I had a lovely walk in downtown Big Rapids, Michigan this weekend, with blue skies, bright sunshine, and temperatures in the 40’s.
Brightly colored balloons, kids kicking a soccer ball, and birthday presents piled on a nearby table at the picnic shelter greeted me as I walked along the Big Rapids Riverwalk.
I saw children happily climbing on the playscape. One of the parents at the picnic shelter was grilling hot dogs for the birthday party. And they smelled good! Yes, there was still a pile of snow slowly melting away in the parking lot.
Dedicated in 2003, the Big Rapids Riverwalk is a community gathering point for the residents and college students from Ferris State University.
Just under three miles in length, the riverwalk runs from historic downtown Big Rapids to Northeand Riverside Park. It runs along and over the Muskegon River.
As you walk, you’ll see tennis courts, a children’s playscape, picnic shelter with free wifi access to the Internet, benches, fishing piers, and picnic tables.
In the spring, summer, and fall , I always see the riverwalk filled with people. On hot summer days, Ferris State University students can be seen floating on the water on innertubes.
Access for All
I learned that when the idea of the riverwalk was first discussed, it focused on creating a place where people who were physically disabled could river fish.
Jerry Conrad, one of the community members behind the Big Rapids Riverwalk, was interviewed about the riverwalk:
…we found out that there was no place in America that we could find, where a physically impaired person could river fish. You know, go from place to place & fish. There were many platforms but no real river access.
Eventually the project focus changed to “Access for All.” The project was partially funded by Great Lakes Fisheries Trust, Mecosta County Community Foundation, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as well as community donations.
The riverwalk is paved, has five fishing piers, and accessible walkways right to the river. A recognition wall nearby acknowledges the community members, organizations, business members, and supporting groups who helped make the riverwalk happen.
A Riverwalk Year?
I didn’t realize it til this weekend, but I’ve visited three riverwalks since the beginning of the year.
The other two riverwalks were the Detroit Riverwalk and the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron.
Be prepared, you might see more riverwalk photos from me soon!
