WinterWest: Reasons to love winter right now

Over the last few years the city has really evolved, and while much of it went unrecorded elsewhere, those who read Rapid Growth know the back story of these events, having been plugged in since the start. We hope he insider’s perspective has served you well in connecting you to the fun.
 
One event that has formed around the beauty of neighborhood events that bring community together is WinterWest – an outdoor themed event returning for the fifth year in a row to Richmond Park from January 23-25.
 
WinterWest, at its core, is really about creating an opportunity for fun to advance the neighbors of this Westside community — and to encourage others to see and experience what many call the “Westside/best side” of the city.
 
This year WGRD’s Pond Hockey Classic moves from Reeds Lake to Richmond Park, where WinterWest, in collaboration with their sponsors, are sharpening their focus like a skater’s blade for a single Olympic-sized weekend instead of spreading it over three as they have in the past.  
 
Events like the Crazy Cardboard Sled Race, sponsored by Grand Rapids Public Schools, are still scheduled to happen. This is one of the most popular (and often most challenging) events for a host of reasons. It will be appearing this year on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2:00 pm.
 
This year’s sled competition will have two contest divisions – family and corporate. Family registration is free but corporate…yeah, you’ll have to pay.
 
The warming shelter will be open again during the events and will serve its customary hot chocolate and coffee.
 
This level of event is only made possible through the generosity of its sponsors: OST, Rockford Construction, Swift Printing, Long Road Distillers, and Chemical Bank. These sponsors have made WinterWest possible and also have provided much-needed funds to install skating rinks in three Grand Rapids Parks.
 
To secure more information on the entire roster of events, including registering to compete, please visit the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks website.