The park was named after E.G. Briggs, a former resident who owned the land before the city acquired it for public use.
The onsite swimming pool was significantly renovated in the early 2000s to modernize its filtration and circulation systems.
The park's topography includes a gentle slope that has historically served as a sledding hill for neighborhood residents during the winter.
It is one of the few city parks in Grand Rapids that preserves a mix of original 20th-century landscape design and contemporary recreational facilities.
Briggs Park is a historic 22-acre municipal green space in Grand Rapids established in 1911. The site features a public outdoor swimming pool, which is a centerpiece of the neighborhood recreation program during the summer months. The grounds include dedicated athletic facilities such as tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a basketball court. Walking paths wind through mature tree stands and open lawn areas suitable for casual picnicking. The park serves as a community hub, maintaining infrastructure for both organized youth sports and unstructured outdoor activity. It is managed by the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation department.
The elevated vantage point near the center of the park looking toward the mature tree lines.
Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall to enjoy the mature tree canopy without the peak summer crowds.
Bring your own sports equipment as there are no onsite rentals for tennis or basketball.
Check the city website's park alert system before visiting to confirm the status of the swimming pool, as it is subject to seasonal maintenance.
Do not expect the public pool to be open outside of the peak summer season.
The public swimming pool operates exclusively during the summer months; park grounds remain open year-round.
Leashed pets are permitted; owners must clean up waste immediately. Public park rules prohibit alcohol and motorized vehicles on pedestrian paths.
