GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Plaster Creek Family Park has received a 2020 Park Design award from the Michigan Recreation & Park Association.
The annual award is given to local park projects based on the criteria of project purpose, local significance, innovation, aesthetic quality and functionality, according to a news release Wednesday.
The park underwent improvements completed in August.
Students and families at Burton Elementary/Middle School helped create plans for Plaster Creek Family Park’s new nature and learning space.
The Nest is an outdoor classroom overlooking the park near Burton School.
The Meadows natural playscape features a stump forest, log jam and other play features made from local fallen trees harvested and stored by the city’s Forestry Division.
It also includes a rain garden, native meadow planting and community picnic area.
Other features of the new park space include accessible pathways, athletic field improvements and green infrastructure improvements.
“We are honored that the important work we’re doing in Grand Rapids is being recognized at a statewide level,” said David Marquardt, the city’s parks and recreation director. “The improvements at Plaster Family Park will help students and the community create meaningful educational and recreational experiences.”
The project supports the city’s strategic plan goal of creating a healthy environment through equitable access to and use of green spaces, increasing recreational activities and protecting and preserving water resources.
