Grand Rapids City Parks Remain Open in Winter

We've got a VERY wintry weekend ahead of us, with Grand Rapids potentially getting more than eight inches of snow by Saturday...

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Grand Rapids City Parks Are Open Year-Round

Even though the snowflakes are flying, did you know that Grand Rapids City Parks remain open in the wintertime?

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is reminding residents that parks are open all year.

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Facebook

The department plows and maintains parking lots and multiuse trails at several popular parks, and parks with closed gates are still open daily from dawn to dusk for pedestrians. So Grand Rapids' parks are a great option if you want to take a winter hike or build a snowman or snow forts!

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Facebook

David Marquardt, the City’s Parks and Recreation Director says,

Michigan is a four-season state, so it makes sense for Grand Rapids to be a four-season City. Winter offers opportunities for unique and inspirational experiences in our parks and public spaces. From ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle, to fat tire biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing at Indian Trails Golf Course, to sledding at some of the best hills the city has to offer, there’s something for everyone.

Winter Fun Activities at Grand Rapids Parks

The ice skating season at Rosa Parks Circle begins Nov. 25, 2022.

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Facebook

In addition, the annual tree lighting ceremony at Rosa Parks Circle will be December 2, 2022, 5p.m. to 7p.m.

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Facebook

The City of Grand Rapids offers free sled rentals on weekend days at the below parks:

Mulick Park (1632 Sylvan Ave SE)
Gate is open, parking lot is not plowed, street parking available
Free sled rentals every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting
Plaster Creek Family Park (2401 Buchanan Ave SW)
Gates are closed, street parking available
Free sled rentals every Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting
Richmond Park (1101 Richmond St NW)
Main parking lot off Richmond Ave is open and plowed
Free sled rentals every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting

Additional pop-up sledding events at GR parks, supported by the City’s Thrive Outside initiative, are usually announced in early December.

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Facebook

The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department also offers winter activities Indian Trails Golf Course like cross country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking.

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Facebook

Snowshoes and fat tire bikes are available to rent. Visitors must bring their own skis. The clubhouse is open daily for warming up by the fire and buying some hot cocoa. Check out hours, admission prices and trail maps here.

Find out more about winter activities at Grand Rapids Parks here.

Plus, there's winter gear (including sleds) you can rent for free at Grand Rapids' Thrive Outside Gear Library:

Outdoor Games, Gear, and Equipment You Can Rent for FREE From Grand Rapids Gear Library

Grand Rapid Parks and Recreation recently added skateboards to the Thrive Outside Gear Library. Did you know about all the cool stuff you can rent for free? Just about anything you'd need for a camping trip you'll find in the Gear Library at Roosevelt Park Gym, plus team sports equipment, clothing, picnic supplies, even gear for cold weather activities too! The Gear Library is located at the gym at Roosevelt Park at 739 Van Raalte Dr. SW in Grand Rapids. The library is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Filed Under: Fat Tire Biking, grand rapids parks, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, skiing, sledding, winter

Categories: Grand Rapids News