GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The City of Grand Rapids is offering some tips on how to better get around downtown on the Fourth of July.
It will be hosting Independence Day festivities at Ah-Nab-Awen Park beginning at 6 p.m., including some live entertainment and food vendors, before the fireworks display at 10:30 p.m.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. ambassadors will be available to offer visitors directions and information about things such as events and places to eat. The city says there will be parking available in all city ramps and lots. Mobil GR's customer assistance center will be open, as well.
The city provided more information in a news release:
On Saturday, Grand Rapids will welcome thousands of visitors Downtown for its annual Grand Rapids Fireworks, presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in celebration of Independence Day. In advance of crowds gathering for the spectacular display, the City of Grand Rapids is issuing tips for navigating Downtown and enjoying the fireworks with family, friends and neighbors.
4th of July Celebration event (complete rules on 4thofjulygr.com):
Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) downtown ambassadors will be available to offer visitors directions and information about events, places to eat or other assistance. To request assistance, dial (616) 250-8263 to reach the ambassador on duty. Everyone has a role in ensuring this is a safe and enjoyable experience for all who attend. Please note the following guidelines for enjoying the festivities:
- No alcohol allowed at this family-friendly event – this includes social district cups.
- Leave large coolers and bags at home. All coolers and bags are subject to search by security and the Grand Rapids Police Department.
- No pets are allowed in Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Lyon Square, Pearl Street Bridge, Bridge Street Bridge, Blue Bridge or 6th Street Bridge viewing areas.
- Bikes, scooters, skateboards, mega/blow horns, smoking or glass bottles are not allowed in the above-mentioned areas.
- No fireworks or sparklers allowed on any public property, sidewalks or streets. This includes in Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Pearl Street Bridge, Bridge Street Bridge, Blue Bridge and 6th Street Bridge viewing areas.
- No weapons (pocket knives, firearms, etc.)
- No solicitation or unpermitted vending
Plan your July 6 visit.
- Road/Bridge Closures:
- Pedestrian access to the Gillett bridge closes at 9 a.m.
- The Fulton Street W, Pearl Street NW and Bridge Street/Michigan Street NW bridges close at 8:25 p.m.
- The I-131 Pearl Street exit closes at 9:10 p.m.
- Lyon Street from Monroe Avenue to Gillett Bridge closed to the public on July 6.
- Parking: There is ample accessible parking in all City ramps and lots and available parking throughout downtown Grand Rapids. Street parking meters are enforced 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Signs are posted on meters that are enforced after 7 p.m. or on Saturdays. Most of these can be found along Monroe Center. Visitors should check out the Interactive Visitor Parking Map outlining parking locations. Mobile GR’s parking locations and customer assistance center are open 24/7. Please be aware of no parking and loading zone signs. Don’t store valuables in parked vehicles.
- Park and Ride DASH: The City offers $4 all day parking with Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) service into the Downtown area, passing every stops every 15 minutes from Area 9 ($4 full day) - 250 Seward Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- Micromobility options: The City of Grand Rapids’ Lime e-scooter and e-bike share options downtown will shut down at 3 p.m. July 5 to 1 a.m. July 6 in the boundaries of 6th Street to the north, Ottawa Avenue to the east, Fulton Street to the south and Seward Avenue to the west. They are not allowed in Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Lyon Squre, Pearl Street Bridge, Bridge Street Bridge, Blue Bridge or 6th Street Bridge viewing areas.
- Scooter/bicycle safety tips:
- E-scooters and e-bikes are available only for those 18 years old and older.
- Don’t ride on sidewalks or in no riding zone areas. Always ride WITH other traffic
- Obey the rules of the road as any other vehicle operator, including all traffic signs, lane markings and signals, and use hand signals to indicate turns, slowing or stopping
- Wear bicycle helmets and reflective clothing
- Ride predictably and defensively, and do not ride while drunk, impaired or distracted
- Always yield to pedestrians
Safety in crowds:
- Be patient and courteous. With thousands expected within a relatively confined space, please be courteous of fellow attendees, make room for those arriving to view the fireworks, and be patient of pedestrians and fellow-commuters traveling to and from the event in walkways, parking areas and roadways.
- Stay Alert. Be aware of your surroundings and others around you. Don’t be distracted by your phone or by listening to headphones. Avoid walking alone. Try to walk in a groups whenever possible. Don’t carry/display valuables.
- If you see something, say something. Please call 911 if you see suspicious activity or behavior that is out of the ordinary or threatening. Tell the dispatcher your location, what happened, if anyone is injured, and any other information you may have. GRPD will have additional officers on patrol and officers assigned specifically to the park and viewing areas if you need assistance.
Reminders:
Curfew
Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, Grand Rapids ordinances prohibit minors from being on a public street, highway, alley or park between the hours of:
- 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. – Minors under 12
- 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Minors under 15
- Midnight to 6 a.m. – Minors under 17
Consumer-grade fireworks usage
- State law prohibits igniting fireworks on public streets, public sidewalks, parks, churches, schools or public rights of way.
- To maintain a peaceful and secure environment, the City's fireworks ordinance specifies the permitted times and dates for setting off fireworks throughout the year. For the Independence Day, consumer-grade fireworks are only permitted 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. June 29 to July 4.
- For other fireworks regulations and safety tips, CLICK HERE.
# # #