Community Updates: Friday, December 16

Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department Highlights Progress Made on Park Improvement Projects in 2022, Looks Forward to 2023

On Tuesday, the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department presented the Grand Rapids City Commission with an annual status report on the progress it has made in revitalizing and beautifying the City's numerous parks and outdoor spaces. This year, the Parks and Recreation Department has completed several different improvement projects at approximately 17 different parks, including the installment of native plant/pollinator gardens at Briggs Park, Nagold Park, & Seymour Park, improved and expanded playgrounds at Mulick Park & Sweet Street Park, and new/refurbished courts for both pickleball and basketball at Belknap Park & Heartside Park. The City of Grand Rapids hopes that these park improvement projects will make a positive impact on the Grand Rapids community. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss made the following statement in a press release that was sent out on Tuesday, December 13:

"The improvements made to our incredible park system, recommended by community input and the investment policies initiated by the City Commission and the Parks Advisory Committee, have created meaningful and inspirational experiences for our residents. As responsible stewards of our public spaces, the City is committed to continuing this work on transforming and developing quality parks throughout our community."

The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department also included a list of improvement projects scheduled to begin in 2023 at the following parks and trails:

To see a full list of the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department's past, present, and future park improvement projects, click here.

The Rapid Announces the Addition of a New Bus Route to its Lineup

In a press release sent out on December 15, The Rapid announced that it will soon be adding a new bus route to its current lineup. Starting on Monday, January 2, riders can utilize Route 33, a new line that will service 16 stops in the Walker Industrial area. According to the release, this route was added "to address commuter needs and business and employment growth" in the City of Walker. Deb Prato, The Rapid's CEO, made the following statement in Thursday's press release:   

"Knowing transportation was a barrier to talent recruitment and retention, we engaged with several employers within the Walker industrial corridor to offer a solution. The Rapid plays a key role in employer and employee connectivity in the six cities we serve. The value of transit is access. We provide equity for all six city residents to access employment, education, health care, and housing in a sustainable manner; we strive to be the mode of choice."

Greenridge Mall will be the official beginning of Route 33. For a full list of stops, visit The Rapid's website here. 

Also in the News:

• The City of Grand Rapids is looking for ideas from the community about what to do with 1350 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue SW, a lot that is currently owned by the City. For more information, visit the City's website here.

Sharing Your Stories

The Rapidian encourages local residents to share their own stories related to civic, economic, and public health developments in the Grand Rapids area on The Rapidian’s platform. To get started as a community reporter, visit TheRapidian.org/write.