At tonight's meeting, Big Rapids City Commissioners will hold a study session to discuss a potential wheelchair swing replacement at Hemlock Park.

The swing was removed recently after about 10 years of use due to low usage and maintenance issues.

At last week’s Parks and Recreation Board meeting, members reviewed three swing options with Public Works Director Heather Bowman. One option sparked significant discussion: a design featuring a gliding swing mechanism.

“I had the opportunity to attend a conference and met with a manufacturer,” Bowman said. “They recommended this model, which was recently installed at Kent County Parks. I feel this option meets our goal of finding a swing that allows others to sit with the user while maintaining a wheelchair-accessible swing in the park.”

According to Bowman, the glider model is quoted at approximately $40,000, with an additional $20,000 for installation. Unlike a traditional swing that moves up and out, this model glides side to side and can accommodate two riders at once.

The other two models under consideration are similar to the original swing’s design but feature more modern architecture. City officials are also considering relocating the swing.

“Looking at the park’s layout, the current wheelchair swing location, now removed, feels isolated from the playground area,” Bowman said. “This segregates rather than promotes the inclusive concept we’re striving for. I need to do more work on this aspect.”

City commissioners will also vote on resolutions regarding an agreement with the firefighters’ union, modifications to the Matthew James Hansen Memorial Splash Pad, and an instrument approach for the runway extension at Roben-Hood Airport. The meeting will take place at City Hall at 6:30 p.m. and will also be streamed live here: City Commission Meeting 6/16/2025.