This release was written and distributed by our friends at Cascade Charter Township.
Tucked in more than 100 yards from bustling 28th Street stands Kent District Library’s Cascade Township Branch. Like most KDL locations, the branch serves as a community hub. However, unlike other branches, it is positioned on a relatively large and prominent parcel of land.
“This unique property was already an informal open space for Cascadians,” said Township Supervisor Grace Lesperance. “But Township leadership and the Friends of the Cascade Library saw its potential – an opportunity to create a real community gathering space.”
In less than one year, this 3.5-acre property has been completely transformed from an underutilized lawn into a stunning new multiuse community hub – Friendship Park.
The dedication, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, will feature remarks from township leadership, Kent District Library staff and project contractors. The public will be invited to tour the park. Staff will be positioned at different points to answer any questions people might have.
“It’s been incredible watching Friendship Park come to life,” said Supervisor Lesperance. “This beautiful park will no doubt become an integral part of Cascade.”
The approximately $1.75 million project was funded by the Township’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Friends of the Cascade Library, a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and private donations.
“Development of this park has truly been a community effort,” said Parks & Recreation Director Melanie Manion. “The collective vision of Friends of the Cascade Library, the Township, KDL, and contractors made this multi-faceted space a reality.”
Project partners include landscape architecture and environmental services firm Native Edge, Inc. of Grand Rapids, which both designed the park and oversaw construction; Caledonia-based Harder & Warner handled all grading, utility installation and hardscapes; Belmont-based The Design Forum designed and engineered the custom pavilion; and Grand Rapids-based Visser Bros. Construction built the pavilion.
“We are so excited to see Friendship Park take off,” said KDL Regional Manager Lulu Brown. “It’s an incredible opportunity to offer KDL programming literally in our backyard.”
Amenities
Part entertainment space, part natural area, Friendship is unique. Here are just a few items that make this new gathering place special:
60-foot pavilion with green roof: Intended for use by the community, this custom-designed shelter will double as a concert stage.
Granite fountain: Donated by the family of Jack and Helen Lewis, this six-foot-tall, four-tiered water feature includes a 10-foot diameter pool and recirculates 600-700 gallons of water per hour.
Wooded Exploration Area: Paths wind through a grove of mature oaks leading to a play area with sculptures and outdoor instruments (relocated from Westdale Memorial Park).
Native gardens and prairie/meadow restoration: Native perennial gardens represent a variety of Michigan flora. The two open fields are being restored to native prairie/meadow habitats.
Three lawn gathering areas: These will be maintained as traditional lawn/picnic spots.
Accessibility: The upper park area incorporates the tenets of Universal Design, which strive to create an environment that can be accessed and used by all people, regardless of age or disability.
Project Background
Over the past decade, KDL’s Cascade Township Branch has been expanding its programs to include more outdoor and interactive experiences.
“The open space around our branch has really lent itself to KDL’s modern, multifaceted approach to 21st century programming,” said KDL’s Lulu Brown.
Aware of the library’s needs, the Friends of the Cascade Library began fundraising for improvements. Once a significant amount was raised, the Friends funded an initial outdoor space master plan.
Working closely with the Friends and the DDA, the Township developed a survey to gauge community interest.
“The community overwhelmingly supported a multi-use outdoor space with a community pavilion. Friendship Park also fits in perfectly with our Strategic Plan, Parks Master Plan and our ‘Village Reimagined’ initiative,” said Supervisor Lesperance.
By 2023, plans were well underway. Thanks to assistance from regional economic growth organization The Right Place, the Township was awarded a $450,000 MEDC Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP) grant.
With additional funds in hand and a new Parks & Recreation Director to help manage the project, what was going to be a general outdoor gathering place became a fully fledged Township park. On Nov. 17, 2023, ground was officially broken at the site.
Landscape architect and project manager Native Edge and general construction contractor Harder & Warner wasted no time transforming the space. “We could not have asked for better building partners,” said Parks Director Manion. “Both Native Edge and Harder & Warner kept us in the loop as construction progressed and weren’t afraid to offer solutions when challenges arose.”
A Hub for Independence Day
As in years past, the property will serve as the anchor for the Township’s annual Independence Day celebration on July 4. Local band Soul Syndicate will christen the brand-new pavilion with covers of classic rhythm and blues, and soul music.
Several new nature-focused events intended to showcase the park are also planned for the festival, such as:
• A Birds of Prey program by Blandford Nature Center staff.
• A beekeeping demonstration from Thornapple Woodlands Beekeeper Don Snoeyink.
• A native plant discussion and walk presented by local biologist and former Cascade Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Ginny Wanty.
