Get Out: Your Monthly Guide to What's Great in the Great Outdoors
Can we talk about Grand Rapids Parks & Rec for a minute? I feel like what’s available to us is far more robust than other cities. They have tons of adult and youth classes, plus free year-round programs for the over-50 crowd and free summer outdoor fitness activities for everyone. They actually aren’t even fussy about who participates in those 50-plus offerings. Inclusivity and accessibility are way more important to them than checking your ID at the door.
I’ve taken Pilates and Mindful Musical Movement through Parks & Rec (LOVED!), and also learned how to paddleboard last summer at Richmond Pool. Line dancing, sunset yoga at Lookout Park, barre on the Blue Bridge, and African dance are just a few of the free summer classes they have, and it’s clear they’ve really made an effort to provide diverse and interesting forms of recreation. And, with the addition of GR Outside, they now have a phenomenal selection of outdoor gear to rent in any season.
If I seem like I’m gushing a bit, you’re not wrong. I am really enthusiastic about all of this, especially when it comes to the aforementioned GR Outside, who operate on the belief that “All Grand Rapids residents should have equitable access to outdoor equipment and spaces.” Right on.
I’ve recently fallen in love with kayaking, but for a number of mostly logistical reasons, I haven’t invested in a craft for myself. Renting is easier for me, and I’m always looking around for new places to go. When GR Outside first started their Saturday rentals from Canal Park on the Grand River, I jumped at the opportunity. It’s hard to beat the $5 per person, per hour price, or the fact that you just show up and they lend you a life vest, all the equipment, and a hand getting in and out of the kayak.
This runs most Saturdays in summer, weather permitting. They might do a pop-up on a warm fall day as well. Preregistration online at linktr.ee/groutside is recommended, or you can take your chances with a walk-up.
Both times I’ve kayaked through GR Outside, I’ve gone with friends and we did a two-hour stretch. The Grand River is such a great waterway to paddle on, and the views in many spots are beautiful. Along the way, there’s also plenty of interesting graffiti, and you’re bound to encounter turtles and ducks hanging out on protruding logs. If you go for two hours, you can make it all the way to Riverside Park, where you’ll likely run into people fishing, shoreline fauna, and patches of waterlilies. Heading back, you’ll be rowing toward the panorama of the downtown skyline, which is pretty cool, too. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
When you’re done, just do a presto change-o out of your wet swimsuit (I dunno; I always get soaked) and head over to City Built for snacks and cold beverages. They’re located in the social district, so you can take your food and drinks across the street, where they have tables and chairs, and relax near the river. City Built placed in Revue’s BOTW “Appetizers” category, and it’s clear why: Bori Balls, Yuca Fries, Tostones… there’s a lot to love.
But, back to GR Outside, because the other thing you should know is that they host free Family Paddle Nights with no registration required. Paid programs that should be pre-registered for include Guided Kayaking Adventures and Learn to Kayak lessons.
They also work with schools, non-profits, and other groups to offer kids free kayaking experiences on the Grand River. Throughout the year, they rent an array of equipment and attire, most of which is free of charge as part of their efforts to ensure equitable access for all. Gear Library Membership is required and is free to those who live in the Grand Rapids city limits. Non-residents pay a small annual fee.
If you haven’t been taking advantage of all they have to offer, you’re missing out. Go get it!
Check out facebook.com/GROutside for more info.
