Big Rapids Skatepark at Swede Hill Park

03/22/2023

Hi again! Please keep sending those letters of support to Flora! They are incredible.

I did have one more favor to ask all of you. One goal for the project is to have the skatepark / pump track meet all universal design standards. Universal design goes beyond meeting ADA accessibility standards.

Please read more here:
https://universaldesign.ie/what-is-universal-design/the-7-principles/

All of that to say, Flora and I would like to gather feedback from individuals with disabilities, especially those that skate, wheel, scooter, etc. in relation to the Swede Hill Park Skatepark design.

The goal is to have several people review the project with an accessibility and equity lens. As someone with Cerebral Palsy, I promise you that Flora and I are here to listen and learn from the unique experiences and viewpoints that many of you have 🤍🫶🏻. Because representation in design matters. You matter.

Please reach out by sending an email to [email protected] and to [email protected] and we will send you project details for your review.

The more feedback we receive, the more we can ensure that the skatepark / pump track project will be a safe space for all (highlight, bold, underline, italicize).

You all are incredible. Thank you for all of your involvement and dedication to this project.

- Emily

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03/21/2023

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BELOW!!!

Hi everyone, Emily here 😊! I hope everyone enjoyed the first day of spring!!! I’m reaching out for three reasons:

1. Check in with all of you. HOW’S IT GOIN?!?

2. Provide an update on what Flora (grant coordinator) and I have been up to on a City staff level.

3. Let you know that I have accepted a new position with another municipality and no longer work for the City of Big Rapids. HOWEVER, I have made a promise to a few BR community members regarding the Skatepark Project and will still be an active member involved in making a skatepark a reality!! Never fear 😎

Circling back to provide you all with an update: Flora is actively working on a DNR grant and will be submitting the grant by March 29. This is the part where you guys come in… WE NEED LETTERS OF SUPPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. In this letter, talk about why a skatepark in BR is necessary, benefits of skating/having a dedicated and safe space to skate, what a skatepark in BR would mean to you.

Please have this letter emailed to Flora by noon THIS FRIDAY (3/24). I know this is a quick turnaround but we need your help!!

Flora’s email is: [email protected]

Please include the email subject as ‘BR Skatepark Support’ or anything along those lines.

Again: letters of support are needed by NOON ON MARCH 24, 2023. Email letters to [email protected] with subject ‘BR Skatepark Support’

Ok, that is all for now!!! Sending you all love. Remember: take risks and be comfortable in the uncomfortable. Don’t settle for what doesn’t serve you 🤍✨.

Emily

10/31/2022

Not sure how blurry this is gonna post but THANK YOU to everyone who was able to come out and participate in this year’s Skate & Costume Parade! We appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm, creativity, and joy to come together and celebrate our great community!!🧡

10/31/2022

Ope, I’m late to post! HUGE congratulations to the 2022 Best Costume and Best Float winners at Saturday’s Skate & Costume Parade!!! We look forward to doing this again next year!🫶🏻

10/24/2022

The city of Big Rapids continues to move forward with plans to establish a skate park in...

10/24/2022

10/01/2022

Joshua Spicer is playing a live drum solo at the event!!! Come on down we’ll be here till 3!😊

09/30/2022

Just finished up these cute lil tie-dye care instructions to take home with whatever you dye at tomorrow’s tie-dye station. Bring your own item to dye, and we got the rest covered! Can’t wait to see you all at Swede Hill Park from 12-3 tomorrow!

08/23/2022