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Check out our upcoming events and get involved!
Interested in volunteering? We are always looking for help with research and park history, photography, and administrative support.
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Mini Grant Applications Due
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is committed, in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, to pursue toward a 40% tree canopy goal. To help accomplish this goal, we organize volunteer tree planting projects throughout the city, and award mini-grants to fund trees for community groups who want to plant in their area! The spring 2020 applications are due Feb. 27. To read FAQs and access an application, check here.
Find out more »Tree ID Class
If you want to learn how to identify local trees and their unique characteristics, attend our Tree ID Class! If we are unable to host the class in-person, we will set up a virtual classroom. In this class, we review the basics of tree identification and practice our skills outside. We specifically focus on understanding tree terminology, and provide participants with resources to continue learning individually. If you plan to attend, please register email claire@friendsofgrparks.org. This course is one of…
Find out more »Volunteer Lunch n’ Learn
Bring your lunch over to the office and join our volunteer coordinator Claire to chat about Friends’ mission and how you can get involved. We love collaboration and thrive with volunteer help. We can’t wait to meet you! — Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is a non-profit organization that works to empower people to cultivate vibrant parks, trees and green spaces in our community. We have a small staff but work throughout the entire city, so we rely heavily on…
Find out more »Kids to Parks Day
Join us for a family field day and get your kids to the park! At Mary Waters Park, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks will be hosting a special celebration for kids with disc golf lessons, gardening, crafts, yard games and more. Pack a lunch and a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the park! This celebration hosted at Mary Waters Park is part of Kids To Parks Day, a national day of outdoor play celebrated by parks, cities, and…
Find out more »BBQ & Beautify at Ken-O-Sha Park
Join us at Ken-O-Sha Park at 5:30 pm to beautify the park and enjoy a community meal together. Don’t worry if you need to leave early or arrive late – we’re flexible. All ages are welcome! Friends of GR Parks will provide the tools and training for each project (from trash pickup to pruning trees and planting flowers!). After the volunteer portion, we’ll gather for a free BBQ meal from a local restaurant. *** The BBQ & Beautify event…
Find out more »Playground Tour: Visit Huff Park
Friends is working with GR Kids to host our first-ever summer Playground Tour! This series of four meet-up events will introduce parents of young kiddos to playgrounds throughout the city they maybe haven’t known about – but SHOULD! We’ll highlight four different playground “gems” and have kid-friendly activities ready to entertain your little ones. We encourage you to bring a snack and make a picnic out of it! Playground Visit 1: Huff Park, June 9 from 10-11:30 am…
Find out more »Tree Pruning & Maintenance Class
If you want to learn how to properly care for trees as they grow, attend our Tree Pruning & Maintenance Class! In this class, we discuss the timing of maintenance throughout a tree’s life, tools needed, the importance of mulching, and correct pruning techniques. If you plan to attend, please email claire@friendsofgrparks.org. This course is one of four required to obtain FGRP’s Neighborhood Forester Certification, but is also open to all members of the community. There is…
Find out more »Movies in the Park
Join neighbors to lounge at Sullivan Field and watch a free family-friendly movie at Movies in the Park, hosted by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, the Grand Rapids Police Department and City of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department. Feel free to bring along lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, but please no alcoholic beverages. 7:00 pm – Community partners will be providing yard games, music and dance, entertainment, as well as recreation activities for all ages 9:00 pm – Movie…
Find out more »BBQ & Beautify at Plaster Creek Park
Join us at Plaster Creek Park at 5:30 pm to beautify the park and enjoy a community meal together. Don’t worry if you need to leave early or arrive late – we’re flexible. All ages are welcome! Friends of GR Parks will provide the tools and training for each project (from trash pickup to pruning trees and planting flowers!). After the volunteer portion, we’ll gather for a free BBQ meal from a local restaurant. *** The BBQ & Beautify…
Find out more »Playground Tour: Plaster Creek Visit
Friends is working with GR Kids to host our first-ever summer Playground Tour! This series of four meet-up events will introduce parents of young kiddos to playgrounds throughout the city they maybe haven’t known about – but SHOULD! We’ll highlight four different playground “gems” and have kid-friendly activities ready to entertain your little ones. We encourage you to bring a snack and make a picnic out of it! Playground Visit 1: Huff Park, June 9 from 10-11:30 am…
Find out more »Movies in the Park
Join neighbors to lounge at Martin Luther King Park and watch free family-friendly movies this summer at Movies in the Park, hosted by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, the Grand Rapids Police Department and City of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department. Feel free to bring along lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, but please no alcoholic beverages. 7:00 pm – Community partners will be providing yard games, music and dance, entertainment, as well as recreation activities for all ages 9:00…
Find out more »Playground Tour: Mulick Park Visit
Friends is working with GR Kids to host our first-ever summer Playground Tour! This series of four meet-up events will introduce parents of young kiddos to playgrounds throughout the city they maybe haven’t known about – but SHOULD! We’ll highlight four different playground “gems” and have kid-friendly activities ready to entertain your little ones. We encourage you to bring a snack and make a picnic out of it! Playground Visit 1: Huff Park, June 9 from 10-11:30 am…
Find out more »Branching Out Advocacy Class
If you want to affect sustainable change for our community’s parks and trees, join us for our advocacy class, Branching Out! Chaining oneself to a tree definitely makes a point, but there are many other (more effective!) ways to voice concerns and draw attention to local environmental issues. Led by our Urban Forest Coordinator, Lauren Davis, this class aims to empower you to have powerful conversations that produce change. If you want to attend, please email claire@friendsofgrparks.org! …
Find out more »Movies in the Park
Join neighbors to lounge at Mulick Park and watch free family-friendly movies this summer at Movies in the Park, hosted by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, the Grand Rapids Police Department and City of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department. Feel free to bring along lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, but please no alcoholic beverages. 7:00 pm – Community partners will be providing yard games, music and dance, entertainment, as well as recreation activities for all ages 9:00 pm –…
Find out more »Playground Tour: Roosevelt Park Visit
Friends is working with GR Kids to host our first-ever summer Playground Tour! This series of four meet-up events will introduce parents of young kiddos to playgrounds throughout the city they maybe haven’t known about – but SHOULD! We’ll highlight four different playground “gems” and have kid-friendly activities ready to entertain your little ones. We encourage you to bring a snack and make a picnic out of it! Playground Visit 1: Huff Park, June 9 from 10-11:30 am…
Find out more »Volunteer Lunch n’ Learn
Bring your lunch over to the office and join our volunteer coordinator Claire to chat about Friends’ mission and how you can get involved. We love collaboration and thrive with volunteer help. We can’t wait to meet you! — Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is a non-profit organization that works to empower people to cultivate vibrant parks, trees and green spaces in our community. We have a small staff but work throughout the entire city, so we rely heavily on…
Find out more »Movies at the POOL!
Join neighbors to lounge on the pool deck at Briggs Park and watch a free family-friendly movie this summer at Movies in the Park, hosted by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, the Grand Rapids Police Department and City of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department. Feel free to bring along lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, but please no alcoholic beverages. 7:00 pm – Community partners will be providing yard games, music and dance, entertainment, as well as recreation activities for…
Find out more »BBQ & Beautify at Sweet Street Park
Join us at Sweet Street Park at 5:30 pm to beautify the park and enjoy a community meal together. Don’t worry if you need to leave earlyninit or arrive late – we’re flexible. All ages are welcome! Friends of GR Parks will provide the tools and training for each project (from trash pickup to pruning trees and planting flowers!). After the volunteer portion, we’ll gather for a free BBQ meal from a local restaurant. *** The BBQ & Beautify…
Find out more »BBQ & Beautify at Joe Taylor Park
Join us at Joe Taylor Park at 5:30 pm to beautify the park and enjoy a community meal together. Don’t worry if you need to leave early or arrive late – we’re flexible. All ages are welcome! Friends of GR Parks will provide the tools and training for each project (from trash pickup to pruning trees and planting flowers!). After the volunteer portion, we’ll gather for a free BBQ meal from a local restaurant. *** The BBQ & Beautify…
Find out more »Green Gala 2020
Save the date for Friends of GR Parks’ signature bash, Green Gala! This year we’re mixing it up with a retro pool deck party that will take you back in time. We’ll party on the pool deck at Richmond Park with delish food and music from local DJ, Adrian Butler (AB). Stay tuned for ticket info, sponsorship options and of course – ideas for your attire!
Find out more »Tree Planting Class
If you want to learn how to give young trees their best chance, attend our Tree Planting Class! We will meet in Friends’ new office at 720 Curve St SW, Ste. B. In this class, we will discuss evaluating potential locations, selecting an appropriate tree species, and taking care of newly planted trees. Check out this overview from Fox17. This course is one of four required to obtain FGRP’s Neighborhood Forester Certification, but is also open to all…
Find out more »Tree Maintenance & Pruning Class
If you want to learn how to properly care for trees as they grow, attend our Tree Pruning Class! In this class, we discuss the timing of maintenance throughout a tree’s life, tools needed, the importance of mulching, and correct pruning techniques. If you plan to attend, please email claire@friendsofgrparks.org. This course is one of four required to obtain FGRP’s Neighborhood Forester Certification, but is also open to all members of the community. There is no fee, but a suggested…
Find out more »Volunteer Lunch n’ Learn
Bring your lunch over to the office and join our volunteer coordinator Claire to chat about Friends’ mission and how you can get involved. We love collaboration and thrive with volunteer help. We can’t wait to meet you! — Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is a non-profit organization that works to empower people to cultivate vibrant parks, trees and green spaces in our community. We have a small staff but work throughout the entire city, so we rely heavily on…
Find out more »Volunteer Lunch n’ Learn
Bring your lunch over to the office and join our volunteer coordinator Claire to chat about Friends’ mission and how you can get involved. We love collaboration and thrive with volunteer help. We can’t wait to meet you! — Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is a non-profit organization that works to empower people to cultivate vibrant parks, trees and green spaces in our community. We have a small staff but work throughout the entire city, so we rely heavily on…
Find out more »