WinterWest offers free family fun Jan. 13 & Jan. 28

By Friends of Grand Rapids Parks

WinterWest is a winter fun series that are free events in collaboration with the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Rec Department and neighborhood associations to encourage outdoor park engagement during the chilly winter months.

The event is family friendly and includes ice skating, snowshoeing, sled races, snowman building contest, fat tire biking, nature walk and food trucks. The 2018 WinterWest takes place at two different parks this winter. Join us on Jan. 13th at Richmond Park and on Jan. 27th at Mulick Park.

Sled Races
Sled races will be organized for youth and adults in separate races. For both divisions, prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Most Creative Sleds and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for Distance. At the start of each division, team members will line up to create a parade of sleds at the top of the hill.

Ice Skating
An ice skating rink will be set up with ice skates available onsite from Ace Hardware.

Snowman Contest
Participants must provide their own supplies- i.e. Scarf, Carrot, Snowman/ Snow-Woman accessories, tools. Judging will take place at 2 pm. Prizes will be awarded for the Largest Snowman, Most Creative, and Prettiest. The contest is open to all families, individuals, and local organizations.

Snowshoeing
Snowshoe through the trails of Richmond Park and throughout the park at Mulick. Snowshoes provided by Blandford Nature Center who will be facilitating and supervising the snowshoe activities.

Fat Tire Bike
Fat tire bikes will be available from Central District Cyclery to ride through the trails of the park.

Kids Crafts/Activities
Crafts and games will be facilitated in the lodging area of the park.

Nature Walk and Tree ID
Learn to identify a tree simply by the kinds of leaves it produces. A FGRP staff member will lead this event.

Schedule