It's an exciting time to live in Big Rapids.

 

Big Rapids has been awarded a grant of $1-million dollars for improvements to Hemlock Park.

 

Those improvements include construction of a splash pad, pickleball, basketball and tennis courts, an ADA accessible kayak launch and a new playscape area that would include a new accessible and universal playground equipment for children with various abilities and a warming station during the winter months to serve participants enjoying the ice rink, snowshoeing, or hikes.

 

Officials from the city of Big Rapids, BRPS and Hemlock Park improvement Project leaders believe this is a very exciting time for the area and will have a big impact for future generations living in Big Rapids.

 

“It’s another great day for Big Rapids, our residents, and our visitors. The community supported our vision of this initiative since Day 1 and I’m just so happy that the State saw value in this project too. We wouldn’t have been awarded this grant without the $600k plus dollars that were donated by our community. Thank you Big Rapids.” Jon Coles, Hemlock Park Improvement Committee Chair said. “In addition, I want to publicly thank former City Employee Suzanne Wiggins for her work on this application. Without her, both the $238k DNR grant nor this last grant would have been possible. Kudos to Mark and his staff for such an impactful hire.”

 

“This is another big win for our Big Rapids community.” Big Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Tim Haist said. “Any time we can improve the quality of life in our community, it will have a positive impact on our students and our schools.”

 

“This grant is a crucial piece in completing the entire vision of the Hemlock Park Improvement Project committee.  This project will modernize and transform the park and wonderfully compliment the City’s Downtown District as well as the Big Rapids Public Schools.” Big Rapids City Manager Mark Gifford said. “Thank you to all the community members and partner organizations that have made this project a reality.”

 

“This grant is monumental!  The joy watching children playing on the playground and splash pad is priceless.  Keep progressing Big Rapids!” Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenter said.