A Bit about Cascade Township Park
3810 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
paved biking trail, playground
Trail Length: 4 mile
Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved biking trail, but does have hills so not great for beginners
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Facilities: Restrooms near the playground
Stroller Friendly? Yes
Time of Year Accessible: Open year-round.
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Find it All at Cascade Township Park
Cascade Township Park is easy to get to, located just off of I-96 at Exit 44 (36th St exit).
What you’ll find is a large park with a lot of open space and plenty of parking.
Trees line the perimeter, but the majority of the park is sunny. Recent park improvements have seen the addition of basketball courts, pickleball courts, a fenced-in dog area, and a revamped accessible playground.

Cascade Township park is a popular gathering place for the community, with lots of picnics, sports and open play happening year round.
And yes, this place is fun in the winter, too!
There’s a great sledding hill behind the playground to the east. It’s easy to spot because you’ll find worn sled tracks and probably a bunch of kids flying down the hill anytime there’s snow on the ground.

Cascade Township Park at a Glance
- Playground
- Sandbox
- Basketball Court
- Disc Golf
- Tennis Courts
- Pickleball Courts
- 1-mile paved walking/biking trail
- Sledding Hill
- Soccer Fields
- Baseball Fields
- Dog Park

Cascade Township Park is a nice park for toddlers.
While there is not a fenced in area, you will find that some of the play equipment is low to the ground and has toys that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy.
The sandbox and small picnic table are nice touches for the younger set.
Also, the play area has a rubber surface and the swings are designed in a way that parent and child can easily swing together.

Good news for anyone visiting Cascade Township Park with little ones in tow! The restrooms have baby changing facilities, flush toilets, and are heated. That means that the restrooms are open year round.
The restrooms are near the playground area- another bonus if you are in the throes of potty-training.
There is a small picnic pavilion next to the playground area. It’s equipped with an adult-sized picnic table and a child-sized picnic table. There’s another picnic pavilion near the dog park, and that one has an outdoor grill.
Additionally, there are picnic tables scattered in grassy areas throughout the park. Large groups can rent the big picnic pavilion by making a reservation.

The dog park is a fun spot even for families without a dog. If your kid is an animal lover, they might dig sitting on a nearby bench and watching the dogs play.

Tips for Your Trip from Other Parents
- It’s a fun park if you have a child that likes airplanes. It’s close to the airport and planes are flying low.
- If you’re bringing bikes or scooters, the flattest part of the 1-mile paved loop is by the sand volleyball court. Most of the loop involves hills, though, so not the best for beginning riders.
- The playground is too far from the parking lot for you to stay in your car and watch the kids from a distance. Park benches are provided near the play equipment.
- Bring your lunch bags and necessities with you to the playground so you don’t have to go back to the car to retrieve anything.
- There are some great walking/running/biking trails through the woods, but be prepared for mosquitoes.
- This is a popular disc golf course. Give it a try, it’s fun! But also keep an eye out for errant frisbees!
- There is minimal shade on the playground so protect your kid’s skin accordingly.


Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Find your next outdoor adventure near you with this map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks in West Michigan.
Heads up – the Address listed above is incorrect – it takes you to the township hall and Fire department. You need to go to 3810 Thornapple River Drive to get to the park!
Thanks for letting us know, we just fixed it!
Please check the address you have associated with Cascade Township Park – it’s listed as 2865 Thornhills. That appears to actually be the Cascade Township OFFICES. When I google Cascade Township Park, it comes up as 3810 Thornapple RIver Dr.
Thank you for letting us know. That has been corrected.
Happy Mothers Day, Melody, and THANK YOU for GRKids!!! ???
Thank you, Joyce!! And Happy Mother’s Day to you, as well!