[MIDTOWN] Midtown Green sculpture and meditation garden proposal meeting

Midtown Green Park, at the corner of Eastern and Fountain, has long been a favorite neighborhood fun spot.  Whether it’s flying a kite, throwing a frisbee or playing catch with Fido, many Midtown neighbors use this park as an extension of their own yards.

In past years, a loosely organized group of residents has batted around the idea of making improvements to the space. The addition of the gateway sign at the southeastern edge of the Green as well as a few trees planted (in memory of loved ones lost) have been the extent of any improvements or additions.

Recently, Midtown Community Organizer Kelly Otto and Woods resident Christine Helms-Maletic were approached by a not-yet-to-be-named individual who is interested in seeing a peace sculpture and meditation space installed on the Green. This mystery person is hoping to complement the existing additions and could likely work within the same southeastern edge area so as not to disrupt the larger, open spaces which are frequented by so many of us here in Midtown.

If you would like to chime-in and give your two-cents regarding this idea, we will be meeting at 7 p.m. on July 19 at Common Ground Coffee Shop (1319 E. Fulton), just east of Fuller and The Salvation Army.  Images of the first draft of the meditation garden and an image of the mock-up of the sculpture will be available for review.

Midtown Neighborhood Association has invited the mystery person to attend our Community Celebration from 6-9 p.m. on August 17 so residents can hear about the impetus for the sculpture, and also to have the sculptor explain why the Midtown Green—out of all the parks in Grand Rapids—was chosen as the hopeful site for this piece of art.

Compiled by Kelly Otto, community organizer for MNA