John Ball Park

With a mixture of downtown and suburbs, John Ball Park is an active community where you will see lots of walking and biking. It is a community rich in history, stemming back to the 1800s. Originally owned by John Ball, when he passed, he left 40 acres to the city to use as a city park. This public access area became very popular when a streetcar line became available down Fulton Street. In the 1800s, this area was known to be reminiscent of a romantic-era design, with garden beds, floral plantings, paths designed with ornamental bridges, trellises and arbors. This also enticed residential development around the area.

The John Ball Park neighborhood is a community that believes actively in conservation of wildlife and a natural environment as John Ball Park Zoo is the center of attention. Playgrounds are plentiful with picnic tables, to include The Hilltop Park – The Hidden Playground…go on an adventure and find it!

Established on the far east side of Grand Rapids…that means closest to Lake Michigan coast! A quick drive to Grand Haven offers access to a soft-sand shoreline and rolling dunes of 7 beautiful beaches, a state park, camping, and the most adorable Downtown with shops and eateries.

John Ball Park boundaries include Bridge Street to the north, Marion Ave to the east, O’Brien Rd to the south, and Covell Ave to the west.