Rosa Parks Circle is a popular area to gather, especially during the warmer months however residents will have to find another place to get together.

MLive reports that Rosa Parks Circle in Downtown Grand Rapids is undergoing a $2.8 million renovation, which includes lots of upgrades. Workers began Thursday and set up a gate around the park to block people from coming through.

Over the years and due to the number of visitors the concrete middle part of Rosa Parks Circle (also referred to as "Ecliptic") has gone through some wear and tear. It's where people sit, rallies, concerts and festivals have taken place, and turns into an ice rink in the winter.

...since its installation, Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has become the beating heart of Grand Rapids’ urban center...

The renovation project will include the following:

  • Upgraded and redesigned stage
  • New wood and granite benches
  • New bus shelter
  • Better restrooms
  • Upgraded trails
  • Additional trees and greenery
  • New 3D bronze plaque and sitemap

The director of the Parks & Rec department told MLive that about 700,000 people visit it every year.

The majority of the money for the renovation is coming from the city's park millage ($700,000) and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is contributing $559,000. The rest of the money is all through private donations. If you're interested in helping reach the $50,000 goal you can donate here.

Rosa Parks Circle is expected to reopen in early fall so hopefully that'll give us some nice days.

Ecliptic was created in 2000 by artist and architect Maya Lin. She's most famous for designing the Vietnam Memorial in D.C.

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