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Community Planning Committee Announced for Monument and Veteran's Memorial Parks

Community Planning Committee Announced for Monument and Veteran's Memorial Parks

Mayor George Heartwell and Downtown Development Authority Chair Brian Harris today announced the members of the community-based planning committee that will guide the historic evaluation, master planning and eventual rehabilitation of two key downtown public parks.

"Monument and Veteran's Memorial parks are the front yard for the Children's Museum, the Public Library and numerous local businesses and residences," Mayor George Heartwell said. "Rehabilitating these historic public spaces supports the ongoing revitalization of downtown and will enhance the quality of life in our city. We are thankful so many thoughtful community leaders have volunteered to help make this project successful."  

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Free Admission for Moms at the GRCM

Moms are celebrated every day at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, but on Sunday, May 13th from 12-5pm the GRCM would like to express its gratitude and appreciation of mothers by offering free admission for all moms.  The parent-child interaction is one of the most special and beloved things about the GRCM experience, and Sunday will be a celebration of the unique bond between mother and child.  Fathers will receive free admission on Father’s Day in June, but this Sunday is all about the moms! 

“This is our way of showing our appreciation for the incredible moms that value the importance of play in a child’s life.” Said Bob Dean, Executive Director at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.  There are many ways of showing appreciation to the moms of West Michigan, but what could be better than a free day of play?  Spend the afternoon at the GRCM and play the day away!

10th Annual Stomp Out Stigma – Walk For Mental Health

10th Annual Stomp Out Stigma – Walk For Mental Health

Put on your walking shoes to take part in this great cause on Saturday, May 19 at 8:30am at the downtown Grand Rapids Grand Valley State University Campus to benefit the Mental Health Foundation. Parking is available in the DeVos lot and walkers can gather in the courtyard at 8:30am & enjoy some refreshments.  Rain or Shine the Walk begins at 9am.

This 3 mile walk begins at the downtown Grand Rapids Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University and follows along the Grand River’s downtown boardwalk. Let's celebrates ability, instead of disability for those living with mental illness!

Register soon at www.themhf.org or by e-mail: kandicesloop@cherryhealth.com . Questions can be answered by calling, (616)965-8200, Ext. 7275.

4th annual Mayor's Bike Ride planned for Tonight

4th annual Mayor's Bike Ride planned for Tonight

Join the fourth annual Mayor's Bike Ride tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the trailhead of Plaster Creek Trails, the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 2500 South Division Avenue.

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, Grand Rapids Griffins, Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation, and the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition join Grand Rapids Mayor George K. Heartwell as proud partners.

This free family friendly event introduces the average bike rider to the Grand Rapids bike trail system. The event will start at the Kroc Center and then move to the trailhead of Plaster Creek Trails which is directly connected to the Kroc Center property. The ride distance options are 2 miles or 6 miles.

City High-Middle School Ranked Among Top Schools in America

City High-Middle School Ranked Among Top Schools in America

For the fourth consecutive year, City High-Middle Schools has been ranked among the top high schools in America by U.S. News & World Report. The report ranks City High-Middle School among the top 10 Michigan High Schools, coming in at #7; #53 among the nation’s Magnet schools, and #519 in the nation earning them a Silver Award.

However, City High leaders and parents are quick to note that they expect more and better, especially once all City High students are taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma exams in the next few years.

“If the 100 percent participation rate in City’s International Baccalaureate Programme was factored into this year’s calculations, City would be on the heels of the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills for the honor of the top school in Michigan,” said Jon Waalkes, City High parent whose wife Kimberly heads up the City High PTSA.

A New Farmers Market

A New Farmers Market

J. Bennett Rylah

The Fulton Street Farmers Market was one of the first markets established in Grand Rapids in the early 1900s, but the only one that would sell directly to consumers versus to wholesalers. While new technology was enabling food to travel longer distances, food prices were increasing. A group of housewives decided to utilize the farmland that surrounded them to establish the market. It was a grassroots effort made possible with community volunteers. And as the Market celebrates its 90th birthday this year, it's still a community project. On Saturday, May 5, the Market will experience a rebirth as its renovation is revealed to the public at 7:45 a.m., right before opening to shoppers for the year.

"I used to avoid coming here on Saturdays," admits Christine Helms-Maletic, Fulton Street Farmers Market's Project Development Manager. "It was always so crowded."

Ubanized. A Documentary Film by Gary Hustwit May 31 at Wealthy Theatre

Ubanized. A Documentary Film by Gary Hustwit May 31 at Wealthy Theatre

Thursday, May 31, 6:30pm

Urbanized is a feature-length documentary about the design of cities, which looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world's foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers.

Admission is free!

Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

6:30-9:00 - intro, film & brief discussion

Showing sponsored by Lott3 Metz Architecture, Nederveld Inc., The Rapid, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and Wondergem

Visit http://www.friendsofgrparks.org for additional information.