GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Adjacent to Briggs Park, a Grand Rapids Public Schools’ athletic field that’s a community gathering place is getting an upgrade on the northeast side. The $1.5 million renovation project will cover a new track, grass field, bleachers and fencing for Briggs Field, at Oakwood Avenue NE and Dean Street NE behind Briggs Park, located at 324 Knapp St. NE. Construction is underway now on the field that is used by walkers and runners and for sports and community events. The goal is to complete the project by August 2025. The track and field are open to neighbors when not in use, and are often rented out for community events, like youth football games. GRPS Director of Communications Luke Stier said after the renovation, the plan is to utilize the field more frequently for district events as well - mainly more middle school athletic events. The renovation is funded through the Reimagine GRPS Bond, a $305 million bond proposal that was approved by Grand Rapids voters in November 2023. Around $12 million of that would cover renovations to athletic facilities. The track replacement will remove the existing track, which is worn down in some areas, along with replacing its interior field and upgrading the surrounding fencing. The interior field will include two sand pits and a track pad, and several sets of metal bleachers will be added alongside the track. Alex Smart, executive director of facilities and operations for GRPS, said the district is planning on using sod instead of seeds to speed up the process of replacing the grass field, and is also considering irrigation upgrades to the field area. The construction project will also expand the field’s toilet rooms, Smart said. “Our intent is to start using (Briggs Field) a little bit more, so we need to have more toilet room facilities,” he said. Initial plans called for men’s and women’s restroom areas. A private toilet area, concessions stand and storage area would also be part of the building, located near Dean Street NE. The renovation is one of two track restoration projects taking place this summer, along with a $5.1 million project at Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave. NE. RELATED: See the 10 renovations soon to transform Grand Rapids schools GRPS’s Houseman Field, an 8,000-seat multi-purpose stadium, hosts the district’s sports teams along with Aquinas College’s men and women’s outdoor track and field and rugby teams. The field is getting new turf, lighting, locker room finishes and an expanded parking lot. It’s also getting a new track, which hasn’t been renovated in around 30 years. Smart said the bulk of visible work on that project won’t likely begin until after graduation season in May. The goal is to complete the project by football season in August. “There’s some work we could do ahead of time, before school even ends, in areas that will not be affected,” he said, like exterior lighting or some interior locker room upgrades. In a previous district announcement, Smart said tens of thousands from the community gather at both Houseman and Briggs fields each year, “attending everything from athletic events to graduation ceremonies.” “These renovations will breathe new life into both facilities, enhancing the experience for our scholars, fans and visitors alike.” Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.