Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation Plans 40th Anniversary Celebration

The Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation (CSAPR) organization has officially returned to its original name, which dates back to 1986. For the past few years, the organization has operated under the name North Kent Community Enrichment; however, confusion with North Kent Community Services prompted the CSAPR Board to reinstate its original name. This transition comes just in time for the organization’s 40th-anniversary celebration in 2026.

The CSAPR Board consists of appointed representatives from five units of government, including the City of Cedar Springs, Cedar Springs Public Schools (CSPS), and the townships of Nelson, Solon, and Algoma. This unique partnership creates cost savings and broad community-serving opportunities designed to enrich the lives of residents of all ages throughout the North Kent Area.

In January of 1986, CSPS Superintendent Jim Tackmann and CSPS Community Enrichment Coordinator Louise King recognized the potential of multiple entities working together toward a shared goal of better serving area residents. The original board included City representatives Amber Bailey and Rose Powell; Solon Township representatives John Hart and John Cornell; Nelson Township representatives Ellen Lewis and Don Mabie; and CSPS representatives Louise King, Jim Tackmann, and Ivan Opperman.

The CSAPR Board established bylaws, a budget, and a comprehensive Master Plan identifying both short- and long-term goals. Algoma Township later joined the partnership after recognizing its value. In December of 1986, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources approved the CSAPR Master Plan. Ten major projects were identified, and within the first five years, seven projects totaling more than $700,000 were completed. These included a new softball and baseball complex, a nature trail, a track and football facility on the CSPS campus, and playground equipment in Solon Township.

In addition to facility development, CSAPR introduced many community traditions during those early years, including annual Halloween parties, winter ice skating rinks, and Red Flannel Day activities. Numerous cultural, educational, enrichment, and athletic camps, programs, and classes were also offered.

Several CSAPR directors and board members have served the organization over the last forty years. A complete historical list is currently being researched and will be revealed during the 40th Anniversary Celebration at the 2026 Red Flannel Day weekend.

Today, CSAPR is led by Director Jaime Gunderson and Assistant Director Tracy Salisbury. One new program launched in 2025 is the Senior Gathering, held monthly at alternating locations between The Gathering Place in downtown Sand Lake and the North Kent County facility in Cedar Springs. These free programs are open to residents age 55 and older and include a light lunch, guest speakers, and Bingo with prizes. Past speakers have included the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, which has provided a tour of the new facility, sessions on senior self- protection, and genealogy research presentations.

Two of CSAPR’s most popular special events include the Daddy-Daughter Dance and the Mother-Son Nerf Battle. Senior enrichment programs include Gentle Yoga and Senior Exercise through the Silver Sneakers and One Pass initiatives. Youth programs include girls’ and boys’ basketball, volleyball, softball, and baseball training and camps. Additional offerings include Euchre nights, line dancing, cardio drumming, indoor walking club, Tae Kwon Do, Detroit theater and shopping bus trips, adult open gym for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, and more.

Residents of the participating governmental units receive discounted fees; however, all area residents are welcome to participate. The current board continuously seeks input to better meet community interests and needs. Residents with a hobby, skill, or trade they are willing to share are encouraged to contact Director Jaime Gunderson at 616-696-7320, visit the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/csapr, or visit the website at www.CSAParksandRec.com. Residents may also share ideas through their local unit of government.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your CSAPR Director and represent this partnership between our local governmental entities,” said Gunderson. “I would love to hear from residents about what programs or events they would like to see offered. If you have a favorite CSAPR memory, please share it with us.” Stay tuned for more details on the 40th CSAPR Anniversary Celebration and upcoming highlights recognizing four decades of service to the North Kent Area.