WinterWest 2014: The Big (Second) Weekend

Two unique community-focused events are about to return to the city and you better get ready for the fun challenges and changes they bring with them.

A few weeks ago a temporary ice rink was installed by volunteers from Vector Distribution and, after a few arctic cold days, the ice skating returned to Richmond Park last weekend at the fourth annual WinterWest 2014.

While some fans eye the approaching Super Bowl game, there is a dedicated and very excitable community faction nearly drooling to hit the ice for the ultimate sporting event in Grand Rapids: WinterWest’s annual 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament, presented by Open Systems Technology, on Saturday, February 1, beginning at 10 am. Registration is only $25/team and must be done online at the GRFriends site.

Also happening on Sunday of this same weekend is the completely off-the-rails fun as people bring out their homemade sleds to compete in the Crazy Cardboard Sled Competition presented by the Grand Rapids Public Schools at 3 p.m. on the big hill at the park. This event is free but registration at the GR Friends site is encouraged by the organizers.
And the changes? That’s simple.

Each time we host a community-building project like WinterWest in a city park or neighborhood, those of us who have called the city our home for some time begin to witness a wonderful change in the landscape as long-outdated and stereotypical views of what a city neighborhood can be melt away like snow in the spring’s glowing light.

True to its mission, WinterWest truly is successful more and more each year because of their community’s hospitality to guests who venture over snowy streets to arrive at this beautifully forested park just west of the Grand River.  

This annual community-organized event is now the product of a partnership between WelcomeWest, the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and the City of Grand Rapids. It is made possible in large part by presenting sponsor Ferris Coffee, media partner Clear Channel Communications/104.5 WSNX, and a long list of local contributions big and small from area businesses.


Admission: Free (except as noted above.)