News Summary
East Grand Rapids is set to celebrate the grand opening of Manhattan Park with extensive renovations completed before the event. The celebration includes light refreshments for all ages and community engagement through improved facilities, including accessible playgrounds, pickleball courts, and enhanced walkways. The renovations reflect the city’s commitment to fostering outdoor activities and community connectivity, as outlined in their Parks and Recreation Master Plan. With future improvements in the pipeline, the city is focused on enhancing public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
East Grand Rapids is preparing to celebrate the grand opening of Manhattan Park following extensive renovations, which are set to be completed on July 14, 2024. The grand opening event will take place on July 15 at 4 p.m. and is open to the public, featuring light refreshments for attendees of all ages. Guests are encouraged to gather at the park’s main pavilion to join in the festivities.
The renovation of Manhattan Park is part of a larger initiative outlined in the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which was updated in 2020. This plan prioritized various improvements to enhance the park’s usability and accessibility. Prior to finalizing the renovations, city officials engaged the community through a public feedback process, giving residents a platform to express their desired improvements for the park.
The improvements to Manhattan Park are designed to cater to a wide range of community needs. Key features of the renovation include:
- A fully accessible playground with poured-in-place surfacing, ensuring safety and ease of use for children of all abilities.
- Enhanced pedestrian walkways for better accessibility throughout the park.
- Dedicated pickleball courts, a sport that has gained popularity across various age groups.
- Renovated tennis courts that will offer improved facilities for local players.
- An additional restroom facility, which includes a changing area for the new splash pad.
- Upgraded beach volleyball courts to enhance recreational options.
The enhancements are aimed at creating an inclusive environment where families and individuals can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. The Director of Parks and Recreation for East Grand Rapids noted that there is a strong excitement for sharing the newly renovated space with the community.
In addition to the Manhattan Park renovations, the city is actively pursuing further improvements to its parks through additional funding. The city has submitted grant applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for future park projects, with updates on these applications expected later this year. This shows a continued commitment by city officials to enhance the recreational offerings and spaces available to residents.
The grand opening of Manhattan Park marks an important milestone for East Grand Rapids as it reflects the city’s dedication to improving public spaces and fostering community engagement. The extensive renovations and new features are anticipated to attract residents and visitors alike, providing a vibrant setting for recreation, leisure, and community gatherings.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: Manhattan Park Grand Opening
- Fox 17: Major Upgrades to Manhattan Park
- WOOD TV: Renovations Wrap Up on Manhattan Park
- GR Kids: Manhattan Park Overview
- MLive: Outdoor Movies and Concerts in EGR
