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Manhattan Park amenities draw heavy use; city monitors pickleball rentals and splash pad programming
Summary
East Grand Rapids officials reported high pavilion and playground use at Manhattan Park, rising pavilion rental demand and regular pickleball court reservations. Staff said noise has not been a community concern since installation of sound barriers and discussed possible fall uses for the splash pad.
Manhattan Park’s new amenities have generated heavy and steady use since the park’s grand opening, East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation staff told the commission on Aug. 25.
The commission heard that pavilion rentals have increased substantially compared with previous years and that park programming and attendance have remained high except on rainy days. "The pavilion usage has just been really, through the roof," a Parks and Recreation staff member said.
City staff said pavilion demand now approaches about double previous rental levels, prompting purchases of extra picnic tables and plans to install permanent concrete pads for additional seating and ADA access. Staff said the park is also handling more summer programming such as camps and family events since the new amenities opened.
Pickleball usage was a major part of the update. Staff reported that the four pickleball courts at Manhattan Park are being reserved through the RecOne reservation system and that the department is seeing roughly 12 to 18 court rentals per week — about three to four rentals per court. "We're seeing between 12 and 18 pickleball court rentals each week," the staff member said.
The commission was told that the city has received some community feedback both supporting and opposing rental reservations versus first-come, first-served access; staff said it will continue to collect comments through the end of the season before recommending any changes.
On the subject of noise, staff said there have been no formal complaints since the installation of noise curtains. The director noted a personal test: after installing the barriers he called a player on the courts and could hear the play only when standing much closer, concluding the barriers were effective at reducing sound across the park.
Commissioners asked about fall programming for the splash pad area. Staff said there are no scheduled programs for the splash pad after the water season ends but suggested small fitness classes (eight to 10 people) or similar uses could be possible; they welcomed ideas from commissioners and the public.
The director also reported that the dog park turf restoration project may allow staff to reopen that facility as soon as the next day.
The commission asked staff to continue monitoring pavilion and court usage, collect community feedback on pickleball rules and rentals, and report back after the current season.
