News Summary
Grand Rapids is set to open a new park named Unity Park at 680 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW. The name change from Navarro Plaza comes after community feedback regarding the naming process. The park will include play areas, flexible seating, and a historical kiosk. A public hearing is scheduled for October 21 to discuss the proposed name, emphasizing the city’s commitment to community engagement and inclusivity.
Grand Rapids is preparing to open a new city park at 680 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood later this year. After the name “Navarro Plaza” was rejected due to opposition from local residents, city officials have proposed the name “Unity Park.” The park, which has a budget of $2.3 million, has been under construction since the summer.
The proposed name change comes after city leaders received feedback indicating that the community felt inadequately consulted during the park naming process. “Navarro Plaza” was initially suggested to honor Miguel and Isabella Navarro, recognized for their significant contributions to the Hispanic business sector in the area. The City Commission scrapped this name after concerns emerged over the engagement process, particularly as “Navarro Plaza” was previously the top choice in a neighborhood poll. This prompted residents to express a strong desire for a name that better reflects the neighborhood’s evolving multicultural community.
A public hearing regarding the name “Unity Park” is scheduled for October 21 at 7 p.m. at city hall, located at 300 Monroe Ave. NW. Following the public consultations, the city’s parks department conducted a more extensive community engagement effort, including a new voting round from July to September.
In this second voting round, “Unity Park” secured 232 votes, while “Navarro Plaza” received 183 votes, totaling 415 confirmed votes. The results indicated a “statistical tie” in community sentiment, emphasizing the necessity for further public engagement to clarify the naming selection process.
The new park is set to feature play areas, café-style seating, flexible seating spaces, a hammock grove, and areas available for rent as shelters. Additionally, a kiosk displaying a cupola from the former St. Joseph the Worker Parish will be included. These features aim to create a welcoming space for all community members.
City officials acknowledged the noteworthy contributions of the Navarro family to the Grand Rapids community but decided to prioritize a name that encompasses the area’s rich diversity and historical context. Residents supporting both “Unity Park” and “Navarro Plaza” articulated different visions for how the park’s name could represent the community’s multifaceted identity.
The process of naming local spaces holds significance for residents, as it reflects their connection to the community and its values. The upcoming public hearing will provide an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions about the proposed name and discuss what they hope to see in the new park.
This park development initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to community involvement and responsiveness to resident feedback. The park’s anticipated opening later this year aims to create a vibrant and inclusive space that honors the neighborhood’s diverse heritage and fosters connection among residents.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: New Park Name Proposed After Grand Rapids Residents Opposed Original Choice
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Fox17: Name Debate Stalls Grand Rapids’ Newest Park Project
- Google Search: Grand Rapids park name
- Holland Sentinel: High School Football Schedule Week by Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Park
- MLive: Grand Rapids Rejects Proposed New Park Name Due to Resident Opposition
- Google News: Grand Rapids parks
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.
