News Summary
A new community initiative in Grand Rapids, called the ‘Trinket Trade,’ is creating joy among local children by encouraging a toy exchange. Crafted by local resident Devin Schindler, a whimsical wooden box serves as the centerpiece for this creative treasure hunt. Families are coming together, fostering friendships and community spirit. Additionally, Grand Rapids is set to build a new Martin Luther King Park Lodge, aimed at enhancing community engagement through its robust programming and facilities, reflecting the city’s commitment to local development.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is witnessing an uplifting community initiative called the “Trinket Trade,” which has sparked joy among neighborhood children through a creative treasure hunt. The project centers around an intricately designed wooden box, resembling an Olde English cabin, crafted by local resident Devin Schindler, who dedicated approximately 100 hours to its construction. This initiative has fostered a sense of community engagement and has become a hub for local families.
The “Trinket Trade” was inspired by Devin’s children, Kayla and Grant Mallires, who observed similar community sharing programs. Their vision was to create a joyful space for neighborhood kids, allowing them to exchange toys and build friendships. Their two-year-old son, Max, eagerly anticipates visiting the Trinket Trade box, demonstrating its appeal to the younger generation. Children from the neighborhood are actively participating in the exchange, with toys frequently disappearing and being replaced by new items brought in by their peers.
To enhance the whimsical nature of the Trinket Trade, the family introduced a mythical creature named Pip, said to play with the toys when the children aren’t present. The community’s enthusiasm for the project has encouraged Devin to build a second Trinket Trade box to gift to a family friend who recently welcomed a baby, promoting a culture of community connection and support among residents.
In addition to the Trinket Trade initiative, Grand Rapids is also focusing on significant infrastructural development with the construction of the new Martin Luther King Park Lodge. This $19 million facility is set to rise on the southeast side of the city and is scheduled to open in early 2026. The new lodge will span 25,000 square feet, significantly larger than the outdated 50-year-old lodge it is replacing, which was largely underutilized.
The park lodge aims to provide a range of year-round community programming, including adult fitness classes, teen after-school programs, summer camps, and open access to pickleball and basketball facilities. The city’s parks and recreation department prioritized community input during the planning phase, striving to ensure the lodge serves as a safe and welcoming space for all residents.
Inside the new facility, residents can look forward to various proposed programming options, which include rental event spaces, classrooms, a gymnasium, and a fitness room. However, some city commissioners have expressed concerns regarding the affordability of rental prices, particularly for community events such as children’s birthday parties.
To fund the new park lodge, the budget is set at $262,600, primarily sourced from public tax dollars through the city’s parks millage and capital improvement fund. This financial strategy underscores the city’s commitment to enriching community life through collaborative investments in local infrastructure.
In related news, the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees has accepted the resignation of President Charles Lepper, who had been on paid administrative leave since March. Following his departure, Interim President Lisa Freiburger has been appointed to lead the college until her retirement at the end of May, marking a transition period for the institution as it looks to move forward.
Both the Trinket Trade initiative and the upcoming Martin Luther King Park Lodge illustrate Grand Rapids’ commitment to fostering community spirit, supporting local families, and enhancing resident engagement through creative and inclusive programs.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: Trinket Trade Brings Grand Rapids Community Together
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- MLive: $19M Community Center in Grand Rapids
- Google Search: Grand Rapids community center fitness classes
- WOOD TV: Community Leaders Hold Emergency Meeting on Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Detroit News: Grand Rapids Community College President Resigns
- Google News: Grand Rapids Community College president resigns
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
