grand Rapids parks.

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What they’re saying

“This is some seed money and infrastructure improvements that could allow for the use of park property as urban agriculture for years to come.”

— Joe Sulak, Parks Superintendent, City of Grand Rapids

What’s next

The city will review all proposals submitted by the March 2 deadline and select the projects to receive funding and support through the Urban Agriculture Project.

The takeaway

This initiative demonstrates Grand Rapids' commitment to expanding access to fresh, locally-grown food and empowering community-driven urban agriculture efforts in the city's parks and neighborhoods.