Project: Reimaging Tassell Park
Location: 6896 Cascade Rd SE
Estimated Completion: TBD
Funding Source: Cascade Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
Tassell Park & Village Improvements Groundbreaking
Thursday, September 17 | 11 am
Leslie E. Tassell Park | 2900 Thornapple River Dr SE
Join us as we mark the beginning of improvements to Tassell Park and the surrounding area, including a new pedestrian crossing beneath Cascade Road to make walking and biking safer.
Project Master Plan
Photos and Renderings
Project Updates
8/26/2026 – The contract for Phase 1 of Tassell Park Improvements was awarded to CarbonSix Construction.
Project Overview
The Cascade community has an exciting project in the works—a transformation of our beloved Tassell Park. This revitalization effort aims to celebrate the natural beauty of the Thornapple River while enhancing connectivity, recreation, and enrichment opportunities for the community. A key element of the plan involves repurposing the former Tuffy and Verburg's sites. The former Tuffy site will be converted into a vibrant public space, including a water feature and sunken plaza. The former Verburg’s site will provide pedestrian crossing underneath the Cascade Road Pedestrian Bridge, to allow pedestrians to safely cross Cascade Road to access the park.
- Sunken Plaza Area
- Natural Playground
- Flex Space (Food Trucks)
- Event Pavillion & Patio
- New Boardwalk
- Fire Pit
- Rubys Gazebo
- New Bench/Table/Seating Options
- Safe Pedestrian Crossing Under Cascade Road
Currently, Phase 1 of the project is slated to begin late this fall. This includes the demolition of remaining pavement, building foundations as well as new curb lines, road resurfacing and utility relocation. The majority of the work will begin in spring 2027 with the entire project slated to be done by the end of spring 2028.
Project Background
This project is the first phase of a larger vision for Tassell Park and the surrounding area, which includes the integration of nearby properties into a unified and inviting public space. The project was initially titled “Former Tuffy Muffler & Auto Services Site” but has now been incorporated into the larger Tassell Park project. Given its prime location near the Thornapple River and the village area, the former Tuffy site has long been identified as an opportunity to enhance Cascade's public spaces. This project, alongside improvements to Tassell Park, the former doctor’s office site, and the incorporation of the former Verburg’s site, aims to create a cohesive public use area for residents and visitors alike.
OHM Advisors created the first draft and renderings of the overall Village Reimagined plan. On August 19, 2025, Cascade's Downtown Development Authority approved a contract with Troyer Group to pick up design and implementation where OHM left off.
Building off this plan, the design for Tassell Park was created by the team at Troyer Group, which was contracted by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Township. Drawing from the Township's strategic plan and extensive community feedback, the improvements aim to celebrate the natural beauty of the area while fostering greater connection, recreation, and enrichment for residents of all ages.