By: Deborah Johnson Wood
The powers behind Green Grand Rapids have come up with a fun, creative way to get public input on the future of city parkland, green space and the riverfront. Green Pursuits, a game based on Trivial Pursuit, uses a city map as its game board to help players articulate their vision for the city's green infrastructure.
The game, developed by the Green Grand Rapids steering committee, will get friends, neighbors, church groups, scout troops and others of all ages talking about the city's parks and waterfront while having fun together.
Participants answer questions about how they use the parks and trails, mark up the map with colored markers to show which parks and trails they use, streets that need beautification, and their knowledge of stream corridors. They'll bounce ideas around while enjoying an entertaining couple of hours. Throw in some refreshments and it's a ready-made party with a purpose.
"One of the themes of the Master Plan adopted in 2002 was a city in balance with nature," says Jack Hoffman, who chairs the Green Grand Rapids steering committee. "Our goal is to position the city in terms of the new economy, focused on green issues and sustainability, and in terms of quality of life."
The game is free from the Grand Rapids planning department office at 1120 Monroe. Participants must return the completed game to the planning department so the information can be compiled.
"We'll plan the first community forum where we’ll share ideas based on the results of Green Pursuits, our consultants' recommendations on green infrastructure, water quality issues and stormwater issues," Hoffman says.
In August, the planning department will release a second game that takes participants through the next steps of the process.
Source: Jack Hoffman, Green Grand Rapids; City of Grand Rapids Planning Department
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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