Parks
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...
Planting trees, growing community
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 09-03-2013 under PLACE-MATTERS
You enjoy the benefits provided by trees every day. Some of them are obvious; others are not. Perhaps not entirely intuitive is the role that trees play in our community. Various research demonstrates that trees help to make streets safer, deter...
Mark Sala, Sweet J Band perform for final Concert in the Park of 2013
by (magical)
Submitted 08-12-2013 under NEWS
The weather appeared to be threatening the last summer Concert in the Park at Lamar Park. However, their was plenty of sunshine in time for the concert on August 6. There were plenty of activities for both the young and old to enjoy. There were...
What the Flood of 2013 tells us about the importance of a healthy urban forest
by (FriendsofGRParks)
Submitted 07-01-2013 under NONPROFITS
Trees are often associated with nature; the woods, the forest, or perhaps a national park. But trees are also an important part of our urban landscape. Walk down any City street or enjoy some time in a park, and you’ll recognize the numerous...