Crescent Park (Grand Rapids, Michigan) Explained

Crescent Park
Location:Kent County, MI, USA
Coords:42.9689°N -85.6668°W
Area:1.06acres
Created:established 1858, renovated 2010
Open:Year round
Parking:Metered parking

Crescent Park is a city park located in the north-east quadrant of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although small in size, it provides a quiet patch of green space near to the heart of the growing city.

History

Crescent Park is thought to be Grand Rapids’ oldest park.[1] The land was deeded to the city for use as a park in October 1858, and received its name from the outline of the land, a half-moon shape originally bounded by roads.[2] The west side of the park contains a steep hill which was originally bisected by a flight of 56 stone steps. Just east of the head of the steps was a water fountain.[3]

Renovation

Crescent Park was renovated in 2010 in conjunction with the expansion of the Van Andel Institute. Friends of Crescent Park, a nonprofit organization, was created to renovate and maintain the park.[4] The new park contains a plaza in tribute to those who have found hope from the many medical facilities around the park and along the Medical Mile.[5]

Amenities

Metal picnic tables, stone benches, metered parking on Bostwick Ave, long curving stairway, view of downtown Grand Rapids, lawn area, shaded grass, curving walkways, cancer survivor plaza

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. 3 September 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20111114004221/http://explore.friendsofgrparks.org/parks/9. 14 November 2011.
  2. Book: Baxter, Albert. History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan .... 1891. Munsell. 405.
  3. Web site: Crescent Park. 3 September 2012.
  4. Web site: Friends of Crescent Park. 3 September 2012.
  5. Web site: Pave the Way to Renovate Crescent Park. 3 September 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120824140218/http://www.vai.org/Help/CrescentParkRenovation.aspx. 24 August 2012.