Grandville Avenue is one of the main roads that runs through the Roosevelt Park neighborhood and residents of this particular street are responsible for the foundation of this neighborhood. Formally established in 1978 by a group of residents in the area who all had one thing in common, they wanted to better the neighborhood they lived in. They raised money to establish their own fire station, repair the Roosevelt Park Lodge, and used the remaining money to establish a house painting program in the area. On the famous Grandville Avenue, you can find the Grandville Avenue Museum which takes you on a trip down memory lane. This museum was created as a way to remember the Dutch, African-American, and Hispanic people who settled in the neighborhood now known as Roosevelt Park.

The Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association has been responsible for the steady growth of this community by bringing in amenities the community is in need of. One of the amenities that has been brought into the community is the Cook Library Center which has created a great place for people of all ages to enjoy. Located on the popular Grandville Avenue, this library focuses on the development of children and provides a number of after-school programs that encourage learning. Programs like homework help, computer training, games that challenge the mind, and field trips to local universities are available for residents to utilize. In addition to the introduction of the Cook Library Center, the Roosevelt Park neighborhood association helped to bring Hispanic Center of West Michigan to the community. Over the years, this organization has grown immensely and now they help over 12,500 people inside and outside of the community.

Located in the north portion of the neighborhood, the Leslie E. Tassel M-TEC is part of Grand Rapids Community College. This specialized school was established for those who are interested in entering right into the workforce with training. With affordable tuition and hands-on experience, students who attend this facility have the ability to gain valuable knowledge that will help them in their future career.

SHOPPING AND DINING

For a great selection of antiques and collectibles, stop into Century Antiques and shop their huge antique market. There are constantly new items being added to the store and you can look for jewelry, toys, trains, and even pieces of China to add to your collection. With new items arriving daily, make sure to stop in often so you are not missing out on great items to take home. Only a few doors down from Century Antiques, Warehouse One Antiques and Collectibles has over 100 dealers in their store to shop. With more than 25,000 square feet of space to fill, this store also has a regular flow of new items being added daily. Be sure to keep an eye out for vintage clothing and fashion accessories while you shop around their large store.

M & M Bakery located on Grandville Avenue has been in business for over 25 years and provide a delicious cake that will be a crowd pleaser. With 15 cake flavors to choose from, there is sure to be a flavor that will tingle your taste buds. Cakes can be designed for all occasions and their professional staff will make you feel right at home. Tres Hermanos Bakery is another small bakery in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood that specializes in creating locally made Mexican sweet bread. Known for their Mexican sweet bread, they are so delicious they have partnered with Family Fare to help grow their business.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Not only is the Roosevelt Park neighborhood filled with great culture, shopping, and dining but it also has several parks for residents to enjoy. In 1922 Roosevelt Park was established as an 8-acre nature area that has a playground, fitness center, and picnic tables for residents to enjoy. In addition to all the amenities that are within the park, this park also provides access to Plaster Creek.

Clemente Park is another great park in the neighborhood that was established in 1911 as a barrier between the industrial furniture companies and residential neighborhoods. The name Clemente Park was not given to the park until 1983 when it was named after Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburg Pirates. This park is home to a soccer field and baseball diamond. On the south side of the park, residents are welcome to use the Clemente Skate Park for their skateboarding needs.

Arktos Meadery has used the ancient fermentation process to develop a number of delicious meads for their patrons to enjoy. A mead is created from natural and flavorful ingredients that are fermented over time and their meads in particular have a number of different flavors for patrons to try. Be sure to stop in and try one of their deliciously flavored meads.