They said it was a picture perfect day Saturday in Grand Rapids, so I decided it was a perfect day to take pictures.

Here's a look at a typical late spring Saturday from Riverside Park on the north side, down to Millennium Park on the border with Grandville.  

I started out in Riverside Park off of Monroe NW, where the Grand Rapids Invitational Rowing Regatta was wrapping up.  The Forest Hills Northern girls team was showing off their trophy.  It's the third time, I've stumbled across a regatta in that park. I think high school rowing needs more attention.  Go Rangers!

Further downriver, I came across a touching memorial for those killed in action with the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines in Fallujah.  It's just outside the Marine Reserve Center just south of Riverside Park on the bike path. Depicted is the military tradition of using a deceased soldiers boots, rifle and helmet to honor their lost comrade.

After a quick trip through Canal Park, I crossed the historic Sixth Street Bridge to the West Side where the Fish Ladder Park was busy with people fishing and watching the Grand River rush over the spillway.

Under the bridges to Ah-Nab-Awen Park (The name, "Ah-Nab-Awen," was proposed by the Elders of the Native Americans who resided nearby and means, "Resting Place"), where I saw a bride and her bridesmaids taking photos.  The Ford Museum was attracting a lot of tourists, but most people were just lounging, catching some rays or playing with their dogs.

At the south end of the Park, just across from the Grand Rapids Museum, I spied a bronze sculpture of three figures, which depicted events surrounding the Furniture Workers Strike of 1911. It was made by Roberto Chenlo.

After carrying my bike up the stairs at the downtown campus of Grand Valley State University, I rolled down Wealthy to Millennium Park, which is home to miles of bike trails, and hooks up with the beautiful Kent Trails system, whose leafy overhangs provided relief from the hot sun.

Another great Saturday afternoon in Grand Rapids. How did you enjoy it?

 

 

More From 98.7 WFGR