A Guide to Exploring the Grand River this Winter
A GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE GRAND RIVER THIS WINTER Aerial photo of the lagoon at Riverside Park The Grand River (or Owashtanong) is a beautiful Grand Rapids destination to explore year-round. Here are our picks for must-visit parks and public spaces this winter. Riverside Park Riverside Park is the largest river edge park in the City […]
When to Watch for Fish Migration at Fish Ladder Park
WHEN TO WATCH FOR FISH MIGRATION AT FISH LADDER PARK Fish Ladder Park (located at 560 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI) is a functional piece of architectural artwork designed by artist Joseph Kinnebrew in 1975. Its practical use is to allow migrating fish to find a way around the powerful water flow from the […]
Community Spotlight: Grand Rapids Water Protectors
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: GRAND RAPIDS WATER PROTECTORS Grand Rapids Water Protectors at a recent clean-up event at Plaster Creek Park. (Photo by Brandy Reyes) Grand Rapids Water Protectors (GRWP) is a local organization focused on public education and action around the health of our waterways. We connected with Brandy Reyes, the vice president of the organization, […]
Virtual Event: Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer: Healing Relationships with the Natural World
Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer: Healing Relationships with the Natural World The Wege Foundation will host the 24th annual Wege Speaker Series on Thursday, May 27 at 4pm. The flagship event took a hiatus last year due to the pandemic. This year’s event will be virtual. Presenting is Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, renowned author, educator and […]
Exercise with a View with these Fitness Stations Along the Grand River
EXERCISE WITH A VIEW WITH THESE RIVER EDGE FITNESS STATIONS In the summer of 2019, the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department and Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. partnered to bring six outdoor exercise stations to the Grand River’s edge in Sixth Street and Canal Parks. The equipment is free to use and perfect for anything […]
Community Spotlight: Latino Outdoors GR
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: LATINO OUTDOORS GR A group photo of a Latino Outdoors GR kayaking trip in October 2020. (Photo courtesy Sergio Cira) Latino Outdoors Grand Rapids is a local organization that brings people who identify as Latinx together to discover and enjoy outdoor activities across the region. We connected with Sergio Cira, the chair of […]
Micro-local business program improves equity in river restoration
CREATING A MORE EQUITABLE RIVER RESTORATION Nine months into its first year, the City of Grand Rapids’ Micro-Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) program has helped small, minority- and woman-owned businesses access bidding opportunities for river restoration contracts Originally published April 20, 2021 by The City of Grand Rapids The City of Grand Rapids launched its River […]
Local partners work to restore the Grand River by reducing park runoff
Local partners work to restore the Grand River by reducing park runoff Grand Rapids residents can enjoy a safer and cleaner Grand River this year thanks to efforts by the City, Sierra Club Grand Rapids and other local organizations to curb nearby pollution. Originally published April 19, 2021 by The City of Grand Rapids Grand […]
A Guide to Kayaking in the Grand River
A GUIDE TO KAYAKINGON THE GRAND RIVER Kayaking is a great way to get active and connect with the Grand River. There are many options when it comes to launch points, routes and equipment. There are also many important safety tips to remember. We created this guide to kayaking in the Grand River to help […]
You still can enjoy the Grand River while physical distancing
YOU CAN STILL ENJOY THE GRAND RIVER WHILE PHYSICAL DISTANCING As the sunny weather continues to fill our weeks, many of us are looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, you still can get outside for […]