Special Events Venues and Parks

Special Events Venues and Parks
SE
Office of Special Events
We Make Things Happen
1 Monroe Center NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ▪ 616.456.3378 ▪ www.grcity.us
About the
Office of Special Events
Mission Statement
The Grand Rapids Office of Special Events provides Grand
Rapids residents and visitors with twelve months-a-year
of family style entertainment by promoting free festivals,
parades, walking and running events and holiday celebrations.
The office is also the first stop for those seeking to film
within the City.
The City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events is located
in the Grand Rapids Police Department at One Monroe
Center NW. Questions related to Special Events, Filming or
Weddings at any City parks and venues, contact the Office of
Special Events (OSE).
Images provided by Terry Johnston Photography and the Downtown Alliance
Welcome to the City of Grand Rapids!
SE
The Office of Special Events (OSE) of Grand Rapids is dedicated to the continual growth of the City by bringing high-quality
events that demonstrate the City’s personality and charisma while benefiting surrounding businesses, communities and the
City itself. The OSE and the City of Grand Rapids will make a special effort to work with promoters interested in producing
events that stimulate activity and growth within the residential and business community.
The City of Grand Rapids offers a collection of unique and eye pleasing venues with their own special ambiance. The OSE is
committed to helping you select a location for your event that best suits your needs. We thank you in advance for choosing
to host your special event within the City and look forward to working with you. We wish you the best of luck in the planning
and execution of your event.
Regards,
The Office of Special Events
1 Monroe Center NW # L 145
City of Grand Rapids
616.456.3378
www.grcity.us
Aberdeen Park
Site History:
Aberdeen Park was established in 1925 as a school park. In 1941
and 1946 the park added more acres, becoming an 18 acre
park. In 2011, the Creston Neighborhood Association created an
Urban Orchard Farm within the park including various apple trees.
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Picnic Shelter, Water, Playground,
Water Playground, Ball Diamond, 6 Tennis Courts, Field, Grills, and
a Basketball Court.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
788 Evelyn St. NE
Ah-Nab-Awen Park
Site History:
Ah-Nab-Awen Park is located on the Grand River behind the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. This unique venue is a
6.5 acre park that was once a village habited by local Native
Americans. In 1979, the park was officially named “Ah-Nab-Awen”
by the Elders of the Three Fires Council, which means “Resting
Place” honoring the three major Native American Indian tribes of
Michigan; Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potwatomi.
Along the park there are various art pieces and plaques
proclaiming the sites significance. Some plaques have even been
mounted on some of the original Indian mounds which were
leveled off in the1850’s by settlers to provide dirt for some of the
streets within the City of Grand Rapids.
Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Shelter, Electric, Water, 2 Boat
Launches, Field, Built In Stage, Walking Path, Access to Gillett
Bridge, and Public Parking.
Accommodates: 12,800
$600.00
299 Pearl St. NW
Blue Bridge
Site History:
The Blue Bridge is one of the City of Grand Rapids most used
sites for special occasions. This significant bridge is the oldest
railroad bridge in the City built in1868 and rebuilt in 1892. It
was used as the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Bridge for
deliveries traveling between Muskegon and Mackinaw City. When
there was no more need for the use of the train in the 1980’s, the
bridge was restored and painted its significant blue.
The Blue Bridge has become a pedestrian walkway going across
the Grand River between Campau Ave and the Eberhard Center
of Grand Valley State University.
Amenities: Electric.
Accommodates: 1,900
$250.00
Between Front and Campau
Calder Plaza
Site History:
Calder Plaza has been known as the “City Center” for the City
of Grand Rapids. Our City has been identified with the Calder
Stabile “La Grand Vitesse”, which was designed by Alexander
Calder and installed at the plaza center in 1969. The statue was
the 1st public art funded by the National Endowment for the
Arts (NEA).
The venue is an open, hard surfaced area between the City and
County buildings and acts as a special event gathering spot for the
City and its inhabiters.
Amenities: Electric, Water, Built in Stake Holes, and Access to
Public Parking.
Accommodates: 8,600
$600.00
300 Ottawa
Canal Park
Site History:
Canal Park is park is considered to be in the North Business
District of the City of Grand Rapids, named after the City’s first
street to have a railway operation which brought residents,
travelers and soldiers downtown in a more quick and efficient
way in 1865. The park has easy access to the Grand River and was
updated in 2001.
Artist Eames Demetrias showcases one of his five plaques
placed throughout the City of Grand Rapids from the 2003
Artprize competition. The plaque is a Kcymaerxthaere “Handfuls
of Small Stones”, which is a ritual ceremony in which handfuls of
small stones are tossed into the water symbolizing the life of an
individual, community or planet.
Amenities: Electric, Restrooms, Parking, Walking Path, Playground,
Field, and Riverwalk Access.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
941 Monroe Ave. NW
Clemente Park
Site History:
Clemente Park was purchased from the old Grand Rapids Gas
Light Company in 1912. The park was originally named Rumsey
Park and consists of 11.63 acres. The park is now mostly used as
a skate park. In 2011, the park was connected to the Kent Trails
System with a 3 mile bike and pedestrian trail.
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Picnic Shelter, Ball Diamond,
Soccer Field, Skate Park, Field, Electric, and Water.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
456 Rumsey SW
Garfield Park
Site History:
Garfield Park was established in 1906 with 29.54 acres donated
from Mrs. Julia L. Fletcher and Charles and Jessie Garfield. A lodge
was built later as a memorial for Mrs. Harriet Garfield. A lot of
the trees were planted by Mr. Garfield himself as well as the pine
grove. A large boulder marks the grave of both Charles and Jessie
Garfield within the park.
There has been many renovations to the park throughout the
years. The playground was developed in 1910 and another
renovation of the park happened in the later 1940’s.
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Water, Electric, 2 Picnic Shelters,
3 Tennis Courts, Playground, 2 Ball Diamonds, Basketball Court,
Grills, Disc Golf, Trails, Field, Shuffle Board, and a Volleyball Court.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
2006 Jefferson SE
Gillett Bridge
Site History:
In 1845, Gillett Bridge was designed by Jack Ropoleski and is
the fourth longest surviving earth filled concrete arch bridge in
Michigan with a length of 472 feet. The bridge was designed to
carry street railway lines across the Grand River for the Michigan
Railway Engineering Company and was the first access for
vehicles to cross the river. The bridge was constructed on a stone
foundation with timber and plank. It burnt down later and has
been rebuilt several times over the years.
In 1988, the bridge was dedicated to the City as the Gillett Bridge
from its original name of the Bridge St. Bridge. It has become a
pedestrian walkway between Devos Place and Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Museum, and has come to be known as the “Interurban” Bridge.
Amenities: Restrooms, Electric, Access to Ah-Nab-Awen Park, and
Access to Lyon Square.
Accommodates: 1,800
$250.00
Between DeVos Place and Ah-Nab-Awen Park
Heartside Park
Site History:
Heartside Park is a 4 acre park that was established in 2002
located just southeast of the central City and considered to be
in “Old Town” Grand Rapids, which is also part of the Arena and
Heartside District.
Heartside joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The Heartside District is a growing community full of artists,
restaurants, culinary experts, and entertainment.
Amenities: Parking, Playground, Water Playground, Picnic Shelter,
1.5 Basketball Quarts, Grills, Field, Walking Path, and Restrooms.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
301 Ionia SW
Joe Taylor Park
Site History:
Joe Taylor Park was established in 1976 and is one of the newly
updated parks within the City of Grand Rapids. The park has set
the standards for sustainable parks for the future of any Grand
Rapids Park.
As a 2 acre park, it has always been known as Baxter Green until
1992 when it was renamed in honor of one of our fallen heroes
of the City of Grand Rapids Police Department, Police Officer Joe
Taylor who was killed in the line of duty.
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Playground, Water Playground,
Grills, Field, and a Picnic Shelter.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
Baxter and Neland SE
Lyon Square
Site History:
Lyon Square is a one block section along the Grand River that sits
between DeVos Place and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The
“urban intervention” is an outdoor amphitheater seating within
the heart of the City’s Convention District.
Amenities: Seating, Electric, Access to Gillett Bridge, Riverwalk, and
Public Parking.
Accommodates: 625
$250.00
220 Lyon Square NW
Reservoir/Look Out Park
Site History:
Look Out Park has an incredible view of the downtown area and
the Grand River that runs right through downtown. This park has
a spread of 2.38 acres which was once a part of the old Water
Works company.
You can also see the earthwork sculpture “The X”, created by
artist Robert Morris which can be seen also in view from the
Belknap Park. The park features over 100 steps down the hill
leading down towards the Grand River.
Amenities: Walking Path.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
801 Fairview NE
Richmond Park
Site History:
Richmond Park was one of Grand Rapids original parks
established in 1915 known as Richmond Hill by the donation of
Rebecca L. Richmond. The park used to be used as a recreational
area specifically for skiing with a jump and toboggan chute.
The park was created to be a gathering place for Grand Rapids
citizens with a unique pool and bath house built in 1932 by
George Welsh who was the City Manager at the time.
Amenities: Parking, 2 Ball Diamonds, 2 Basketball Courts,
Playground, Natural Area, Pool with Restrooms, and an Enclosed
Shelter House with Restrooms.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
1639 Tamarack NW
Riverside Park
Site History:
Riverside Park was established in 1929 as Comstock Riverside
Park. The name Comstock was from the original owner and has
become the largest park in the Grand Rapids parks system.
This park has 200 acres of beautiful scenery with the Channel
Bridge, fishing grounds, hiking trails, paths, and natural areas to
experience all along the Grand River. Riverside has become
a focal point for many special events, sporting games and
recreational activities.
Amenities (Depends on location): Parking, Restrooms, Electric, Water,
3 Picnic Shelters, Walking Path, 2 Playgrounds, Grills, 7 Ball
Diamonds, 2 Soccer Fields, Natural Areas, 3 Boat Launches, Disc
Golf, and Fields.
Guild St. Entrance Accommodates: 23,000
Island Shelter Accommodates: Based on the event
Riverbend Shelter Accommodates: Based on the event
Bandshell Shelter Accommodates: 36,000
$70.00 - $250.00
2001 Monroe Ave. NE
Rosa Parks Circle
Site History:
Rosa Parks Circle (RPC) has become the heart and soul of the
City of Grand Rapids. The park was originally named Monroe Mall
Amphitheater but is now named Rosa Parks Circle in honor of
the famous Michigan resident Rosa Parks herself.
This unique park was created by artist Maya Lin as a functioning
sculpture that could support as a local venue for special events
and gatherings. It is made up of a 13,000 square foot oval
amphitheater “Ecliptic”, 166 fiber-optic lights, trees, two enclosed
reflecting pools, and a statue of Rosa herself.
Amenities: Restrooms, Electric, Water, Tables, Built in Lighting,
Walking Path, Stage, and PA System.
Accommodates: 3,400
$600.00
155 Monroe Center NW
Sixth St. Park
Site History:
The Sixth St. Park offers access to the Historic Sixth St. Bridge and
Riverwalk. The bridge was constructed in 1886 and is the longest
pin-connected highway truss in the state of Michigan.
Artist Joseph Kinnebrew’s Red Stell Kids Katwalk sculpture is
found here, that allows kids to play on the sculpture as the
sculpture is meant to experience art in a new way.
Amenities: Restrooms, Electric, Boat Launch, Access to Fish
Ladder, and a Picnic Shelter.
Accommodates: 9,700
$250.00
647 Monroe Ave. NW
Wilcox Park
Site History:
Wilcox Park was established in 1911 and developed from a gravel
pit. The park was once a project of the Grand Valley Rose Society.
Now the park is 12.91 acres, adjacent to Aquinas College, often
referred to as “Amsterdam, Grand Rapids”. There is a plaque
within the park in memory of Florence Edna Foote.
Amenities: Restrooms, Electric, Water, Playground, 4 Tennis Courts,
Ball Diamond, Basketball Court, Wading Pool, Enclosed Shelter
with Fire Place,Trails, and Natural Area.
Accommodates: Based on the event
$250.00
100 Youell Ave. SE
Parks and Venues
NW
NE
Knapp
US 131
Leonard
E Beltline
Monroe
US 96
US 131
Michigan
Fulton
Eastern
Division
Lak
eD
r.
Hall
US 196
Burton
SW
SE
Parks and Venues
Aberdeen Park
798 Evelyn St.. NE
Parking, Restrooms, Picnic Shelter, Playground, Water
Playground, Ball Diamond, Basketball Court, 6 Tennis Courts,
Field, and Grills.
Ah-Nab-Awen Park
299 Pearl St.. NW
Restrooms, Electric, Water, 2 Boat Launches, Picnic Shelter,
Built in Stage, Field, Walking Path, Access to Gillett Bridge,
Riverwalk and Public Parking.
Belknap Park
30 Coldbrook NE
Parking, Restrooms, 2 Ball Diamonds, 10 Tennis Courts, and
a Field.
Briggs Park
350 Knapp NE
Parking, Playground, Basketball Court, 2 Tennis Courts, Pool,
and Pool House.
Blue Bridge
Between Front and Campau
Electric.
Butterworth
Garfield and Butterworth SE
Field.
Calder Plaza
300 Ottawa
Electric, Water, Built in Stake Holes, and Public Parking.
Canal Street Park
941 Monroe NW
Parking, Restrooms, Electric, Playground, Walking Path, Field,
and Access to Riverwalk.
Cambridge Park
1420 Gladstone SE
Picnic Shelter, Ball Diamond, Soccer Field, Parking, and a
Walking Path.
Camelot Park
Rowland Ave SE and Charring SE
Playground, basketball court, walking path, and a field.
Clemente Park
456 Rumsey SW
Parking, Restrooms, Electric, Water, Picnic Shelter, Ball
Diamond, Soccer Field, Field, and Skate Park.
Coit Park
Coit and Fairbanks NE
Playground, 1.5 Basketball Court,s Field, Ball Diamond, and
Walking Path.
Dickinson Buffer Park
1635 Willard SE
Playground, Basketball Court, Field, Walking Path, and Grills.
Fish Ladder Park
647 Monroe NW
Parking, Restrooms, Boat Launch, Walking Path, Access to Fish
Ladder, and a Fish Cleaning Station.
Foster Park
350 State St. SE
Fuller Park
300 Fuller Ave NE
Parking, Restrooms, Water, Electric, Playground, Ball Diamond,
2 Basketball Courts, Tennis Court, Field, Hand Ball, Wading
Pool, Walking Path, and Access to Hillcrest Dog Park.
Garfield Park
2006 Jefferson SE
Parking, Restrooms, Electric, Water, 2 Picnic Shelters,
Playground, 3 Tennis Courts, 2 Ball Diamonds, Basketball
Court, Grills, Disc Golf, Trails, Field, Shuffle Board, and a
Volleyball Court.
Gillett Bridge
Between Devos Place to Ah-Nab-Awen Park
Restrooms, Electric, and Access to Ah-Nab-Awen Park and
Lyon Square.
Heartside Park
301 Ionia SW
Restrooms, Playground, Water Playground, Picnic Shelter,
1.5 Basketball Courts, Walking Path, Grills and a Field.
Highland Park
700 College NE
Parking, Playground, Ball Diamond, Football Field, Pool, Pool
House, Grills, Enclosed Shelter, Restrooms, Water, and Electric.
Hillcrest Park
1200 Lyon St. NE
Parking, Dog Park, and Ball Diamond.
Parks and Venues
Huff Park
2286 Ball Ave. NE
Parking, Restrooms, Picnic Shelter, Playground, 3 Ball Diamonds,
Walking Path, Natural Area, Water, and Electric.
Joe Taylor
Baxter and Neland SE
Restrooms, Parking, Playground, Water Playground, Grills, Picnic
Shelter, and a Field.
Lincoln Park
1120 Bridge St.. NW
Parking, Restrooms, Playground, Basketball Court, 2 Tennis
Courts, Enclosed Shelter with Restroom, Pool, Pool House,
and Grills.
Lyon Square
220 Lyon Square NW
Seating, Electric, Access to Riverwalk, Public Parking and
Gillett Bridge.
Mackay-Jaycee
2531 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Parking, Restrooms, Electric, Water, Picnic Shelter, Playground, 2
Ball Diamonds, 2 Basketball Courts, 4 Tennis Courts, 2 Soccer
Fields, Walking Path, Trails, Field, Grills, 2 Volleyball Courts, and
a Fitness Course.
MLK
900 Fuller Ave SE
Parking, Restrooms, Fitness Course Playground, 2 Ball
Diamonds, 5 Basketball Courts, Grills, and 8 Tennis courts.
Monument Park (used only for veteran/military events)
Monroe and Fulton NE
Mulick Park
1646 Sylvan Ave SE
Playground, Water Playground, Walking Path, Horse Shoes,
3 Tennis Courts, Enclosed Shelter with Restrooms, Field,
and a Ball Diamond.
Peikich Park
Rosa Parks Circle
155 Monroe Center NW
Restrooms, Electric, Water, Tables, Walking Path, Built in lighting,
PA system, and Stage.
Sixth Street Park
Division and Cherry
Seating.
647 Monroe NW
Parking, Restrooms, Electric, Water, Boat Launch, Public Parking
and a Picnic Shelter.
Plaster Creek Park
Veterans Memorial (veteran/military events only)
2133 Buchanan SW
Restrooms, Playground, Picnic Shelter, 2 Ball Diamonds,
3 Tennis Courts, Soccer Field, Trails, Bike Jumps, and a Track.
Reservoir Park (look out)
801 Fariview NE
Walking Path.
Richmond Park
1639 Tamarack NW
Parking, 2 Ball Diamonds, 2 Basketball Courts, Playground,
Natural Area, Grills, Pool with Restrooms, and a Enclosed
Shelter House with Restrooms.
Riverside Park
2001 Monroe Ave NE
Parking, Restrooms, Electric, Water, 3 Picnic Shelters, Walking
Path, 2 Playgrounds, 7 Ball Diamonds, 2 Soccer Fields, Natural
Areas, 3 Boat Launches, Disc Golf, Fields and Grills.
(Electric, Water and Restrooms vary on shelter location).
Roosevelt Park
1368 Godfrey Ave SW
Parking, Playground, Indoor Basketball Court, Picnic Shelter,
Fitness Center, and Field.
101 E Fulton NE
Restrooms, Electric.
Weston Commons
752 Watson SW
Restrooms, Playground, Basketball Court, and Field.
Wilcox Park
100 Youell Ave SE
Restrooms, Playground, 4 Tennis Courts, Ball Diamond,
Basketball Court, Wading Pool, Enclosed Shelter with Fire
Place and Restrooms, Trails, and Natural Areas.
1 Monroe Center NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ▪ 616.456.3378 ▪ www.grcity.us