<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1018706268302959&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
((o
Knowledge • News • Insights
 o))
In Partnership With

Volunteer Group Leading Restoration Effort of Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle in Advance of 20th Anniversary

Michigan Business Network
November 11, 2020 11:00 AM

project_3510_ecliptic_at_rosa_parks_circle_Patronicity+White+on+Blue+Background-700x525

The Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Conservancy aims to elevate and preserve Grand Rapids’ “town square” public space for future generations 

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – The volunteer-led group Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy is close to engaging construction firms to provide upgrades to the nearly 20-year-old Maya Lin-designed artwork at downtown Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle.  The Conservancy has received significant support from various sources and is now finalizing plans that will ensure the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle continues to serve visitors and residents of Grand Rapids for the next one hundred years.

Construction is planned to begin in spring 2021 with an expected completion date of Sept. 6, 2021, exactly 20 years to the day after the original dedication of the park.

More than a downtown park, Ecliptic was created as a work of art by the internationally renowned artist Maya Lin. It is the most actively programmed outdoor public space in downtown. It has become the town square of Grand Rapids, with a lengthy list of historic events, public celebrations and large gatherings. The amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. As a result, the original materials are coming to the end of their useful lives, which is driving the opportunity to ensure Ecliptic stands the test of time. 

The nonprofit organization, The Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy, formed in 2018 in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., has a mission to restore, elevate and preserve this cherished landmark. This collaboration has resulted in the planning of a restoration project that will renovate the current artwork and park structures, upgrade each feature with new and more durable materials, and provide wayshowing and interpretive moments to make the artwork and park more accessible to visitors and community stakeholders. 

Led by Frey Foundation’s Tripp Frey (bottom slideshow), the Conservancy wants to ensure the landmark stands the test of time.  

“Public spaces have been and will continue to be a vital part of our society and the proposed restoration project intends to restore, elevate and preserve Ecliptic for the next century,” said Tripp Frey. “In its first 20 years, it has become a beating heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Our goal with this effort is to preserve its integrity and beauty for future generations to experience and enjoy.” 

The theme of water in all forms - liquid, solid and vapor - inspired this massive public artwork whose concept, in a nod to the city's name, began with the idea of a drop of water in a still pool, rings moving ever outward.

“Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has hosted numerous important moments in Grand Rapids history since its installation in 2000,” said Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. president Tim Kelly. “Over 700,000 visitors each year use the park for recreation, entertainment, civic gatherings and much needed breathing space in a growing city. It’s imperative that we all contribute to the well-being of this asset.”

Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle was named one of the American Planning Association's Top-Ten Great Public Spaces in America in 2017, for excellence in urban planning and usage including stakeholder engagement at the local, state and federal level.

“Ecliptic is such a treasure to Grand Rapids, and now we are seeing the impacts of incredible use over the years, “ said David Marquardt, director, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation. “This effort will ensure the longevity of the park as a work of art and as a place of meaning for the residents of Grand Rapids.” 

To learn more about the renovation and fundraising efforts, individuals can go to the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Patronicity site at www.patronicity.com/ecliptic. 

About The Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy
The Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2018 in order to restore, elevate and preserve the park and the work of art by Maya Lin. The mission of the Conservancy is to work collaboratively to preserve and advocate for the work of art and signature cultural park, Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle, with community-inclusive programs and events that celebrate its hallmark of artistic spirit and civic courage for the benefit of all residents and visitors. Find out how to support the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle restoration project by visiting www.patronicity.com/ecliptic. 

Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy Board

Leslie Bellavance, Artist

Terrell Daniels, Pride Builders Group

Heather Duffy, Emmanuel Hospice

Tripp Frey (Chair), Frey Foundation

Tim Kelly, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

David Marquardt, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation

Ron Platt, Grand Rapids Art Museum

Steve F. Stapleton, Clark Hill PLC

Eddie T.L. Tadlock, CTA, SMG Global 

# # #

Cinnaire - Banner Ad

  • Tripp Frey
  • Ice Skating
  • Rosa Parks aerial
  • Stage at Rosa Parks

Michigan Business Network is an online broadcasting company that provides knowledge, news, and insights into Michigan’s businesses, industries, and economy.