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Planning commission approves prayer park, pavilion at 1041 Leonard
Summary
The Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved a special land use and site plan to convert part of a surface parking lot at 1041 Leonard into a 5,100 sq ft prayer park with a 700 sq ft open‑air pavilion tied to East Leonard Christian Reformed Church; commissioners attached conditions for materials, pedestrian connections and ADA ramp review.
The Grand Rapids Planning Commission on Sept. 25 approved a special land use and site‑plan request to convert underused asphalt at 1041 Leonard Street into a 5,100‑square‑foot prayer park with a 700‑square‑foot open‑air pavilion.
Planning staff described the proposal as a regularization of activities already occurring on the site associated with East Leonard Christian Reformed Church at 1027 Leonard Street. The park would remove about 5,000 square feet of pavement, add green space and walkways, and reconfigure parking circulation to support the church’s drive‑through prayer outreach.
Applicant Dan Diemer said the drive‑through prayer has operated informally for years and that the pavilion is meant to shelter tents and supplies used during two weekly outreach periods. “We call it a drive through so people can stay in their cars,” Diemer said, describing typical operations as two two‑hour sessions per week serving about four to five people at a time.
Commissioners focused questions on circulation, pedestrian access and an ADA ramp proposed on Spring Street. Staff told the commission the public‑way ramp will need separate review and approval by the city’s engineering department. Commissioners and the applicant also discussed a DTE utility easement in the southeast corner that limits improvements there; the applicant agreed to consider extending lawn area to that corner where feasible.
The commission’s approval includes standard conditions: the submitted plans and materials signed by staff will be the record, building permits and land‑use permits must be obtained prior to construction, the pavilion exterior shall use fiber cement siding per the plan, any future signs will meet Article 15 sign requirements, the ADA ramp shall be reviewed by engineering and traffic safety, and the approval becomes effective 16 days after the commission’s decision. Commissioners also directed the applicant to provide a safe, well‑defined pedestrian connection from three east parking spaces to the pavilion and to work with staff on material standards.
The motion passed with no opposition. Construction and final permitting must follow the city’s building and land‑use processes.
