Bitter cold changes Kent County Parks’ MLK Day volunteer plans

On January 22, 2025By Littum

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Cold temperatures forced Kent County Parks to change plans for a Monday MLK Jr. Service Day event.

Volunteers were to meet at Millennium Park for the first of two service events this week. Instead, organizers canceled registrations for Monday’s event and moved activities indoors to the park’s heated barn to avoid the cold.

Despite the changes, there are still ways to participate. Organizers are encouraging members of the local community to buy hand tools such as saws and cutters from local hardware stores and donate them. Tools can be dropped off at the department’s administration building on Butterworth Street or at the heated barn in Millennium Park, located at the first driveway on the right after entering the recreation area.

Volunteers process wildflower seeds and grind tools to support habitat restoration, trail maintenance and invasive species removal. Winter is an optimal time for these efforts, according to Kent County Parks Public Information Officer Christina Anthony.

“It keeps pests and poison ivy at bay,” Anthony said. “Unfortunately, winter is also a little bit unpredictable when it comes to planning volunteer events that are outside, and that’s the case this week.”

The other MLK Jr. Service Day event is planned for Wednesday, with almost 50 volunteers already signed up. That event is still scheduled for outdoors, but organizers will decide Tuesday afternoon if weather conditions require changes.

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