Mayor George Heartwell and Downtown Development Authority Chair Brian Harris today announced the members of the community-based planning committee that will guide the historic evaluation, master planning and eventual rehabilitation of two key downtown public parks.

"Monument and Veteran's Memorial parks are the front yard for the Children's Museum, the Public Library and numerous local businesses and residences," Mayor George Heartwell said. "Rehabilitating these historic public spaces supports the ongoing revitalization of downtown and will enhance the quality of life in our city. We are thankful so many thoughtful community leaders have volunteered to help make this project successful."  

Join the fourth annual Mayor's Bike Ride tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the trailhead of Plaster Creek Trails, the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 2500 South Division Avenue.

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, Grand Rapids Griffins, Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation, and the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition join Grand Rapids Mayor George K. Heartwell as proud partners.

This free family friendly event introduces the average bike rider to the Grand Rapids bike trail system. The event will start at the Kroc Center and then move to the trailhead of Plaster Creek Trails which is directly connected to the Kroc Center property. The ride distance options are 2 miles or 6 miles.

For the fourth consecutive year, City High-Middle Schools has been ranked among the top high schools in America by U.S. News & World Report. The report ranks City High-Middle School among the top 10 Michigan High Schools, coming in at #7; #53 among the nation’s Magnet schools, and #519 in the nation earning them a Silver Award.

However, City High leaders and parents are quick to note that they expect more and better, especially once all City High students are taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma exams in the next few years.

“If the 100 percent participation rate in City’s International Baccalaureate Programme was factored into this year’s calculations, City would be on the heels of the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills for the honor of the top school in Michigan,” said Jon Waalkes, City High parent whose wife Kimberly heads up the City High PTSA.