Annual Report 2023

3200

Volunteer Hours

1000

Trees Planted

500

Trees Watered

Parks Adopted

Because of you, we broke records in 2023!

Our Grand Rapids parks belong to all of us, and in 2023, you proved what we can do when we all get our hands dirty. We had more people with dirt under their nails than ever before — more people improving parks, pulling invasive species, planting trees, and (new this year) building trails in our parks! This is more than just volunteering — it’s transforming our community. It’s combating climate change and building places of belonging for all of us.

We also had more partnerships than ever before — more community organizations, businesses, and individuals have recognized the power of building a city that values the outdoors. These partnerships mean more parks adopted and more park activations, which benefits their employees (and all of us) by creating more public spaces, open spaces, and natural spaces to enjoy!

We also planted more trees than ever, another investment in the health and wealth of our community. Every new tree will provide shade to combat urban heat, slow stormwater to keep our river clean, and increase property values across the city.

Our impact was only possible because you cared enough about the health and connection of Grand Rapids to show up, dig, volunteer, donate, sponsor, and share your resources with us!

Thank you from all of us at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks!

Because of you, we broke records in 2023!

Our impact was only possible because you cared enough about the health and connection of Grand Rapids to show up, dig, volunteer, donate, sponsor, and share your resources with us!

Thank you from all of us at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks!

3200

Volunteer Hours

1000

Trees Planted

500

Trees Watered

Parks Adopted

“2023 was an incredible year for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. Through the visionary leadership of our new(ish) executive director, Stacy Bare, and the dedicated work of the FGRP team and board, FGRP planted more trees, engaged more community members and volunteers, and created more green space impact than ever before. The importance of safe, beautiful, & equitable green spaces to the vibrancy and health of our city cannot be overstated, especially as Grand Rapids continues to grow and evolve. December marked the end of my 7-year board service with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. My board service has been a truly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. I would encourage any and everyone to get involved with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks!”

Anna BaetenOutgoing Board President

Our Mission

Strengthening community by tending parks & growing trees!

Our Vision

Grand Rapids is the healthiest, most connected city in America!

Our Values

Community, play, inclusion, and sustainability.

Community Impact

Forestry →

Parks →

During the recession of 2008, the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department experienced budget cuts, leading to downfalls in park maintenance. In 2013, after years of watching our parks fall into disrepair, the people of Grand Rapids (you) said, “we deserve better.” That fall, you passed a 7-year (now forever) millage to fund our parks. You had a vision for a city with world-class parks.

Because of you, Friends was born to bring the community together to maintain our parks and community forest. We have learned that while we love cleaning up parks, planting trees, and eliminating invasive species, we really been building community all along. We have learned that our community can and wants to lead positive change in their neighborhood’s physical space!

When a community comes together to maintain parks, plant trees, and build trails, the difference in its mind, body, and spirit health is palpable. We are that community, but we aren’t done yet!

When a community increases spending on its parks, trees, and trails, it becomes a place that prioritizes gathering. From trail activities to concerts to picnics. Public and accessible gathering places contribute to a more equitable community for all, regardless of background, race, or address. A community where everyone has a say in what could be for their city — for their parks.

Together, with our community, volunteers, and the City we love, we are building an active city with shaded streets, beautiful parks, and world-class trails close to everyone.

Community Impact

Forestry

Planting a tree is immediately satisfying — but the reward is long-term. This year, alongside our communities, sponsors, and volunteers, we were able to plant 1,303 trees! These trees will individually provide a total of $1,969.76 of environmental services each year and have a replacement value of $386,334.23. We will see some amazing results in 5 years, such as:

3.83 tons of carbon sequestered

10.24 tons of oxygen produced

5.5 acres of new tree cover

47,200 cubic feet per year of storm water runoff avoided yearly

262.25 tons of pollution removed from our city

61.26 tons of carbon stored

“RPNA's partnership with FGRP over the last several years has been incredibly impactful on the Roosevelt Park neighborhood. One of RPNA's priority goals in our Area Specific Plan is to plant trees throughout the neighborhood in order to increase the overall tree canopy. We know that trees not only improve the visual appeal of our streets but also make us healthier and happier! The planting events organized by FGRP last year were critical in helping us to make immediate progress on this goal for the neighborhood.”

Amy BrowerExecutive Director, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association

Community Highlight

Neighborwoods Memorial Tree

Every year, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks requests nominations for an outstanding community member to plant a tree in their honor each year.

In 2023, we planted a memorial Regal Prince Oak tree for Zeke Ramirez in Caulfield Park. Zeke was named Mayor of Grandville Avenue and nominated by the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association to have this tree planted. Zeke’s family shared stories and fond memories about Zeke and helped us celebrate his impact in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood.

Community Impact

Parks

Our friends at The City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department manage 76 amazing parks — that means a lot of flower beds, trees, playground and sports equipment, and gathering spaces. Friends comes in to organize passionate neighbors, and help lend a hand in these spaces we share.

Alongside you, we pulled invasive species like Garlic Mustard, Buckthorn, Bittersweet Vine, Black Jetbead, and Black swallow Wort from Ken-O-Sha, Richmond, Huff, Aman, Ball Perkins, Wilcox Parks. This means more space for native plants to grow in our parks leading to more climate resilient parks!

48 parks adopted

5 invasive species pulled at 6 Grand Rapids parks

Programming

Green Team →

Explore Your Parks →

Neighborwoods + Arborfest →

2023 was a landmark year for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks: Our Green Team project connected young people with nature, providing jobs and a place-based mentality. The debut of our Explore Your Parks series drew over 1,000 participants to partnering with other outdoor or community-based organizations deepening connections with new partners, and just having a blast. Our Neighborwoods initiative, in partnership with the Mayor’s Greening Initiative, saw the successful planting of 200+ trees in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood. And at Arborfest, 400 volunteers came together to plant 54 diverse tree species on the public planting strip providing more shade, improved stormwater management, and some beauty to our streets.

Programming

Green Team

We designed our Green Team program to connect young people with a summer job and their parks. Our nine Green Team members helped us water our growing tree canopy and learned more about protecting their community along the way.

One of our Green Team members describes their experience: “It was fun. It was hard work, you know, but I probably needed that. It was adventurous and interesting. My favorite part was kayaking with the team, but my least favorite part was riding the bikes. I got up them hills and I said, ‘nah’. I would come back next year.”

9 young people employed

800 trees watered

Programming

Explore Your Parks

2023 was the first year of our Explore Your Parks series, a free community event and workshop series to encourage folks to get outside and explore their parks! We hosted events in 6 different parks and locations from June to October that got more than 1,000 people outside! We’re excited to refine these events and opportunities in 2024!

June

Bouldering and Climbing at Highland Park

Learn More →

July

Skateboarding at Clemente DIY Skate Park

Learn More →

August

Futsal at Las Canchas w/ Soccer Rebellion

Learn More →

Bikes on Blue Bridge

Learn More →

September

Birding at Huff Park w/ GR Audubon Club

Learn More →

October

Pumpkin Party at the Friends Office

Learn More →

Programming

Neighborwoods + ArborFest

Neighborwoods, our fall community tree planting in partnership with the Mayor’s Greening Initiative, took place on the weekend of September 29th and 30th. Within these two days, we reached our goal of planting 200+ trees in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood, and gave out 50+ trees to residents!

During Arborfest 2023, we planted 201 trees with over 400 volunteers and over 1,200 hours of work! We were able to plant 54 different tree species in the public planting strip, helping ensure single impacted trees can be dealt with vs. losing entire blocks of trees.

400+ Trees planted in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood

800+ volunteers

Volunteers + Partnerships

Thank you!

Volunteers

We want to express our heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers from Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. Your incredible dedication of 3,674 hours in 2023 has transformed our parks and green spaces, making Grand Rapids a more vibrant and beautiful place. Your passion and effort are deeply appreciated and have left a lasting impact on our community!

“So fun! I love supporting GR in making the city even better, and Friends of GR Parks. Becky is so knowledgeable — I always learn a ton working with her. It was fun to meet new people, plant trees, and share this time with my daughter, too. Thanks for the opportunity!”

— FGRP Volunteer

Volunteers of the Year

Jessie Schulte

Jessie Schulte contributes a wealth of experience from across the U.S., including her time in three National Parks, adding real depth and a hands-on approach to our environmental stewardship efforts.

Ginny Wanty

Ginny Wanty is an award-winning conservationist and former educator, bringing passion and expertise to West Michigan’s conservation efforts, fueling our team’s success with her knowledge and dedication.

Thank you!

Community Partners

You’ve helped us make our city greener and our bonds stronger. It’s amazing partners like you that turn our green dreams into reality, creating spaces where joy and community thrive. We’re so grateful for your generosity and excited for what we’ll achieve together next. Here’s to more green spaces and shared smiles in Grand Rapids. Thank you for being such a big part of our green family!

Partners of the Year

Trees of the Field

Dan Riddle and his team, including Jane, have been crucial to our tree planting success, generously providing trees and sharing their expertise. Their support, especially Dan’s hands-on approach and knowledge sharing, makes them invaluable partners in our urban forestry efforts.

Garage Bar

Kevin Farhat’s (Garage Bar Owner) adventurous approach and community connections made summer 2023 a standout for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. His efforts in fostering fun and building relationships have been invaluable. Thank you, Kevin, for energizing Grand Rapids!