Voter-approved tax brings park upgrades in Grand Rapids

A city tax in Grand Rapids is bringing a host of park improvements, including a new skate park.
 
The Grand Rapids Press reports Mayor George Heartwell and other leaders on Thursday are showing off the results of a $384,000 renovation of Westown Commons.
 
Grand Rapids voters in 2013 authorized a 7-year property tax that's generating about $4 million annually for parks. The renovation of Westown Commons includes the skate park, a picnic shelter, new landscaping, new sidewalk, benches, bike racks and a drinking fountain.
 
Tax-funded upgrades also are in the works at Fuller, Garfield, Highland, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Wilcox parks. A new splash pad opened last month at Cherry Park.
 
Next year, the tax will help pay for renovations at Camelot, Campau, Douglas, Dickinson, Mary Waters and Mulick parks.