Tag Archives: grand river

Localized flooding possible over next 48 hours

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WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Due to the rain and snow, rivers such as the Grand River, are expected to rise and cause flooding in some areas. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Sustained rainfall in the region has resulted in more runoff and higher water levels on local rivers than originally anticipated. The National Weather Service is expecting several rivers to be at, or near flood stage, by the end of the day on Friday (April 7), particularly the Grand River in Comstock Park which will experience moderate flooding. Additionally, increased flows on local waterways are likely to erode riverbanks resulting in water encroaching further onto some properties than normal, which could result in property damage.

Residents in these areas should pay special attention to water levels:

  • GRAND RIVER IN COMSTOCK PARK – Currently at 12.7 feet – Will gradually increase until Friday evening when it crests at or near 15 feet.  This crest represents MODERATE flooding which we have not seen since May of 2020.
  • GRAND RIVER IN ADA – Currently at 17.13 feet (Action Stage) – Will somewhat rapidly increase until Thursday night when it levels off around 19.7 feet. This crest is still within “Action” stage, but very close to “Minor Flooding”.
  • GRAND RIVER IN LOWELL – Currently at 12.79 feet (Action Stage)– Will quickly rise and then level off around 14.9 feet (just under “Minor Stage” on Friday evening before receding.
  • BUCK CREEK IN GRANDVILLE – Currently at 7.24 feet – Will quickly rise to 8 feet (Action Stage) on Thursday morning and then recede.

The Kent County Emergency Operations Center is currently under a level 1, limited activation to assess the situation. “Emergency Management and our partner organizations have been actively monitoring the severe weather and flooding concerns in Kent County,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Groesser.  “While we were fortunate to have been spared from some of the severe weather threats today, we expect to be dealing with localized flooding, especially in the Comstock Park area, through the weekend.”

If flooding occurs in your area, Kent County Emergency Management recommends the following actions to protect you and your family:

During floods

  • Stay out of flood waters. Flood water moves faster than it appears and can carry debris, which might injure you. Additionally, there is a danger of electrical shock from downed and exposed power lines. Children should never play around high water, storm drains, or viaducts.
  • Avoid driving in flood water as vehicles can easily be swept away. If you are stranded and surrounded by flood waters, call or text 911 immediately.
  • Flood water can be dangerous to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flood water can contain dangerous bacteria and other pollutants, including raw sewage.

     

If flooding does occur in your area, avoid contact with flooded areas and wash up if contact does occur. Listen to public announcements or contact your local health department to find out if your tap water is safe to use.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages Michiganders who get their drinking water from wells to get their well water tested following a flood event. More information is available by calling the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315.

Click here (https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=grr) to monitor river level forecasts of a particular river or geographical area.

Remember, if you encounter water over any roadway – “TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.”

Heavy metal fishin’ — locals land the strangest things, sometimes get police involved

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If you fish out a gun, or something like this old grenade, the Grand Rapids Police Department recommend you call your local police and let the experts handle it. (WKTV/Matt Kavaluskis)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Fishing on the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids is nothing new. You can see anglers on the banks almost every day, year around.

But a not-so-new version of fishing for fish with the usual bait, fishing for anything metal with magnets, is turning up some unusual catches. From the usual odds and ends, to guns and even an unwisely disposed of military grenade, to — and we have the photograph to prove it — an antique metal toilet, one local magnet fisherman has stories to tell.

Magnet fishermen find the strangest things — like an antique toliet. (WKTV/Matt Kavaluskis)

“Me and my buddy have pulled up all sorts of stuff, including five guns and a World War II grenade,” Matt Kavaluskis, a lifelong Grand Rapidian and a community volunteer at WKTV Community Media, said recently. “And for that iron toilet, we used three magnets and fourth rope to haul it up.”

Kavaluskis said that while the usual finds — metal odds and ends, large and small — are usually just turned in for scrap. But we are not taking about a little scrap here and there. He points out that in addition to the toilet, they recovered a metal cross beam for a sign that weighed nearly 200 pounds.

His favorite magnet fishing spot, he says, is on either side of the river at the Sixth Street Bridge — “That’s were we have found the most stuff.”

Most guns fished out of the Grand River of of no value to the police, except for getting the off the streets. (WKTV/Matt Kavaluskis)

And those guns? That grande? They turned them over to the police, as a Grand Rapids Police Department spokesperson said they should do so.

“With the popularity of magnet fishing, things like this are going to happen,” Sgt. John Wittkowski said to WKTV. “… for the most part we just take them and melt them down. They are really just paperweights, but for obvious reasons we do not return them.”

Unlike in the movie or on television crime dramas, the guns are rarely of any real value to the police.

“Typically, they are in such poor condition, they are of no evidentiary value,” Wittkowski said. “We may check the serial number if that is visible, but usually they are not much use to police.”

But about that World War II antique which Kavaluskis and his buddy turned in …

“If we are taking about a grenade, that is more of a safety issue,” Wittkowski said. “That is very unusual. People occasionally will occasionally bring us things … say they found something when there were going through their father’s belongings. … They are usually inert, but you never know.”

But the bottom line advise from the police department is simple: if you find something like guns or things that could be explosives, call your local police and let the experts handle it.

Back to fishing for the everyday stuff: What might be the beginners tackle box look like for a magnet fisherman?

The usual haul from magnet fishing — odds and ends.(WKTV/Matt Kavaluskis)

“Magnets start at $29, go up to $300, depending on what pull weight you want,” Kavaluskis said. “Each magnet comes with 70 feet of rope, a carry box, set of gloves and a carabiner clip. There is like four or five really good magnet companies.”

And what is next on Kavaluskis’ magnet fishing to-do list? He says there is the motorcycle he and his buddy think they know the whereabouts of.

Public Museum scientists team up with local partners on studying Grand River

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Grand Rapids Public Museum Vice President of Science and Education Dr. Stephanie Ogren and John Ball Zoo’s Bill Flannagan. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Public Museum)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is participating in various scientific research projects along the Grand River with local partners. The future restoration of the Grand River will include restoring the namesake rapids, and activation of sites along the Grand River identified as key locations for public engagement, including the GRPM.

The GRPM provides historical, cultural and scientific interpretation to the watershed including how our actions have affected and will continue to affect the future of natural and human systems. To tell the river restoration story, there are data and knowledge gaps that the Museum and partners are working to fill, including information about the historic and current fish community, how humans interact with the river, and how the restoration actions may change human behavior. The Museum and partner agencies have teamed up to answer some of these questions. The Museum’s research team is led by the GRPM’s scientists on staff, Dr. Stephanie Ogren, Vice President of Science and Education and Dr. Cory Redman, Science Curator.

“It’s a rewarding experience to collaborate with local partners while working on research projects that will help us better understand the dynamics of the Grand River, said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the GRPM’s VP of Science and Education. “The Grand River is such an important resource and focal point within Grand Rapids, and it’s our goal to conserve and share it’s impact with the community.” 

Angler Counts
The Grand Rapids Public Museum, Encompass Socio-ecological Consulting LLC, John Ball Zoo and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds are studying how the Grand River is used by anglers. The research will help document the long-term changes that occur when the city of Grand Rapids begins the river rehabilitation that will add two miles of rapid habitat throughout downtown Grand Rapids, as proposed by Grand Rapids White Water. The research uses a citizen science technique where professionals and the public work together to document the number of people fishing in the downtown reach, how they are fishing and the general locations. Citizen Science Training for Angler Counts will take place on September 8 at 6 p.m. (by registration only) on the Museum’s South lawn, nearest the Blue Bridge. To register for Citizen Science training please visit grpm.org/citizenscience. Training will take place outside in small groups. Masks are required and social distancing measures will be in place. 

A Rainbow Darter (Supplied/Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Fish Community Assessment
This annual assessment of fish species will provide a baseline dataset of fish communities in the area of the proposed restoration project. Fish communities are counted through electrofishing surveys. It is a partnership between Grand Valley Metro Council, Grand Valley State University, Encompass Socio-Ecological Consulting and the GRPM.

Lake Sturgeon Juvenile Assessment
This research team is working to document young Lake Sturgeon in the Lower Grand River. If found, these fish would indicate successful reproduction and recruitment into the Grand River population.  This research project is led by the Museum in partnership with Encompass Socio-Ecological Consulting, John Ball Zoo and Grand Valley Metro Council.

Macroinvertebrate Assessments
Annual macroinvertebrate (aquatic insects) surveys are conducted near the Museum’s Spillman Carousel in the Grand River. This project was completed in partnership with the Grand Rapids White Water Summer Science and Leadership program in 2019. Due to COVID-19, the GRPM is completing the work this summer. The Museum is contributing to a large data collection effort, spearheaded by Grand Valley Metro council with many partners.

For more information on the GRPM’s research projects, please visit grpm.org. 

Grand Rapids Public Museum Science Curator Dr. Cory Redman (sitting) and Cara Decker look through materials collected from the Grand River. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Public Museum)

WKTV VOICES: A conversation with Bruce and Becca Ling

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By Victoria Mullen, WKTV


Animals. Music. Nature. The river. These are just four things that Grand Rapids resident, Bruce Ling holds dear.


During his lifetime, the Chicago native has lived in many locales, always near water — from the Calumet River, the Pacific to Cape Cod — currently on the Grand River with wife and musical partner, Becca.


Bruce and Becca sat down with VOICES recently to talk about Bruce’s musical background, his affinity for animals and nature, and life on the river. According to Becca, Bruce is considered a kind of Michigan treasure when it comes to old-time music, being a collector of tunes, and teaching them to younger generations.


“Music has always been a big part of my life,” said Ling, who began playing slide guitar when he was 4 years old and whose father and uncle are both professional musicians. “When I was 8, my band made $5 playing in a basement for a birthday party. I’ve been playing ever since.”


After injuring a finger in an industrial accident, Ling turned from guitar to mandolin and fiddle out of necessity, mastering those instruments in very little time. Ling founded the ‘Hawks & Owls’ band in 1997, so named as a tribute to the many birds of prey that have crossed his path over the years.


In addition to music, Ling has enjoyed stints as a self-employed electrician and volunteer animal caretaker at Blandford Nature Center.


“I was the kid on the block with a menagerie in the basement,” he said. “People would bring me animals and birds that were injured. I could feel bones for a break and crafted popsicle stick splints with some paper medical tape a number of times on wings and legs and whatnot.”


He holds a reverence for all creatures, and it was an encounter with a red-tailed hawk years ago that led Ling to volunteering at Blandford Nature Center back when it had an animal hospital on site; he focused on the care and healing of raptors.


“I learned a long time ago that sometimes if you’re very quiet, a creature will tell you what needs to be done,” said Ling. “Whether it needs to go away and be euthanized with a quick crack and it’s done, or if it needs the energy of healing.”

Living on the river can be rejuvenating, exciting, challenging; the Lings and their neighbors always help each other out. The flood of 2013 wrecked the Lings’ house, and making matters worse, a vandal came in and destroyed the interior; Bruce and Becca were homeless for five months. Then out of the blue, an older couple with a house the Lings had coveted for years made it possible for them to obtain the title to that property.


“It was a karmic thing,” said Ling. “We try to help out where we can and now live just three doors down from the old house, but on higher ground.”

Listen to Bruce and Becca’s VOICES conversation here.

Share your story with VOICES. It’s easy — just go here to reserve a time!

National Weather Service extends flood warnings, many area rivers continue to rise

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The Grand River continues to rise with it expected to reach 21 feet. Flood stage for the Grand River is 18 feet in Grand Rapids.

The National Weather Service has extended flood warnings this morning for the Grand River and the Thornapple River. The warnings extended include:

 

The Thornapple River is expected to rise to near 10.9 feet by midnight tonight. Flood state is 10 feet in Caledonia.

Thornapple River Near Caledonia: extended until Monday morning. Thursday the stage was 10.7 feet. Flood stage is 10.0 feet. The river will continue rising to near 10.9 feet by after midnight tonight. The river will fall below flood stage Sunday before midnight.

 

Grand River in Ada: extended from this evening to Tuesday morning. Thursday the stage was 18.7 feet. Flood stage is 20.0 feet.  Moderate flooding expected, with levels to rise above flood stage by this evening and continue to rise to near 22.5 feet by Saturday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Monday evening.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: extended until Tuesday evening. Thursday the stage was 15.5 feet (flood stage is 18.0 feet). The forecast calls for the river to rise above flood stage after midnight tonight and continue to rise to near 21.0 feet by early afternoon Saturday. The river will fall below flood stage by Tuesday morning.

 

Grand River at Lowell: until late Tuesday night. Thursday the stage was 15.1 feet; flood stage is 15.0 feet. Moderate flooding is expected as the river will continue rising to near 18.4 feet by tomorrow evening. The river will fall below flood stage Tuesday morning.

 

Staff from Kent County Emergency Management continue to work with communities and agencies for flood response. “The flooding in 2013 reached historic levels and taught us lessons that we are holding true to today,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “If you live in an area that is flooding and feel the situation could become dangerous, evacuate immediately. We were fortunate nearly five years ago that while there was property damage, no one was injured. We anticipate the next few days to be the most critical during this event.”

 

County, State, or Federal funding is not available for those who suffer personal property damage. “Residents who experience property damage should contact their insurance company immediately,” said Kent County Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker. “We’ve heard from some residents who are confused about any funding, but the bottom line is homes that are built in low flood plains, drainage easements and natural water flow lands that are flooding are the responsibility of the home owner.”

 

Two sites are providing residents updates about flooding along with information and fact sheets:

 

Kent County:  www.accesskent.com/News/flood

Grand Rapids: www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home/Emergency-Announcements/Important-Weather-Update

 

“We continue to closely monitor the river levels and are using our fire department drone for daily observations of conditions,” Fire Chief John Lehman said. “We plan to post video from the drone on the City’s social media channels.” Grand Rapids residents with concerns about the water levels and questions may call the City’s 311 Customer Service at 311 or 616-456-3000.

 

Kent County Road Commission crews are investigating standing water and flooded areas and placing barricades and flashers where necessary. Please slow down and heed warnings and closures. “We are also collaborating with neighboring road agencies to coordinate emergency response efforts. Road closures and other vital information will be updated throughout the event and posted to kentcountyroads.net, Facebook and Twitter,” said Steve Warren, Managing Director. Crews will continue clearing catch basins, cleaning spillways, removing debris and patching potholes.

 

Again, reminders regarding flooding:

 

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown.  This National Weather Service motto reminds us of the danger of floodwaters. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car.  If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.

 

  • Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.

 

  • If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with pollutants. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.

 

  • Keep pets away from flood waters.

 

  • If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.

 

  • Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.

 

  • If you are in need of shelter, contact American Red Cross at 616.456.8661.

 

KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 2, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., subject to change)

Sorensen Ave (22 Mile Rd to Sprague)

Grosvenor St (west of Ritchie)

5 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Division Ave (Fonger to 11 Mile Rd)

Ashley Ave (5 Mile Rd to 6 Mile Rd)

Ashley Ave (7 Mile Rd to M-44)

6 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Summit Ave (12 Mile Rd to 13 Mile Rd)

Friske Dr (12 Mile Rd to Rector)

18 Mile Rd (White Creek Ave to Simmons)

12 Mile Rd (Wolverine to Summit)

12 Mile Rd (Edgerton to Algoma)

Whipple St (Shaner Ave to Myers Lake)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Manhattan)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Hall St)

Division Ave (7 Mile Rd to 8 Mile Rd)

Konkle Dr (east of Jupiter)

Indian Dr (off West River)

River Point (off Indian Dr)

Abrigador Trail (off West River)

Abrigador Trail (off West River Center)

Willow (off 4 Mile Rd)

Willow Dr (off Canright)

Willow (off Bailey Park)

60th St (Bancroft to M-50)

60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)

64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)

Wingeier Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Pratt Lake Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Montcalm Ave (Flat River Dr to Covered Bridge Rd)

68th St (Wingeier to Pratt)

Northbound US-131 off ramp to 54th St

County prepares for anticipated flooding as river levels rise

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Due to the rain and snow, area rivers such as the Grand River, are expected to rise and cause flooding in some areas. This is along the walkway of the Grand River.

Kent County Emergency Management is working closely with the Grand Rapids Office of the National Weather Service to monitor potential flooding over the coming days. Watches and warnings are in effect throughout Kent County for the Grand River, Rogue River and Thornapple River. Comstock Park, Rockford and Lowell could experience flooding issues, especially in low-lying areas near the rivers.

 

Kent County Emergency Management says the recent snow melt, coupled with the forecast of 1-3” of rain, are points of concern. “Our Emergency Operations staff will continue monitor the situation throughout the week,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “Right now, it appears the biggest risk will likely be in basements or in homes closest to the rivers.” If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with E coli. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.

 

Stewart says there are a few items to keep in mind regarding flooding:

  • Road closures are possible in some areas. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car. If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.
  • Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.
  • Keep pets away from flood waters.
  • Prepare in advance. If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.
  • Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.

Ottawa County Park Foundation’s Grand River Greenway Campaign gaining momentum

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Jessica VanGinhoven

Ottawa County Parks

 

Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s effort to complete its Grand River Greenway Campaign is gaining significant traction with two recent gifts from regional foundations.

 

The Grand River Greenway Campaign is the culmination of the 30-year vision to protect thousands of acres of high quality natural and recreational lands along the Grand River in Ottawa County and then connect these lands with a multi-use ADA accessible trail. The proposed trail also will complete a contiguous connection from Millennium Park in Kent County to Grand Haven beaches and other destinations such as Grand Valley State University, downtown Grand Rapids, and the Bass River State Recreation Area. In order to accomplish this vision, Ottawa County Parks plans to acquire 700 acres of additional land and construct 27 miles of new trail (with 13 miles of the trail along or near the river or other water features). This will require $21 million in funding, with the Parks Foundation seeking $7.2 million in philanthropic gifts to leverage anticipated public funding.

 

Recent grants from two West Michigan family foundations, Wege and Frey, totaling $860,000 help build momentum for the Greenway Campaign, which is still pursuing “lead” commitments from donors.

 

“The show of support from Kent County donors demonstrates that the Grand Rapids area philanthropic community understands the regional value and impact of our vision,” said Peter Secchia, who is co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Campaign Committee and a major donor.

 

Secchia has long been interested in revitalization of the Grand River as a leading contributor and supporter of Millennium Park as well as other initiatives such as the MSU Gran Fondo, a fund-raising bicycle race from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore near Grand Haven. “One of the things that I love about this project is not only that it will make the Grand River more accessible to thousands of families, but that it will also connect Grand Rapids and Grand Haven together with a river pathway route for the first time. People will be able to start from Millennium Park, travel from park to park, have ice cream or a burger in Jenison or Allendale, and end with a sunset on the Grand Haven Pier.”

 

It was this type of regional impact that drew the support of Wege and Frey Foundation trustees.

 

“The Grand River is an important ecological and recreational asset. Improving riverside lands in Ottawa County and connecting them to Kent County will add incredible value to the on-going work in Grand Rapids to restore the Grand River and the City’s namesake rapids” said Mark Van Putten, President & CEO of the Wege Foundation.

 

While the Campaign has been successful in engaging donors, Greenway Campaign committee members say broad community awareness of the value of the Greenway is not widely known. “This Greenway, with its tremendous green space and natural wildlife offerings, will enhance the physical, mental, and economic well-being of our community by increasing access to the river’s natural spaces,” said Monica Verplank, co-chair of the Greenway Campaign Committee.

 

Recent gifts represent great progress; still the Grand River Greenway Campaign is actively seeking additional partners. “We are very thankful for the support from our neighbors in Kent County and we hope to have more announcements to come in the near future, but our work is not done yet,” said Tom Werkman, President of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and a member of the Greenway Campaign Committee.

Grand River rising causes Emergency Management to monitor potential flooding issues

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The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued a Flood Warning for the Grand River until Tuesday morning. The County could have some of the highest levels seen in quite some time, but a repeat of the severe flooding seen in April 2013 is not anticipated. Kent County Emergency Management reminds everyone that spring flooding can quickly become dangerous and in some cases, deadly. There are some areas where flooding is already occurring after the rain received over the past week. While no emergencies are expected at this time, there are areas that historically have seen flooding. If you live or travel through these areas, being aware is important.

 

Health and safety are still the top priorities for residents and County personnel. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet, and two feet of flood waters can carry a car. Do not try to walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. If you see flood water in the road, or barricades posted on roads, please turn around and take a different route. “We ask that residents be aware and cautious as river levels rise,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “The National Weather Service says flooding is likely along nearly the entire stretch of the Grand River and its associated tributaries. We will monitor the situation throughout the weekend.”

 

This morning, the Grand River was measured at 13.8 feet; flood stage is 18.0 feet. The River is expected to rise above flood stage Sunday before midnight and continue to rise to near 18.1 feet by early Monday morning. Residents in low lying areas of Grand Rapids may see basement flooding, and moderate flooding could happen for homes and structures in Comstock Park as well as Robinson Township (Ottawa County). The River should return to below flood stage by Monday night.

A New Frontier: Kayaking down the Grand

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Recreation, , ,

By: Deidre Doezema-Burkholder

 

Nothing says summer in Michigan quite like enjoying an afternoon on the water. With the sun brightly shinning and the birds gliding through a gentle breeze over head, five friends and I made our way down the Grand River via kayaks.

 

Kayaking ListMonths leading up to our kayaking adventure, my husband and I had been talking about things we wanted to try that would get us outside and enjoying our surroundings. During the deliberation, kayaking came up. My husband had some friends who enjoyed it, his son included.

 

So, my research of local options began and luckily I came across GRPaddling.com and a bevy of options. Did I want to take a lake or a river? How about a moonlight trip? Or maybe something with a dinner or a picnic? The bountiful options left me spinning with glee!

 

While this was to be our first trip, I thought I would take it easy and keep it simple and close to home. After reviewing many of the available options, I found one on a launch site not far from my own home. Perfect! What could be better than finding something so close to home?

 

How about being driven to the site of the launch?

 

GR Paddling picks you up at a location of your choice whether it be home, work, or where ever works best for you. However, I still had reservations about the stability of the kayaks. This would be our first kayaking trip and we had a non-swimmer in our group as well. Jeff from GR Paddling responded quickly and professionally assuring me that everyone would be equipped with life jackets and that the kayaks were quite stable and unlikely to tip over on the Grand River. With that good news, the trip was booked!

 

The day of our trip, Jeff arrived with a van carrying the six kayaks for us to use that day. Once we were all loaded up, we were off to our launch point in Eastmanville.

 

DeidreUpon arrival, we were given the obligatory legal forms to sign while Jeff unloaded the kayaks and brought out drink options that we could bring on the river with us. We were also given the option of a waterproof case for our phones in case anyone wanted to bring their device along. Jeff explained the different kayaks and their styles. Different colors differentiated between different kayaks:

 

Blue – the most stable and also the slowest
Yellow – quicker than Blue on the water
Red – Sleek and nimble little number build for gliding quickly through the water

 

Once we figured out our kayak color, we were given some instructions and reviewed a map of the route.

 

We formed a train to carried the kayaks down to the launch point. This particular launch site had an assisted launch for canoes and kayaks which made it simpler and safer to launch into the water. Jeff gave a few last instructions on how to use the paddles and then one at a time we glided into the Grand River. Once in the water, we had a chance to get used to the balance and maneuvering of the kayaks. It didn’t take long until we were on our 7 mile trek downriver.

 

It was a beautiful day, a sunny blue sky lightly dotted with puffy white clouds and a head wind just strong enough to slow us down. As we made our way down river, we were able to enjoy the nature around us and the company we were with. For 2 hours and 45 minutes, no one sent a text message, checked Facebook, or answered an email. Instead, we spotted multiple turtles taking advantage of the sun, a blue heron come in for a landing, and a majestic bald eagle soaring above us.

 

KayakingWhen we reached our half way point, aka opt out point, Jeff was there with his camera snapping shots and making a point to ask each person in the party how we were doing and feeling so far. Our group all agreed to paddle on and Jeff gave us an update on how far we had yet to go. The last couple of miles were calmer as the wind was no longer slowing us down and we were feeling more confident in our ability. When we arrived at our end point, Jeff once again met us and was there to help guide our kayaks safely onto shore.

 

Snacks and drinks awaited us on land, which was incredibly nice due to the need for a boost in calories after the trip. Kayaking is a calorie killer! After the kayaks were packed up and we were loaded back into the van everyone discussed what area of their body hurt the most: Shoulders, arms, backs – you name it and someone was hurting there.

 

While we all had our aches and pains, every one of us wanted to go again. One member of the party said that the trip convinced her to purchase her own kayak. The trip was so enjoyable that we want to turn it into an annual event.

 

GR Paddling gives us plenty of options to try different areas of the Grand River and other rivers and lakes year after year.

 

Deidre owns and operates Organisum: Technology Services, a business serving the West Michigan area. In her free time she likes to hike & bike local trails with friends and family when she isn’t pinning, instagram’ing or Netflix’ing.

Movies in the Park start June 3

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movie-rMark your calendar for Movies in the Park this summer. Pre-movie entertainment typically begins at 6 pm and movies begin at dusk.  A list of movies will be out later this month. Meanwhile, the dates are as follows:

 

  • June 3
  • June 17
  • July 8
  • July 22
  • August 5
  • August 19

 

Movies in the Park is the premier outdoor film series in Grand Rapids. DGRI and partners present films–free of charge–on a giant screen in Ah-Nab-Awen Park on the banks of the Grand River every other Friday from June thru August. Guests are invited to treat the evening like a picnic and bring your own blanket, chairs, beer, wine and snacks for a special night under the stars. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 6 pm. Films start at dusk.

 

Movies in the Park stems from a 2013 community idea to expand the portfolio of free, outdoor urban recreation activities in Downtown Grand Rapids. The film series has quickly become a signature event in Downtown. The 2015 series of six movie nights attracted more than 31,000 people and stimulated an estimated $664,000 in total consumer spending. Overall, the series leveraged approximately $441 in economic return to downtown and participating businesses for every public dollar invested to produce the events.

 

Go here for more info.