On Saturday, September 12th from 9-11am, there will be a volunteer event to help transform a section of Eastern Park (758 Eastern Ave NE) in Grand Rapids from an unused patch of grass into an awesome usable community space.

This is a project that is part of NAR's Placemaking Program, GRAR (Greater Regional Alliance of Realtors) is facilitating an update to the space with help from our friends at the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Rec, Friends of GR Parks, ICCF, and the Highland Park Neighborhood Association.

We are looking to recruit a group of volunteers to help with creating this space. All are welcome to join and help - GRAR members, friends, family, and colleagues! Click HERE to sign up or feel free to reach out to ME (Scott Rider) if you need help signing up. Come do some good and help us create a space that will serve our community for years to come!

The park will be adding:

Hammock grove
Trees
Pollinator plants
Mulch
Artwork

Our volunteer group will be tasked with spreading mulch, planting pollinator bushes and trees, and adding edging to pathways. Site prep will be completed prior to our event by the City of GR Parks and Rec Department. All tools, gloves, and park materials will be provided, as well as water and snacks provided by Friends of GR Parks - we just need YOU! Please make sure to wear closed-toed shoes as well as comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty, and bring any sunscreen if needed. Feel free to bring your own gloves or tools as well if you prefer.

The goal is to turn this rectangle of grass into a beautiful space to welcome the community and add to the awesome parks system that we are lucky to have here in the city of Grand Rapids: