Why GR Loves Rosa Parks Circle
The vibrant and beautiful heart of downtown Grand Rapids is hard to miss, located at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Monroe Center. Many people spend time here, at Rosa Parks Circle, but you’d be surprised at all the things you didn’t know about the plaza.
1. Over 150 years old & dedicated to a civil rights hero
Rosa Parks Circle - formerly known as “Monroe Mall Amphitheater,” “Grab Corners,” and “Campau Square” - is over 150 years old, but its current state as an ice rink and performance venue didn't start until the year 2000. In 2001, city commissioners dedicated the park to civil rights hero, Rosa Parks and thereby naming it Rosa Parks Circle. A statue and plaque has since been added to commemorate Mrs. Parks who is most notably known for refusing to surrender her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama city bus. Her heroic actions sparked a 381 day boycott of the bus system led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1999, President Clinton presented Mrs. Parks with the Congressional Gold Medal and stated that "We must never ever, when this ceremony is over, forget about the power of ordinary people to stand in the fire for the cause of human dignity." The statue allows her impact on the community of Grand Rapids to forever be honored and remembered. Rosa Parks Circle has been a place of entertainment but also a place to stand up for what is right. Protests and riots have filled this space over the years when the community felt is was needed. We as a community will take influence from Mrs. Parks and continue to stand up for what is right.
2. A functioning piece of art
Designer Maya Lin, who is famous for her work on the Vietnam memorial in Washington, D.C., titled her work “Ecliptic” at Rosa Parks Circle. The physical space is designed in a water theme to represent the frozen, liquid and vapor states of water. In total, the space is 3.5 acres with a 13,000 square foot oval amphitheater, trees, two reflective pools, a statue of Rosa Parks and 166 fiber-optic lights below the ice rink.
Fun fact: the 166 fiber-optic lights are designed to represent the Michigan sky at midnight on January 1, 2000.
Fun fact: the 166 fiber-optic lights are designed to represent the Michigan sky at midnight on January 1, 2000.
3. Its a hot spot all year round
Through all four Michigan seasons, this public park hosts a variety of events and activities every year. In the summer, there’s concerts in the evening, various ethnic festivals and swing dancing. In the winter, the circular plaza turns into an ice rink. There are restrooms on site, and plenty of seating around the edges. Annually, Rosa Parks Circle is the location for the Polish Festival, Grand Jazz Fest and the Asian-Pacific Festival. Uniquely, this was also the site for a Guiness Book World Record in 2012 for the largest number of people swing dancing in unison - it was 756 people, and hosted by the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society.
|
4. There are many surrounding attractions
If you’re at Rosa Parks Circle, and there isn’t an event going on, no need to worry - there’s plenty to do all around you within a short walking distance. Right in front of the circle is the Grand Rapids Art Museum, an over 100-year old organization that has three floors of varying styles of art to view. From seasonal exhibitions, to the permanent collection, there’s lots to explore and see. Go for a day, purchase a membership or get in free with a college student ID. Also nearby are countless restaurants to choose from: Dog Pit, Angel’s Thai Cafe, Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Panera Bread, Subway and Parsley Mediterranean Bar and Grill. Recently, Grand Rapids has added a walking area throughout the city for those who would like to grab a drink, walk around and explore the city. With places such as Mojos, House of Wine, Flanagan's and more, there're many choices. Enjoy!
Want to know whats coming up at Rosa Parks Circle?
Upcoming Events (limited due to COVID-19 regulations)
- Aug 31 (FREE Zumba) - Learn More
- Sep 03 (Relax at Rosa) - Learn More
- Sep 10 (Relax at Rosa) - Learn More
- Nov-Feb (Ice Skating) - TBD
- Dec (Annual Christmas Tree Lighting) - TBD
- Jan-Feb (World of Winter) - TBD
Find more events in Grand Rapids, MI here: Grand Rapids Events
More Grand Rapids Articles: