Friends of GR Parks is dedicated to enhancing and expanding the city's public spaces

In this week’s segment of GRTV’s NPO Showcase, Stephany Adams, Executive Director from Friends of GR Parks, discusses how they work with community members and other organizations to keep area parks vibrant and accessible to all. 

Friends of GR Parks identifies improvement projects for parks across Kent County and coordinates with area residents and allocates resources needed to continue improving the shared spaces in our neighborhoods. Efforts include park cleanups, planting trees and plants, managing invasive species and adding amenities. Often times, Adams said, community members will suggest an improvement such as adding a bench, or painting a mural and the organization will help put the resident-requested enhancements in action. She explained the best way to improve your neighborhood public space is to make a suggestion and get involved. In addition to park improvement volunteer opportunities, Friends of GR Parks also welcomes photographers to capture park attractions, tree mapping to document the diversity in the parks, and office related projects.

Friends of GR Parks is also involved with a number of popular park events such as Green Gala, an event to raise awareness of the value of quality parks, Winter West, a winter celebration/festival featuring a myriad of snowy activities, and Movies in the Park at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. 

NPO Showcase is just one of the many ways that the Community Media Center serves the nonprofit community. For information about this and other CMC services for nonprofits, or to schedule a future interview, contact Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator, Adrian Hirsch, at 616-459-4788 x105 or email Adrian Hirsch.