Rosa Parks Circle Guide
Grand Rapids' Gathering Place: Where Community Connects Guide
Rosa Parks Circle is a vibrant public space in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. More than just a park, it's a dynamic hub for community events, artistic expression, and simply a place to relax and soak in the city's energy. Designed by Maya Lin, the same artist who created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., the Circle offers a unique blend of urban landscape and artistic design. The Circle was dedicated in 2001 and named in honor of Rosa Parks, the civil rights icon whose courageous act of defiance on a Montgomery, Alabama bus sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The design incorporates elements that reflect the natural history of the Grand River valley, including a circular ice-skating rink in the winter that transforms into a reflecting pool in warmer months. The surrounding amphitheater provides a venue for concerts, festivals, and other public gatherings. Visitors to Rosa Parks Circle can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year. In the winter, ice skating is a popular pastime. During the warmer months, the Circle hosts numerous events, from outdoor concerts and movie screenings to art fairs and festivals. The space is also perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, or simply enjoying a picnic lunch. The surrounding area boasts a variety of restaurants and shops, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring the heart of Grand Rapids.
Transportation
Rosa Parks Circle is easily accessible by public transportation. Several bus routes stop directly at or near the Circle. Check the Grand Rapids Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid) website for the most up-to-date route information. Routes that serve the area include: 1, 4, 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 19, 24, 50, 90.