In an unprecedented collaboration of private, non-profit and civic stakeholders vitally interested in the holistic growth of youth and families, Grand Rapids satisfactorily met the numerous territorial requirements proscribed for the awarding of a Kroc Center. The striking design boasts waterfront footage and beautiful views of the Plaster Creek nature area.
"Living within the culturally diverse, one-mile radius of the center are over 11,000 children with limited outlets for positive expression in their neighborhoods," said Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Divisional Commander Major James Nauta. "The Kroc Center will provide an unprecedented opportunity to serve the community, especially very needy kids and their families, through spiritual, recreational, educational and arts programs right where they need it most. This program is about investing in children and adults of all ages."
The Grand Rapids RJKCCC will be a catalyst for strengthening community and families. The center will anchor a section of Division Avenue being revitalized by the city as a tree-lined gateway to southern Grand Rapids. Division is a major thoroughfare with the city's busiest bus route. A new middle school joins existing elementary and charter schools, and the city has invested $10 million improving the function and form of the area, which is targeted for significant community investment. A trail head will connect the property to the regional Plaster Creek trail system, which has interpretive signs and stunning displays of wild flowers along the creek's banks and wetland areas.
Programming has been designed to bring children and families to Jesus Christ, develop their potential and close social service gaps identified in needs assessment studies. Community members, agency directors, city officials and public school personnel actively served on committees.
Much research went into identifying crucial needs for youth to grow up healthy, caring and responsible. Studies showed youth need positive experiences, relationships, growth opportunities and spiritual expression. When these needs are met, youth are more likely to make healthy choices and avoid a wide range of risky behaviors. A wide variety of programming will meet spiritual, recreational, arts, educational, and health & wellness concerns.
Major Brenda Herival, divisional mission advancement coordinator, guided the proposal process with the assistance of Majors Roger and Joy Ross, Kroc Center administrators and Grand Rapids Dickinson Park corps officers.
"I'm overjoyed the project is a go," said Major Roger Ross. "We see great potential in the natural beauty of the site and even greater potential in the children and youth who will be uplifted and challenged by the spiritual, recreational and educational programs made available to them for the first time."
The 70,000-square-foot center will feature unique indoor/outdoor worship and performing arts centers; an indoor swimming pool with 'zero-entry' accessibility, slide and lap lanes; a climbing wall; fitness center with 75 machines, and double-court gymnasium. Also planned are a café, numerous classrooms, computer lab, warming and industrial kitchens, medical support services area, and dance, recording and art studios. Outside will be basketball and tennis courts; soccer, football and softball fields; and a sand volleyball court. A playground, picnic areas, walking trails, kayaking/canoeing, winter skating rink and sledding hill complement the outdoor fun.