Wheels of appeal on the Kent Trails

The moment I decided never to leave Grand Rapids, there was no engine rumble in the background or car window obstructing my view of the city. I was moving wheels with my own fuel on pedestrian terrain just west of the downtown district. It was my first time biking down the Kent Trails. It was last summer, and I lived in a house with a bunch of musicians. They had band practice regularly, and there were times I craved silence. So, I dragged the bicycle out of the garage, headed toward the zoo, and onto Butterworth Street.

While venturing down the trail, the constant buzzing of the highway and city life slowly fades away. Even the large billboards near the park entrance are forgotten. There are many routes on the Kent Trails. The Millenium Park’s loop of flowers and steep inclines are enjoyable. Over time I’ve meandered many directions, but now tend to stay on the steady Kent Trails loop. Trees arch over the path giving illusions of tunnels or caves and provide a sense of adventure.

One time I sat down at a bridge above the Grand River on these trails. This old bridge had a contrast of bright blue and rusted metallic-orange steel against fresh foliage and the river’s moving waters. It is here where revolutionary conversations with friends took optimistic turns. I’ve discussed the effects of industrialization with a mathematician, philosophy with a film-maker, and politics with an environmentalist on this bridge. The bridge has connected perspectives of people, just as it bridges parts of the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Grand River is on its way out of the city at this bridge. Everything downtown is embraced in the river’s churning rhythm. The music, nightlife, businesses and storm-water runoff alter the water’s composition as it gracefully exits. The river will encounter agricultural and tourist communities before nearing its final destination of Lake Michigan, yet it never stops.

The surroundings of the city do not leave much time to sit still. Coffee shops and libraries are great options, but here lies a different freedom, and it is in fact free to go. The trails may be surrounded by the city but for vast expanses one can see nothing besides flora, fauna, wildlife and water.

Once I got off my bike and parked it next to a bench. I sat and wrote about these never-ending paths. While writing, a butterfly landed on my foot. It felt like I was living in a poem, or maybe a dream. These moments are everywhere in each day, but hard to notice in the booming metropolis.

The trails lead to Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville, Byron Center, Jenison and Wyoming. Johnson Park is also connected to these trails. The paths follow old train tracks and restore original routes from days long past. There are remnants of old gravel mines and train tracks. The history of the land never ceases to amaze. Perhaps long ago a family survived along the river and walked the same paths that people cruise down today. The routes here are simply consistent reminders of how the river comes and goes and bicycle paths follow its flow.

Since that first ride, I’ve learned a lot about the parks of Grand Rapids. I’ve learned that across the country urban parks are endangered and under-utilized by people. I’ve read that parks can increase senses of community and elevate property values.

Perhaps you should try checking this place out. It is free, after all.

For more information you can check out the directory for Kent County Parks.

If you're interested in how you can be involved in preserving these great areas, check out the nonprofit Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.