A new state park is coming to Flint, and it will energize the riverfront, create more diverse recreation opportunities and bring economic benefits to the city. The approximately 230-acre state park, which will be located along a 3-mile stretch of the Flint River and a section of Swartz Creek, will be Michigan’s 104th state park and Genesee County’s first.
It will bring together local existing parks and natural areas, creating an outdoor experience of five park units - Chevy Commons, Mott Park Recreation Area, Riverbank Park, Vietnam Veterans Park and Happy Hollow Nature Area - and connector trails.
Under an agreement with the DNR, Genesee County Parks will be responsible for the state park's ongoing maintenance and operation.
Events permits
For information about renting or holding events at the new state park, contact Nancy Edwards at nedwards@gcparks.org or visit Genesee County Parks.
Public feedback, questions?Public input has been and will be a critical component of the planning process. You can send comments to DNR-ParksAndRecreation@Michigan.gov. Please put "FLINT STATE PARK" in the subject line.
The Riverbank Park unit has an amphitheater that is used for public events and more.
There's a boating access site located along the Flint River in Vietnam Veterans Park.
There's an 18-hole disc golf course in the Mott Park Recreation Area.
Fishing is a popular activity along the Flint River and Swartz Creek.
There are multiple platforms along the Flint River that serve as fishing piers.
Paddling is a popular activity along the Flint River and Swartz Creek. The Hamilton and Fabri dam structures are in the process of being removed and replaced with natural-looking riffles (or clusters of boulders along the river’s edge) in six key locations.
There are several picnic areas along the pathways and Mott Park Recreation Area.
There is a play structure in the Riverbank Park Unit. As part of enhancements taking place through 2026, the existing play structure will be replaced with an accessible playground. In addition, a new signature play garden on the east end of Chevy Commons where the Swartz Creek drains into the Flint River (with Atwood Stadium in the background) will be installed.
