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  • 📍 Local park reopens after renovations | July 14th, 2025

📍 Local park reopens after renovations | July 14th, 2025

Author

LeQwane Lynch
July 14, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and it’s Monday, which means a brand new week full of possibilities

Let’s start it strong and (of course) see what’s happening around town. 😉

~LeQwane L.

If you had $100 to spend on something in GR, where would you go or what would you do?

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Update: Biking from GR to LA

A few weeks back, someone shared a community highlight about locals who are pedaling their way to Los Angeles, raising $50,000 for the L.A. Fire Department Foundation.

For a quick update/ reminder:

The duo (Tommy Gehl and Michael Vansuilichem) launched their “Pedal to the Rescue” ride last month and have biked 1,800 miles so far and documenting their journey along the way.

I’ve been keeping up with them on IG, and it’s been cool to watch. Now they’re just a few days from wrapping up. You can follow them here and or donate on GoFundMe.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Cultural

African American Museum Expands

Big changes are coming for the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. The museum announced it's moving from Monroe St. to a much bigger space at 41 Sheldon St. SE in Heartside. The new location is over 15 times larger than their current space, which will provide room for more exhibits, classrooms, a library, and even an auditorium for community events. The move will be complete by the end of the year. | Read more

Housing

New Apartments Coming NE Side

A local developer has received approval to build Parkview Flats near Huff Park. Wheeler Development Group plans to turn the former Huff Elementary into a 72-unit apartment community featuring 1 and 2-bedroom units. The project will include three buildings, garages, parking, bike storage, and plenty of green space due to the site's unique layout. The developers aim to preserve ~60% of the greenspace, keeping slopes and floodplain areas untouched. | Learn more about the project

Community

Airport Lands $2.4M for Upgrades

Gerald R. Ford International Airport just received a $2.4 million boost to help upgrade taxiways, improve lighting, and support growth efforts to keep travelers moving safely and smoothly. These improvements are part of the airport’s ongoing $600 million expansion program, enhancing experiences for travelers and our community. | Learn where the grant came from

Roadwork

Update: Civic Theatre Gets Heated Sidewalk

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre plans to install a snowmelt system beneath the sidewalk outside its building on Division Avenue. The upgrade is part of the city’s broader construction along Division, which includes removing old basement spaces built under sidewalks. The work is expected to wrap up by the end of the year, hopefully in time for the winter. | Read more

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🤸‍♂️ Manhattan Park Reopens

After undergoing about 10 months of renovations, Manhattan Park in EGR is set to reopen tomorrow (July 15th). The park now features a splash pad, updated pavilion, pickleball courts, and an accessible playground. The community ribbon-cutting will happen around 4 PM.

💨 Air Quality Alerts

An air quality alert from over the weekend has been extended through tonight. Due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, a light to moderate haze will be visible in town.

Want to have your business update featured here? Contact me.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Monday, July 14th

Tuesday, July 15th

Wednesday, July 16th

Happening All Week

  • Various family/ individual events | Local Library | Free | Check out 30+ recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week

  • Outdoor Fitness Classes | Various parks | Various times | Free to attend

  • SOUL Basketball League | Garfield Park Basketball Courts | Various times | Free to participate

  • Walker Harbor| Walker Harbor Church | Various times| Free to participate

Live Music

Monday, July 14th

Tuesday, July 15th

Wednesday, July 16th

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

That’s All For Today…

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