Rosa Parks Circle

Rosa Parks Circle is a plaza located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan.[1] During the warmer months it is a multipurpose facility, acting as a venue for events like concerts[2] or dances put on by the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (GROSS).[3] In the winter the Circle is converted to an ice rink.[4] Below the ice there are 166 fiber optic lights designed to represent the sky of Michigan as it appeared at midnight, January 1, 2000.

Rosa Parks Circle (2006)

The area was designed by Maya Lin[1][5] who is famous for her work on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The original name of the circle was Monroe Mall Amphitheater. It is now named in honor of longtime Michigan resident Rosa Parks, of whom there is a statue in the park.[6]

On August 7, 2012 Rosa Parks Circle was the location of a Guinness Book world record for the largest number of people swing dancing in unison (756 individuals) organized by the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society.[7][8]

References
  1. "Rosa Parks Sculpture Project". Grand Rapids, MI: City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 2008. Archived from the original on February 7, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  2. "Estimated 30,000 fans packed Rosa Parks Circle". Grand Rapids Press. 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  3. "Grand Rapids Original Swing Society". Grand Rapids, MI. 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  4. "Rosa Parks Circle Welcome Skaters". Grand Rapids, MI: WOOD-TV. January 7, 2010. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  5. "West Michigan Sculptures". SculptureSiteGR.org. Grand Rapids, MI. 2002. Archived from the original on March 26, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  6. "Photos: Rosa Parks statue dedicated in downtown Grand Rapids". MLive. 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
  7. "Largest swing dance". Guinness World Records. August 7, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2012.
  8. "Video of World Record Swing". MLive. August 8, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.

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