As restaurants, bars and coffee shops continue to re-open after the lifting of COVID-related restrictions, the City of Grand Rapids will see the first four of its newly-established “social zones” set up this weekend.
WGVU shares what they are and where you can find them.
“Most of these zones are going to look like, you know, if you imagine a food court or dining plaza, usually those are indoors, so imagine taking them outdoors.”
Lou Canfield is the city of Grand Rapids Development Center Manager. He says starting today, “Social Zones” will be established, starting with four locations. The program was announced in late May as part of the City’s economic recovery efforts, with the goal of helping businesses jumpstart their daily operations. This, after three months of indoor or pick up only dining restrictions.
“Restaurants and bars are a very important part of thriving business districts. They bring people downtown not just to eat and drink but also they often do some shopping or entertainment there, so they’re key players in the health of these business districts.”
Representatives from the City, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce – are behind the zones, which will adhere to current social distancing guidelines required by the state.
“We know that based on the restart of these businesses they’ve been limited to 50 percent capacity and for many of them they need more than that, so by making space available outside we can help them.”
The zones will use large concrete barriers and Canfield says they’ll be located at Monroe North, Bridge Street, at the City Center on Monroe and in Heartside.
Businesses in other areas of Grand Rapids can find out more about establishing a social zone in their neighborhood, by contacting the city.
