Ada Township Opens 15-Acre Covered Bridge Park Along the Thornapple River

Ada Township officially opened Covered Bridge Park, a 15-acre riverfront destination that township officials say will become a long-term gathering place for residents.

The park is the first public splashpad in Ada, a long-requested amenity that will draw families during the final stretch of warm summer weather. The new space also completely reimagines the former Leonard Field Park site along the Thornapple River.

Years of Planning, Public and Private Funding

The overhaul took years of planning before crews broke ground last September. Funding came from a mix of public resources and private donors, and township leaders say the finished project keeps the town connected to its local roots while opening up the riverfront.

A Historic Anchor

The center of the park is the historic Ada Covered Bridge, a 125-foot Brown truss span built in 1867. It carries Bronson Street across the water just south of M-21, where the Thornapple River meets the Grand River. The bridge remains the physical and visual anchor of the entire property.

Amenities and Recreational Features

The new layout packs in a range of ways for residents to spend time outdoors. The park includes:

• The township's first public splashpad
• A large playground with separate zones for different age groups
• Two new pickleball courts
• Paved walking and biking trails
• A dedicated kayak launch
• A dog park
• A new pedestrian bridge over the river
• A quiet river overlook and a veterans memorial
• Renovated restrooms, shade canopies, and expanded parking
• Open green space for sitting and relaxing

What Comes Next

Construction crews are still adding final touches to connect additional pedestrian paths to the new bridge and surrounding downtown spaces. Looking ahead, township officials plan to tie upcoming residential growth and expanded trail networks directly into the green spaces along the Thornapple River.