Playground dreams take shape near Houseman Field

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Midtown neighborhood residents gained a new playground this week near Houseman Field as over 80 volunteers worked together to build the new structure. Coordinated through the City of Grand Rapids’ Department of Parks and Recreation and built in partnership with Sinclair Recreation, the space includes new tables, a cyclone play structure, swings, a sensory wave, and a space module and crawlway.

“This was a collaborative effort to imagine a new playground that started with the local community. We are thrilled to support this project,” said Dervin Figuereo, community engagement specialist for the Department of Parks and Recreation.  “We’re grateful to have partnered with the community to build a safe, new space that children and families will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

Reimagining the playground started with the Midtown Neighborhood Association in July 2022 when they met with neighbors to learn what they wanted in the playground.

“It has been a dream, as a neighbor, chair of the Midtown Neighborhood Association and a play advocate in our community to ensure all neighbors have access to outdoor play,” said Jacqueline Scherer, Midtown Neighborhood Association board chair and founder of THE PLAYGROUNDgr. “This project is an example of what a community can do when they come together to create change!”

The community workdays were led by Sinclair Recreation, who oversaw construction of the playground.

“Sinclair Recreation is incredibly grateful to have been a part of this transformative project. Contributing to a space that will bring joy, play, and connection to so many families is deeply meaningful to our team. We’re proud to support communities in building engaging, inclusive places to play,” said Jeremy Bosman, Western Michigan sales representative for Sinclair Recreation.

Funding for the project was provided by the City Parks Millage, Midtown Neighborhood Association Fundraising, Sinclair Recreation, Wege Foundation, and a GameTime Playground grant.

Project partners included Katerberg VerHage Inc., OCBA Landscape Architects, and Sinclair Recreation.

Community build partners include the Midtown Neighborhood Association, Uptown Grand Rapids, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Remedy Collective, Bravura, Mo’Photography, Michigan Street Corridor, Last Mile Café, The Angry Chicken, Default Mode, Martha’s Vineyard, Mercantile Bank Coorporation, and THE PLAYGROUNDgr.