Genesee County, MI — Restoration efforts are continuing at Riverbank Park in downtown Flint, marking another important step forward in the development of Genesee County’s first state park.

Located along the Flint River, Riverbank Park has long been one of downtown Flint’s most recognizable public spaces. Its fountains, walkways and riverfront setting have made it a unique part of the city’s landscape for decades, but aging infrastructure has also created challenges related to safety, accessibility, maintenance and public use.

The restoration work is designed to address those longstanding issues while reimagining Riverbank Park as a more welcoming, accessible and active public space. The plan includes new access points to the Flint River, ADA-accessible pathways, a new lighting network, restored fountains at both the Grand Fountain Block and Waterwall Block, and additional improvements throughout the park.

These upgrades are part of a larger vision for Flint’s new state park, which will stretch along the Flint River and connect existing parks, trails and natural areas. Once complete, the park will create new opportunities for walking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, gathering and enjoying the outdoors in the heart of Genesee County.

This ambitious project, slated to be completed in 2026, would not have been possible without a partnership between Michigan DNR, The Genesee County Board of Commissioners, The Mott Foundation and the City of Flint.

For Riverbank Park, the restoration is especially meaningful. By improving pathways, lighting, river access and public amenities, the project will make the park safer, more accessible and more inviting for people of all ages and abilities.

The restoration of the Grand Fountain and Waterwall areas will also bring new life to some of the park’s most distinctive features, helping reconnect the community with a historic downtown asset.

More broadly, this project reflects a commitment to building healthy, safe and livable communities across Genesee County. Public parks are places where families gather, neighbors connect, residents stay active and communities build pride in shared public spaces.

Onward and upward!