Kent County Parks officials announced a two‑year pilot program that would close Indian Mounds Drive to regular vehicle traffic, a move intended to make the popular multi‑use corridor safer for the thousands of runners, bicyclists, anglers and drivers who use it each year. The proposal, detailed in a county press release and reported by Fox 17, cites persistent problems with wrong‑way drivers and illegal dumping that have plagued the trail.
“You can’t build a space and forget about safety,” said Kent County Parks Director Ben Swayze. “We need to prove to the community that the plan can be a positive asset for recreation without harming commuters or drivers.” The pilot would install gates at both ends of the trail, allowing only emergency and maintenance vehicles, tribal partners and private landowners to access the road. Additional improvements would include spot pavement repairs, new signage, benches, trash bins and an increased public‑safety presence.
If the cities of Grand Rapids, Wyoming and Grandville approve the plan, implementation could begin in May or June. Should the pilot prove successful, the county could move toward a permanent closure of the road to cars, enabling a full trail reconstruction, new river recreation areas and additional trailheads. The total cost of the envisioned upgrades is projected to exceed $20 million.
The safety focus resonates with local residents still haunted by a tragic 2019 incident. Four years ago, 18‑year‑old cyclist Kane Coronado was shot and killed while riding on Indian Mounds Drive, a case that remains unsolved. Wyoming Police Department officials reiterated their ongoing investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward, according to the same Fox 17 report.
Community input helped shape the proposal. After holding surveys and open‑house meetings, the parks department said neighbors emphasized the need for stronger safety measures. “I love it, honestly,” said Blaze White, a friend of Coronado, when asked about the plan. “The fact that the case is unsolved is unfair, and to hear that they’re doing something to prevent more things like that is encouraging.”
What’s next: The pilot must receive approval from the city councils of Grand Rapids, Wyoming and Grandville. If approved, gates and initial safety upgrades could be installed by early summer, with the two‑year trial running through 2026. County officials will monitor usage and safety data before deciding on a permanent conversion.
Sources: fox17online.com
