Grand Rapids Township Introduces Electric Trams and Goat Management

News Summary

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has launched electric trams to replace diesel ones, enhancing visitor experience while promoting sustainability. The trams offer narrated tours and are accessible for all. Additionally, a pilot program using 50 goats for vegetation management is introduced, aligning with ecological principles. The park, recognized as the Best Sculpture Park in the U.S., emphasizes sustainability through various initiatives.

Grand Rapids Township Unveils Electric Trams and Goat Management Program at Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, located near Grand Rapids Township, Michigan, has introduced an eco-friendly fleet of electric trams for visitor tours, starting this week. This initiative replaces the previous diesel trams and aims to enhance the visitor experience while promoting sustainability.

The new electric trams provide quieter and cleaner transportation options for guests exploring the garden’s extensive grounds. Tram tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with service availability dependent on weather conditions. Each tram ride accommodates a narrated tour lasting approximately 30 minutes, leading visitors through the park’s outdoor pathways and showcasing its impressive sculpture and horticultural displays.

Ticket pricing for the tram tours is set at $8 for adults and $6 for children aged 3 to 13, while children under 2 years old can ride for free. The trams are also equipped with wheelchair ramps to ensure accessibility for all guests, thereby promoting inclusivity within the park’s activities.

In addition to the electric trams, Meijer Gardens has launched a pioneering pilot program that employs a herd of 50 goats to assist with vegetation management. This innovative method focuses on clearing dense, undesirable vegetation, including invasive species, particularly around designated areas of the Frey Boardwalk. This approach not only aligns with ecological principles but also contributes to the park’s overall sustainability efforts.

Meijer Gardens has been recognized as the Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the most recent USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, a testament to its commitment to art and nature. The organization continues to emphasize sustainability by fostering partnerships that provide volunteer opportunities, sustainability internships, and conducting waste audits to support zero-waste events.

Visitors are encouraged to check the tram ticket office for daily updates regarding service availability and weather conditions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience at the gardens.

These developments reflect Frederik Meijer Gardens’ ongoing mission to promote the appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the environment, and the arts while implementing initiatives that support ecological conservation and sustainable practices.

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Additional Resources

• WOOD TV: Electric Trams Added to Frederik Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park
• PRWeb: Frederik Meijer Gardens Rolls Out Electric Trams
• WZZM 13: Meijer Gardens Launches Electric Trams and Goat Program
• iHeart: Electric Trams at Frederik Meijer Gardens
• GR Magazine: On the Fast Track to Sustainability
• Wikipedia: Electric Tram
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tram
• Google Search: Frederik Meijer Gardens Trams
• MLive: Streetcar Plan for Grand Rapids
• Google Scholar: Frederik Meijer Gardens Sustainability