Green Grand Rapids: launchpad for whitewater, urban forestry and parks improvement groups

From the city of Grand Rapids' Green Grand Rapids initiative has grown a surprising number of volunteer organizations intent on creating bike parks, whitewater runs, urban forestry and access to local food. Although the initiative to develop a plan for the city's green spaces is completed, the momentum to implement the ideas seems to be growing.

According to excerpts from the story:

Now that Green Grand Rapids has wrapped up, it's time to go forth and accomplish green goals and projects, although there will be no governmental funds to help out. That was the general theme and message at the recent public meeting of Green Grand Rapids held at Creston High School.

It's up to nonprofits, foundations and business to step forward. Green Grand Rapids is a project launched by the city of Grand Rapids to update the 2002 city-wide Master Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with an emphasis on green initiatives centered on connections, the Grand River, parks and recreation, natural systems, greening and local food. Financial supporters of Green Grand Rapids include Grand Rapids' Downtown Development Authority, and the Wege, Frey, Dyer-Ives and Grand Rapids Community foundations.

The meeting included reports from champions representing diverse groups — Urban Forestry Committee, Fulton Street Farmers Market, Grand River groups, West Michigan Environmental Action Council, Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, Western chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and Blandford Nature Center.

Read the complete story here.