Grand Haven’s Award-Winning Retaining Wall Built by Ryerson Brothers

We’re proud to share that a project we were directly involved in has received statewide recognition.

In December 2025, the City of Grand Haven was awarded the Project of the Year Award from the Midwest Branch, Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). The award recognizes quality-of-life improvements tied to two public projects: the Bicentennial Park retaining wall replacement and the Five Mile Hill Overlook reconstruction. Ryerson Brothers Excavating completed the Bicentennial Park retaining wall, and we’re honored to have played a key role in a project recognized for its long-term impact on the community.

Building a Retaining Wall That Will Last for Decades

Retaining walls in public spaces demand more than basic construction. They must meet strict engineering standards, hold up under environmental stress, and integrate into spaces that are used daily by residents and visitors.

At Bicentennial Park, our team was responsible for removing the existing structure and constructing a new retaining wall built for durability, safety, and longevity. From excavation and base preparation to placement and final construction, every step of the process was executed with long-term performance in mind. This project was about building something that the city could rely on for decades to come, and we were honored to be part of it.

Experience Working Alongside Cities and Engineers

Municipal projects require tight coordination, clear communication, and the ability to work within established plans and inspection requirements. On this project, we worked closely with engineers, inspectors, and City staff to ensure the retaining wall met all design specifications and performance expectations.

Engineering, design, bidding, and on-site inspection services were provided by the City’s Engineer of Record, Abonmarche Inc. of Grand Haven, Michigan. That collaboration played a major role in delivering a finished product that met both structural and aesthetic goals. This kind of teamwork is something we value and bring to every public and commercial project we take on.

Community Impact and Recognition

The APWA Project of the Year Award highlights public works projects that improve safety, durability, and usability for the community over the long term. In this case, the City of Grand Haven invested in upgrades that were long overdue and designed to enhance two well-used public spaces.

City leadership noted that these improvements bring both beautification and longevity to Bicentennial Park and the Five Mile Hill Overlook. The work was approved as part of the city’s 2024–2025 capital improvement plan, reinforcing a commitment to infrastructure that serves residents and visitors for years to come. While the APWA award belongs to the project as a whole, we’re proud that our work contributed to a result recognized for improving quality of life in Grand Haven.

Thankful for the Opportunity to Build for Our Community

Being trusted to work in public spaces like Bicentennial Park is something we take seriously. Projects like this reflect the kind of work we aim to deliver every time: well-built, well-coordinated, and built to last.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Bicentennial Park since the improvements were completed, we encourage you to stop by and see the results firsthand.