“No Place to Party”: GR takes action at Reservoir Park

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – A park in Grand Rapids remains closed to all vehicular traffic as concerns over night-time disruptions continue to mount.

“It’s always been an area where a lot of people would gather to do things like drug dealing, and later in the night there were a lot of incidents of poisoning and unruly behavior,” said Marshall Gate, board member for the Belknap neighborhood.

About a year ago, Gate said residents who live near Reservoir Park had contacted the city about these issues, urging city leadership to eliminate motor vehicle traffic and make it a pedestrian park.

“Part of the ride was dangerous for pedestrians throughout the day. It was really an annoyance. People were ready to leave the neighborhood,” he said. “They closed the gate during the day.”

The park’s closure sign reads, “Due to recent illegal activity, this gate remains locked and closed to motorized vehicles. The park is open to pedestrians between sunrise and sunset.”

Neighbors said the notice improved traffic problems and reduced crime in the neighborhood. However, some problems remain.

“Motorcycles still come and ride into the park on the sidewalk,” Gate said.

About two dozen residents raised these concerns at a meeting with city leaders and the Grand Rapids Police Department on Thursday.

According to a city spokesman, the city is working with the neighborhood to work out solutions and has set up a police camera trailer in front of Lookout Park to enforce it.

Gate reassures prospective residents that the area is safe and hopes the measures taken will avert trouble.

“This is not a place to party. Rules should be followed,” Gate said. “If you want to party, do it in the bars. don’t do it up here on the hill because we will continue to take action.”