Parks
Parks come alive in spring
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 04-08-2014 under PLACE-MATTERS
The thump of a basketball dribble, the laughter of a toddler swinging for the first time and the holler of a kid recognizing a friend across the playing field for the first time after a long winter – these are the sounds of spring in the park...
Joe Taylor Park recognized as national city park leader
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 03-25-2014 under NONPROFITS
In recognition of its unique approach to partnerships and green infrastructure, Joe Taylor Park has been named one of 12 “Frontline Parks,” a nationwide contest sponsored each year by City Parks Alliance. Joe Taylor Park was selected...
Orchards, edible parks, food forests increasingly popular in placemaking
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 02-18-2014 under PLACE-MATTERS
The larger trend of edible parks and food forests being built across the country is the result of residents asking more from their community spaces and embracing public spaces. In Grand Rapids, we've worked with several groups and neighborhoods...
Winter weekend full of fun in local parks
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 02-03-2014 under NONPROFITS
Richmond Park and Wilcox Park were both host to three great events this past weekend that brought the community together to celebrate winter and enjoy reconnecting with neighbors during a time of year where it's more comfortable to sit inside...
It's Cold. It's Dark. It's Grey.
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 12-23-2013 under PLACE-MATTERS
It’s cold. It’s dark. It’s grey. It’s winter in Grand Rapids. I moved to Grand Rapids in the late '90s, and my first winter here made me think I had found the end of the earth. I questioned why any reasonable human...
Depaving ceremony to celebrate ground breaking on Pleasant Park - December 2nd, 2013
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 12-02-2013 under NONPROFITS
Neighbors, supporters, the Mayor, elected officials, and City staff will be on hand to ceremoniously swing sledgehammers to break up asphalt, making way for new greenspace in the community to be completed in 2014. The depaving ceremony is set...
Building on a firm foundation
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 11-12-2013 under PLACE-MATTERS
During the last few months there has been a lot of discussion about the history, value and funding of parks in Grand Rapids. Last month, The Rapidian featured a three part series “Why Parks Matter” by Michael Tuffelmire where he explored...
Parks as place markers record our city's history
by (Tim Gleisner)
Submitted 10-15-2013 under PLACE-MATTERS
Our parks tell the story of many of our historical moments as a city, and serve as gathering places as we process the events of our lives. “[I can] never forget one incident of that terrible day of the assassination of President...
Why parks matter: The current condition of parks and how the millage will help
by (Michael Tuffelmire)
Submitted 10-10-2013 under OPINION
The first step to solving a problem is admitting you have one. That is what Grand Rapids must currently do in order for the city to continue to grow to its full potential. Presently the City of Grand Rapids owns and operates 73 parks and public...
Why parks matter: How our parks affect city life
by (Michael Tuffelmire)
Submitted 10-09-2013 under OPINION
In an era of urban revitalization that is creating increased populations in American urban environments, it is important for cities to maintain the appropriate levels and quality of green space to keep up with the growth. Various studies indicate...