Riverside Park has a new place to stop and smell the — well, native flowers.
The City of Grand Rapids celebrated the opening of Mayor’s Grove on Monday, Sept. 21, dedicating the new outdoor classroom to community learning and the natural landscape of the park.
City leaders, community members and former mayors Rosalynn Bliss and George Heartwell joined Mayor David LaGrand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the lawn just south of the lagoon near the Guild Street entrance.
The 720-square-foot Mayor’s Grove is designed to help visitors connect with nature. The $310,000 project includes an accessible pathway that gently spirals toward the center of the space, natural stone seating, native ornamental flowering trees and other native plantings.
The City created the grove as an inclusive place for people of all ages to sit, reflect and learn.
Laura Cleypool, director of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, said the grove is the result of years of community vision and leadership.
“It’s amazing to see so many partners and community members who helped make this project possible,” Cleypool said. “Mayor’s Grove is a quiet, ecological corner of Riverside Park that invites visitors to slow down, connect with nature and learn together. This outdoor classroom reflects our mission to build healthy, vibrant communities through active green spaces. It delivers what neighbors asked for — more places to gather, reflect and enjoy the unique ecology of this park.”
During the ceremony, former Mayor Bliss spoke about the significance of the space and her longstanding commitment to supporting children and families.
“I love this park and I love this space,” Bliss said. “I spent many years working with kids and I know how much places like this can help them learn and grow. Mayor’s Grove gives teachers, students and visitors a quiet spot to come together or take a moment away when they need it. I hope people walk away inspired.”
LaGrand also highlighted the grove’s connection to Bliss’s work in the city’s parks.
“If there’s one thing everyone knows about Mayor Bliss, it’s how hard she worked to strengthen our city’s green spaces,” LaGrand said. “She helped champion new support for our parks at a time when the City faced real financial challenges. Mayor’s Grove reflects that legacy. It grounds this part of Riverside Park and gives it its own identity, and I couldn’t be happier that we’re honoring her work in this way.”
