05/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/05/2025 07:14
Published on May 05, 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) today announced the launch of The Grand Canoe Experience, a new locally led outdoor initiative giving more than 1,000 GRPS students the opportunity to canoe the Grand River at Riverside Park this week.
The program will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily, May 5-9, at Riverside Park Lagoon, 2001 Monroe Ave. NE.
This marks the seventh year the City and GRPS have partnered to provide outdoor learning experiences for students. Building on the success of past programs like Canoemobile, The Grand Canoe Experience represents a new chapter focused on strengthening environmental education and connections to nature for Grand Rapids youth.
"We're grateful for the ongoing GRPS partnership leadership and community support for this program," said David Marquardt, director of the City's Department of Parks and Recreation. "We're excited to launch The Grand Canoe Experience and continue expanding outdoor education opportunities for Grand Rapids students."
Participants will paddle in ten-passenger "voyageur" canoes and engage in a variety of educational stations focused on topics such as camping, water quality testing, macroinvertebrate sampling and bird watching.
"Experiences like this are essential to supporting the holistic needs of our scholars," said GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby, Ph.D. "They offer a valuable opportunity to step outside the classroom and witness firsthand the vital role our waterways play in our lives every day."
Canoeing activities are facilitated by staff from GR Outside, the Parks and Recreation Department's outdoor education division, with additional support from Camp Newaygo. Educational stations are provided by community partners including:
To close out the week, the public is invited to a free Family Paddle Night from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Riverside Park Boat Launch No. 2. Community members will have the chance to enjoy 20-minute kayak rides through the park's lagoon.