GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Downtown Grand Rapids is slated to get a temporary outdoor skate park.

The city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has approved $200,000 to build a series of ramps, grind rails, ledges and a quarter pipe at 555 Monroe Ave. NW.

Last week, prior to the wide-scale disruption caused by the coronavirus, officials said construction could begin this spring, and that a grand opening for the park is expected to take place in June.

The park is expected to be in place for three years, after which city officials will reexamine the space for permanent uses.

“For over a decade, the community has asked for a skate park in our downtown footprint,” said Kimberly Van Driel, director of public space management at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., a nonprofit that manages the DDA.

The city-owned property was formerly a parking lot but in recent years has been transformed with street art and used as the location for an outdoor summer movie series. It’s also been used for other events, such as the city’s World of Winter festival.

DGRI officials say they see the lot as a testing ground for different arts, recreation and entertainment concepts.

The skate park would take up a portion of the city-owned property. Other events could still be held on the property once the skate park is built.

Van Driel said plans for a downtown skate park have been included in the city’s parks and recreation master plan, as well as other planning documents related to downtown Grand Rapids.

Designed for skateboards , roller skates, scooters and BMX-style bikes, the skatepark would be open seven days a week all year (weather dependent).

The $200,000 approved by the DDA would cover the design, construction and maintenance of the facility.

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