Griggs Park
Griggs Park is one of East Grand Forks' neighborhood parks, offering a welcoming space for families to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors. With the recent addition of a brand-new playground dedicated in memory of longtime Parks & Recreation leader Dave Aker, along with open green space, newly planted trees, and a Little Free Library, the park has become a favorite destination for children and families. Located at
201–299 Griggs Place, Griggs Park continues to grow as a vibrant community space where neighbors can connect and create lasting memories.
The Park at a Glance
At Griggs Park, families can spend the morning exploring a modern playground, enjoy lunch under the trees, and access the Greenway. With the addition of the Dave Aker Playground, Griggs Park has become not only a beautiful stop along the Greenway but also a lasting tribute to a community leader who dedicated his life to creating places where families can gather, play, and make memories.
Griggs Park includes:
- Brand new playground set, installed summer of 2025.
- Little Free Library
- Access to the Greenway Trail System
- Picnic tables
- Charcoal grills
- Men's and Women's bathrooms
- One covered shelter; available to rent.
Dave Aker Memorial Playground
The centerpiece of Griggs Park is its new destination playground, completed in 2026.This playground was designed as a community gathering place with opportunities for imaginative play, climbing, and exploration. It transformed what had been an underutilized area into one of the city's newest family attractions.
Dedication to Dave Aker
The playground honors Dave Aker (1956–2024), a longtime East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation employee whose influence on the community extended far beyond parks. His legacy of mentorship, community service, and dedication to youth made the playground a fitting tribute to someone who spent his career improving recreational opportunities for local families.
Community Built
The playground itself represents a true community partnership.
Funding and support came from several organizations, including the City of East Grand Forks, American Crystal Sugar, Polk County Social Services, and the Aker family.
Picnic Shelters
Griggs Park provides one reservable shelter.
Shelters are generally available from May through September.
About the Griggs Park Shelter
Medium rectangle; located near restrooms
Shelter includes:
- Power
- Charcoal grill
- 6 tables (seats 36)
- Bathrooms near shelter
- Access to Greenway Trail
Reserve a Shelter at Griggs Park
East Grand Forks Park shelters are reserved on a first come, first served basis. All shelters and alcohol permits are free of charge in East Grand Forks.
Rental Availability
- Daily from May 1st through September 30th
- Parks open daily: 10 a.m. to Dusk
- No advanced reservations made until February 1st of the current year.
To Reserve a Park Shelter
- Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 218-773-8000 or visit the East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation office at City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to check for availability.
- Fill out a Park Shelter application form to set your date and time in stone, as well as an Alcohol Permit application if applicable.
- Pick up your shelter permit at the Parks and Recreation office in East Grand Forks City Hall. This must be hung up at the shelter during your event.
Call Us
(218) 399-3272
(218) 773-8000
Email Us
Please indicate the following in your email inquiry:
- Name of park
- Shelter number requested
- Requested date of event
- Requested times of event (beginning and end)
Meet Us at Our Office
600 Demers Ave
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Main Floor, East Wing, Suite E102
