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Grand Rapids parks open pools June 6; free youth pool memberships and expanded evening programming planned
Summary
Parks and Recreation outlined summer plans including pool openings June 6, free pool memberships for youth who register before June 6, four summer day camps, outdoor fitness classes, kayak rentals at Riverside Park, and expanded overnight park security at eight downtown locations.
The Parks and Recreation Department briefed the committee on summer offerings and safety measures Friday, announcing pool openings, expanded programming and overnight park security.
David Marquardt, parks director, said pools will open June 6 with regular hours and a new membership structure for youth: Grand Rapids residents ages 17 and younger can register for a free season membership if they sign up before June 6; after that date a nominal fee will apply. He said more than 1,000 youth signed up on day one of the registration launch.
The department will run four summer day camps Monday through Friday from June 9 through Aug. 22 (four-hour daily sessions) and reported more than 500 participants across camps. A free outdoor fitness series begins May 12 with multiple weekly classes in downtown locations.
Kayak rentals will be offered at Riverside Park this year (Canal Park is under construction). The department also runs free family paddle nights at Riverside Park.
For park safety, staff said they will continue overnight downtown park security at eight locations, with patrol hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily; two park ambassadors will provide daytime support at event parks and help secure facilities. Marquardt said staff complete emergency-action-plan and inclement-weather training for all camp and pool locations and coordinate with the emergency management office.
Marquardt noted upcoming events (Night Quest, City Vibes and esports) that Parks staff will present to the public safety committee at a future meeting.
Next steps: Parks staff will continue registration, finalize event logistics and coordinate with public-safety partners for overnight security and emergency-action plans.
