Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

We took a drive along the Grand River last week and took in some

local sites.  The Grand River was a full flood stage and it changed the

scenery in a few places. This short video was taken at Roselle Park

in Ada Township Michigan.  This park is a 274 acre natural preserve

right on the banks of the Grand River.  It normally has some swampy

areas, but nothing like the scenes in the video.  Usually you have to

walk about 100 yards to get close to the river.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since we didn't bring our wading boots, we stayed near the entrance and

just shot our video.  We will go back and photograph the park without

water soon.

 

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Copyright  All rights reserved 2009

Arbor Day Festival                Ada Park & Arboretum                     Free

Saturday, April 25                   10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.     

                               Donations accepted

 

Bring your family out to the Locke Arboretum at Ada Park for this festival

 of events to celebrate Arbor Day.   Ada Park will be set up with activity

stations for all ages including workshops on tree pruning and care,

backyard wildlife habitats, nature displays, conservation exhibits,

youth crafts and games, wildflower & tree walks and fishing for kids.

 Special "tree theme" snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

One free tree sapling to each family as supplies last. 

 

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009  All rights reserved

Photo of Ada Maple Tree by Bonnie Westbrook

 Below is the Ada Township Parks Spring Summer Programs Scheduled:

Arbor Day Festival                Ada Park & Arboretum                     Free

Saturday, April 25                   10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.                                    Donations accepted

Bring your family out to the Locke Arboretum at Ada Park for this festival of events to celebrate Arbor Day.   Ada Park will be set up with activity stations for all ages including workshops on tree pruning and care, backyard wildlife habitats, nature displays, conservation exhibits, youth crafts and games, wildflower & tree walks and fishing for kids. Special "tree theme" snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. One free tree sapling to each family as supplies last. 

 

4th of July Celebrations                                                       

Celebrate our National Holiday in the Village of  Ada.  At the following events:

    Friday July 3rd       

Fireworks                               Dusk                            7590 E. Fulton at Ada Dr.

    Saturday, July 4

Pancake Breakfast                    8:00 a.m.                      Ada Fire Station

4^th of July Parade                       10:00 a.m.                    Ada Village Green

Entertainment/Activities            11:00 -3:00                  Ada Village Green

  

  

Play Ball!

  

The Ada Softball Program will start games May 4^th at Ada Park and Leonard Field.  Games are held Monday through Thursday evenings and some Saturdays. A few openings exist for teams to sign up. Contact the Park Office at 676-0520 or email softball@ada.mi.us for an application or more details. 

  

Area Youth League & Sports Contacts:

For information on organized youth leagues contact the following numbers or web sites:

  T-ball:  Southeast YMCA, 616-285-9077

  Baseball: Thornapple Valley Baseball League, www.tvbl.org

  Soccer: American Youth Soccer Organization, www.ayso-soccer.com

  Golf, cheerleading, basketball and swimming: www.enjoylearning.com

  Summer sports camps: www.fhps.k12.mi.us,  www.lowellschools.com

  

Pickle Ball

Yes, Pickle Ball!  It's a version of racket ball played on the tennis courts and was brought to us by area seniors.  Ada Park Tennis Court #1 is designated now for this game with markings on the court and allocated time slots.  Check in with the park office for more information.

•-          -

  

National Senior Health & Fitness Day        

Wednesday, May 27               Special Activities at Ada Park                        9:00 - 3:00      Free

100,000 adults will participate in activities at more than 1,000 locations throughout the U.S. as we celebrate the 16th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. The common goal for this day: to help keep older Americans healthy and fit.  Come on out to Ada Park to take part in a series of guided activities and presentations to promote your health.  Or just come out to any of our local parks for some fresh air and exercise.  Contact the Park office for details; 616-676-0520, adaparks@ada.mi.us.

  

Volksmarch

Sunday, August 9                    Ada Park                                             11:00 - 3:00    Free

This walking event will start at Ada Park then head down the bike paths through the Ada Covered Bridge and the Village.  All ages welcome.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Contact the Park office for details; 616-676-0520, adaparks@ada.mi.us.  A partnership event with the American Volkssport Association www.ava.org

  

  

  

Walks with a Naturalist                     Dates, Times & Locations Vary      $3/adult, $2/youth

Guided outings in Ada Parks to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors.  Come dressed for the weather of the day and walking.  Open to all ages but youth must be with an adult guardian.

Pre-registration is appreciated by calling 676-0520 or email adaparks@ada.mi.us.  Pay at site.

Spring Wildflowers     Friday, April 17         10:00-11:30 am   Ada Park

Rivers & Wetlands       Tuesday, May 19     7:00 - 8:30 pm    Roselle Park

Summer Solstice           Monday, June 22      7:00 - 8:30 pm     Roselle Park

 

 - - - -

  

Youth Programs

  

Discovery Days - Spring        Ages 3-5         Ada Park             $4/youth*

For pre-schoolers and parents together at Ada Park for a fun morning of nature study, hands-on activities and crafts.  Programs will have inside and outdoor activities so come dressed to be outside. Pre-registration requested by calling 676-0520 or email adaparks@ada.mi.us.

Cool Critters                               Monday, April 20        10 to 12 Ada Park

  Does it have fur, scales or feathers? Does it run, swim or fly? Look for the many

  different critters that live just outside our back door. 

Butterflies, Flying Flowers                       Tuesday, May 5          10  to 12 Ada Park

  Dress up like a butterfly, learn what caterpillars need to grow up into a beautiful butterfly,

  make a caterpillar out of an egg carton.

 

Discovery Days - Summer      Ages 5-7         Ada Park             $4/youth*

Parents may drop-off or join their youth at Ada Park for a fun morning of nature study, hands-on activities and crafts.  Programs will have inside and outdoor activities so come dressed to be outside. Pre-registration requested at 676-0520 or email adaparks@ada.mi.us.

Creepy Crawlies                           Wednesday, July 8      10 am - 12 noon

  What creepy crawlies live in our neighborhood? Go on an insect hunt to find out and

  pretend to be a firefly looking for some friends. 

Rock Hounds                                Wednesday, August 12 10 am to 12 noon 

  Be a rock hound as we explore all different sizes & types of rock. Make a pet rock to take home.

 

Junior Naturalist - Summer      Ages 7-11     Dates & Locations vary            $5/youth*

Outdoor discovery programs with special presentations, hands-on science activities, crafts, games, snacks and outings. Programs will have inside and outdoor activities so come dressed to be outside. Parents may drop off youth with completion of a contact information form. Pre-registration requested by calling 676-0520 or email adaparks@ada.mi.us. 

Fishing Frenzy        Thursday, June 11    9:30 to 12 noon          Ada Park

  Learn about fishing equipment and what makes good fish habitat. Get a chance to fish in

  the Ada Park pond. Borrow our equipment or bring your own.

Arts in the Park      Tuesday, June 23     9:30 to 12 noon          Ada Park

  Find the artist inside you! Try different mediums as you create some cool artwork to take home.

Incredible Insects              Thursday, July 9       9:30 to 12 noon           Ada Park

  Learn about our 6-legged friends as we crawl, splash, and search through different habitats

  for these special critters.

Rocks & Fossils     Thursday, August 13            9:30 to 12 noon          Ada Park  

  Explore a variety of rocks and fossils and how they are made plus go round hounding

Bikes & Hikes       Tuesday, July 28        9:30 to 12 noon          Roselle Park 

  Bring your bikes out to Roselle park for a morning of riding the bike trails and hiking off trail through the woods and wetlands.

*Ada Township residents receive $1.00 off the fee of these programs.

 

 

 

Kids Bike & Safety Rodeo              

Saturday, June 13    10:00 -1:30    4-12 year olds             Ada Park

The Kent County Sheriff Department invites you to the Kids Bike & Safety Rodeo. Join in a day of fun activities, food and goodie bags for all who attend. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. stations will be set for bike Inspections, helmet Inspections, bus safety, fire safety plus a bike obstacle course.  At 12:00 noon awards, raffles and a free cookout lunch will be provided followed by the "Bike Parade" at 1:00 p.m. led by the Kent County Sheriff motorcycles.

The Bike Rodeo is for children under the age of 12 who are able to ride a two wheeled bike.  You will need to bring your own bike and helmet.  Please register by mail or in person to Sandi Jones, Kent County Sheriff Department, Community Policing Unit, 701 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Donations of $5.00 per child will be donated towards the Kent County D.A.R.E. program and the Community Policing Unit. Make checks payable to: K.C.T.S. Action Fund. Contact Sandi Jones at (616) 632-6220 for more information.

  

Bike Decorating Day             Thursday, July 2        10 a.m. to 12 noon      Ada Park

Bring your bike out to the Ada Park Shelter to decorate it just in time for the 4^th of July Parade in Ada!  Helpers and materials will be available.  For 4 - 12 year olds with parent or guardian.  $3 per youth. Register on site.

 

 - - -

 

Ada Parks Summer Day Camp Adventures

 

Camps sessions run for two or three day per week, Tuesday - Thursday, on various weeks in the summer from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  They are targeted for youth ages 6-11 years old where younger campers (6-7) may sign up for ½ day sessions.  All camps start at Ada Park with some days held at Roselle Park except for Pioneer days which will be held at the Museum. 

Fees: $55/full 3-day session; $45/half-day 3-day session; $45/full 2-day session; $35/half day 2-day session.  Ada Township residents receive 10% off fees. Pre-registration required - obtain registration form from the Park office: 616-676-0520, adaparks@ada.mi.us.

Session 1: Water Wonders        Tuesday June 30 to Wednesday July 1   

  Explore ponds, rivers & wetlands.  Fish and dip for tadpoles. Water games and

  more. Tuesday will be in Ada Park while Wednesday will be held at Roselle Park.

Session 2: Arts in the Park       Tuesday July 14 to Thursday July 16      

  Try a variety of art media from painting, drawing and sculpture to music and drama

  through presentations, instruction and opportunity for creative expression.

Wonderful Wildlife                     Tuesday July 21 to Thursday, July 23

Activities include special presentations about local wildlife, wildlife simulation games, habitat hikes, fishing and crafts. Two days based at Ada Park and one day at Roselle Park.

Pioneer Days                             Wednesday July 29 to Thursday, July 30 Ada Museum*

  A step back in time at the Ada Museum and Barn to explore life of the 1800's. 

  Activities to include pioneer era toys, tools, food, games, clothes and more

Sports Spectacular                     Tuesday August 4 to Thursday, August 6

  Three days of playing, instruction and coaching in a range of your favorite sports from

  basketball to tennis, baseball, soccer, flag football, ultimate Frisbee and more.

 

 

Schools Programs  

Field Trips: K-6 Outdoor Environmental Education Field Trips are available at Ada Park & Arboretum and Roselle Park.  These are naturalist guided, themed outdoor programs, 1-2 hours in length, tailored to your curriculum needs. There is a fee of $2/student. 

Shelter rentals at Ada Park are available for self-guided programs by schools at $25/day.

Service Learning Projects are available without a fee.

  

  

Boy and Girl Scout Programs:

Badge Work: Instructional programs are available for Scouts after school, some evenings and occasional weekends. Contact the Park office for program options, scheduling and fees.

Rentals: The Ada Park Shelter is available for self-guided programs by Scout groups. $25/day

Service Projects: A variety of projects are available for Scouts ranging from conservation work to facility improvement and helping with special events. No fee.

  

  

Park Volunteer Opportunities:

  

Ada Parks & Recreation Department is recruiting volunteers to assist with grounds, gardens, stewardship, program instruction and clerical work. Contact the Park office at 676-0502 to apply.

 Volunteer Stewardship Work Days:

Garlic Mustard Pulls Sunday April 26     10-1                         Ada Park

                                                        Friday, April 24      8:30 - 11                 Leonard Field

Monday, April 27  10-12                       Ada Park

Tuesday, May 12   10:30-12                  Roselle Park

Friday, May 15      9-12                         Ada Park

Backyard Habitats                      Tuesday, April 14  9-12                         Roselle Park

                                                        Tuesday, May 12   9-12                         Roselle Park

                                                        Tuesday, June 9      9-12                         Ada Park

Pre-registration requested at 676-0520 or adaparks@ada.mi.us.

da Township Parks:

Ada Park & Locke Arboretum  1180 Buttrick Ave., 57 acres

Softball & soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, fishing pond, trails, picnic tables, grills, pavilion, gazebos,  Les Craig Learning Center and the Bud Locke Arboretum.

Leonard Field & Ada Covered Bridge  7490 Thornapple River Drive, 2 acres

Softball field, bike path, river overlook deck, Ada Covered Bridge.

Grand River Natural Area   Grand River Drive SE, enter via Ada Park or McGraw Park , 90 acres

Nature area, trails, bike path, woodlands, wetlands, Grand River.

Roselle Park              1010 Grand River Dr. NE,  247 acres

Bike path, trails, picnic area, observation decks, natural areas, wetlands, prairie, forests, wildlife, river shore.

 

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department Contact Information:  

Office located in Ada Park, 1180 Buttrick Ave, Ada, MI 49301. Office open daily 9-5.

Mailing address:  P.O. Box 370, 7330 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, MI 49301

Phone: 616-676-0520   fax: 616-676-5870   e-mail: adaparks@ada.mi.us   web site: www.ada.mi.us  

  

All information from Ada Township Parks Dept.

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty 

  

Ada Township:  Purchase adds 96 acres to park -- Chief Hazy Cloud Park is

expanding. The Kent County Parks Department finalized a deal last month

with Edith Pettis to purchase 96 acres for the 24-acre park on Pettis Avenue

north of M-21 in Ada. The purchase adds 1,900 feet to the park's 2,900 feet

of Grand River frontage.

 

    

 

A $1.1 million grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund paid for

74 percent of the purchase, and the  parks department is working with the Land

 Conservancy of West Michigan to raise the estimated $280,000 local match

required. Parks director Roger Sabine said corporate and private donors have

pledged about $175,000. The township's Open Space Preservation Advisory

 Board also is considering a donation.

 

Board members said during a recent meeting that they plan to conduct a

natural features inventory of the property -- required of all potential open-

space purchases -- to determine how much to contribute.

 

Chief Hazy Cloud Park, named in 1928 for an American Indian chief who was

said to worship hazy clouds, is part of 61 recreational projects and land

acquisitions totaling more than $36 million being funded by the state through

 royalties from the sale and lease of state-owned mineral rights.

 

Sabine has said the expansion will focus on "low-key" uses, such as relocating

 the parking lot and restrooms and adding walking trails.

Source: The Grand Rapids Press Monday, February 18, 2008 By Morgan Jarema 

 

This will be a great addition to the Grand Rapids area park system, especially

 for those residents living north of Fulton Ave and the Grand River.  Located

right on the Grand River with scenic views to the village of Ada to the Southwest,

 it should be enjoyed by many for years to come. 

We will let you know how this park progresses.

 

Roselle Park 240 acre Nature Preserve Ada Michigan

 Ada Township Park

 

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Michgan Real Estate

photo by Bonnie Westbrok ~ all rights reserved