Winter is a great time to try new things, support local businesses, and make memories with the family. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Richmond Park is a gem that offers year-round entertainment. You can enjoy a pool, playground, and basketball courts in warmer months and snowshoe trails and skating during the winter. Get more info.
Parks and Recreation
The city of Grand Rapids has a variety of parks, including this specialty park with nature trails. This award-winning park was recently renovated and features a unique natural playscape featuring a stump forest and log structures.
Dedicated to the memory of one of the City’s founders, this park on the west side features a large pool and vintage bath house. City manager George Welsh first proposed the idea of a unique pool to the west side community in 1929, and though his initial proposal was turned down, the pool continues to bring neighbors together today.
This pet-friendly county park includes a beach, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. It also provides sports opportunities like basketball, tennis, and soccer along with bike and hiking/walking trails.
Swimming Pool
One of the best things to do in Richmond Park is to cool off in their large pool. The pool is the perfect place to escape the summer heat on the city’s west side. The pool features a water slide, splash pads, concessions, and an accessible lift.
Richmond Park has several sports facilities that make it a great choice for family outings. The park has basketball, tennis, and baseball courts as well as a playground and a pond for picnics. Guests can also go mountain biking and sledding in the winter.
Located near downtown Grand Rapids, this park offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The park has a beautiful pond, a huge water slide, and a vintage bathhouse. The park is also home to the acclaimed Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Discover more exciting places here.
Playground
Located on the city’s Westside, Richmond Park is all about recreation. From the winter’s sledding hill and skating pond to the summer’s pool and playground, this large park has something for everyone!
During the winter, Frederik Meijer Gardens features an exhibition honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world. In addition, Rosa Parks Circle is a popular downtown plaza offering ice skating during the winter and concerts in the summer.
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers hands-on learning experiences that inspire discovery and play-based learning for kids ages 2-10. Plus, a free trolly makes it easy to explore all the fun things to do in uptown! A new universally accessible playground is coming to Richmond Park in 2021. The Mitten Foundation is working to raise funds for this exciting addition.
Picnic Areas
The Picnic Areas at Richmond Park are perfect for a relaxing day in the summer or winter. Grab some food to eat from the concession stand and relax in the picnic areas overlooking the beautiful lake. This is a great spot to bring your family or a group of friends to enjoy the outdoors and all the amenities that this unique park has to offer.
On the west side of Grand Rapids, people have been making memories at Richmond Park for decades. 13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with resident Barbara Schut who recently stumbled upon some old photos of herself skating at the park and says it brings back great memories.
The pool is the highlight of this park and features spray features, a huge curly water slide, zero depth entry, an accessible lift, and more. Swim lessons are also available.
Dog Park
This dog park is a fun place for dogs to run off-leash and meet new friends. It features lush green grass, high fences, and waste stations. It also has a pond for dogs to play in.
The Richmond Park pool will open for its Wag ‘n’ Wade Dog Swim event to close out the pool season in August. The free dog swim will feature four one-hour sessions. Small dogs less than 35 pounds will swim from noon to 1 p.m. Large dogs more than 35 pounds will swim from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
If you love dogs and want to make more dog-friendly friends, joining a local dog meetup group is a great way to get out and explore the area with other dog lovers. There are several groups in the Grand Rapids area, including those for all dog breeds and more specific ones for small dogs or large dogs. Check this out!
Driving directions from Premier Edge Concrete Solutions to Richmond Park
Driving directions from Richmond Park to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park