Why Are All Grand Rapids City Parks Closed After Dark?

It is the time of year when people are going to the park more.

While the park may be open to the public, there are time restrictions. Did you know?

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Grand Rapids Park Reddit Issue

As one does, a Reddit user, Salt-Minute-6038, shared their security issue that happened over the weekend.

Since as this user mentioned Rosa Parks Circle is "a place where people have been able to congregate at all hours for as long as I can remember," it is no surprise that they decided to take a stroll.

This person was walking out onto the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle around 10:05 PM when they were approached by 4 security officers.

The security guards informed this person that the park is now closed at 10 PM indefinitely.

That is when the shock sinks in for this person.

"Rosa Park Circle is in the dead center of the city and people have been able to walk through it at all hours and now they’re telling me that this park and two others due to homelessness and trash in the down town area are now closed at night, just wanted to bring awareness to this because I am shocked that this has happened."

While plenty of Reddit users were also upset by this news, this is not a new situation.

Grand Rapids Park Rules

As of 2023, all Grand Rapids parks are open only from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise stated, posted, or a special permit is issued.

Since Rosa Parks Circle is considered a city park, it falls under this jurisdiction.

Did you know there are 91 city-owned parks and public spaces? You can check them out here.

While we are on the topic of Grand Rapids Park rules, here are a few more that you should know as well.

What Activities Can You Not Do At A Grand Rapids Park?

• Dogs not on leashes
• Fighting or annoying other people
• Gambling
• Golfing
• Helium balloon releases
• Hunting and trapping
• Indecent exposure
• Littering
• Loud or boisterous conduct
• Not removing pets' fecal matter
• Unauthorized possession or firing of dangerous weapons
• Skateboards, bicycles, in-line skates, on unpaved surfaces, or where signs prohibit
• Failure, neglect, or refusal to comply with rules or regulations or disobeying a park official

There are more rules and prohibitions that you will need to know as well.