Roberto Clemente Park wins design award

By Press release submission

Mar 9, 2022

City of Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on Mar 7.

Roberto Clemente Park has received a 2021-22 Park Design award. The Michigan Recreation & Park Association (mParks) presents the annual award based on project purpose, local significance, innovation, aesthetic quality and functionality.

The park, located at 546 Rumsey St SW, underwent significant improvements in 2021 thanks to a $242,500 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, approximately $951,500 from the City’s 2013 parks millage, and $300,000 from the City’s Environmental Services Department. The $1.5 million project transformed the park into a universally accessible space for community gathering, sustainability, sports, play and education.

Renovations at the park include:

New outdoor discovery area featuring a play area and seating and an outdoor classroom space for students. The play area offers universal access and was created using natural materials such as logs and boulders.
Universally accessible 6-foot-wide and 8-foot-wide concrete pathways to connect park amenities and new energy efficient lighting for safety.
New picnic shelter and all gender restroom building that meet universal design standards
New accessible path to soccer bleachers and new perimeter fencing at soccer field
New furnishings including bike racks, benches, picnic tables, domino tables, grills, drinking fountain and trash bins to enhance visitor experience.

Roberto Clemente Park also received innovative daylighted stormwater infrastructure that will protect the Grand River and Lake Michigan. These upgrades include:

New green infrastructure including bioswales and rain gardens
Native meadow plantings that naturalize much of the passive areas, filter pollutants and help reduce stormwater runoff
Educational signage throughout the park that teach visitors about the impact of stormwater on the environment

“The recognition from mParks confirms our belief that the combination of active community involvement, intentional design, and strategic partnerships creates meaningful park spaces,” David Marquardt, parks and recreation director, said. “We’re honored to have received this award and will continue to strive for innovative and community-focused design as we make improvements across the park system.”

Community groups and institutions, including Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Southwest Community Campus and Cesar Chavez Elementary, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and the Puerto Rican Cultural Committee of West Michigan, supported the project.

The Roberto Clemente Park project team includes VIRIDIS Design Group, TSK Architects, and Katerberg VerHage, Inc. See photos of the park HERE.

Original source can be found here.