facility on such a plot of land.
grateful for what they call "God's
intervention" to make the extra
space a welcoming, safe place for
the religious and character�build-
ing programs suited to Grand Rap-
ids' diverse population.
sweet spot of Joan Kroc's vision."
the Kroc built there," he explains,
"not so much because we are The
Salvation Army, but because they
wanted to retain the park itself,
and that's fine."
nearly died on the drawing board.
and multiple plots of blighted land
vacated by failed businesses. This
new site was only five blocks from
the original.
see here," Major Marc points out.
The Grand Rapids Kroc facility is a
whopping 105,000 square feet, with
additional outdoor features, such
as two regulation soccer fields, one
softball field, 24 community garden
Michigan Kroc Corps Center had been
realized, the $15 million facility would have
been limited to four acres of Garfield Park,
not far from downtown.
Rapids
Williams are faithful
soldiers of the
Grand Rapids
Kroc Corps.
October of 2010.
by program participants.
replaced previous area
of urban blight.
including soccer fields, playground
and community garden plots.
area of gang activity.
include Daddy & Daughter Night
and Mother & Son Banquet.
population by translating
Sunday worship services
from English to Spanish.
R