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."  

Story contributed by the City of Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids - Do you live, work, play, visit, go to school, or commute on, through, or near Michigan Street?

To start a community conversation about this regionally important corridor, all you need is a free copy of Quality of LIFE, the new "meeting-in-a-box" game produced by the Grand Rapids Planning Department. The fun yet instructive game is designed to start a meaningful dialogue among neighbors, businesses, special interest groups and the public about their ideas for the future of the Michigan Street corridor. The results of the game will be used to inform a corridor planning process that began last fall and will continue through 2012.

News Release:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., November 21, 2011 – A special evening in downtown Grand Rapids is scheduled for December 2, 2011, where several businesses and organizations collaborate to offer an expanded holiday experience in the city.  A variety of popular holiday events—tree lighting, ice skating opener, window displays at retailers, a cabaret performance, and free carriage rides—are celebrated together to provide the community with an afternoon and evening packed withdiverse entertainment options.

The majestic Christmas Tree on the Grand Rapids Art Museum Wege Plaza will light up during a short ceremony that begins at 5:15 pm.  Live music from the HollyJolly choir will entertain the gathering crowd as Art Museum Board President Mitchell Watt welcomes everyone, introduces the participants, and announces the countdown to light the 40-foot tree.