For over 16 years Grand Rapids Whitewater has been at the center of efforts to bring the namesake rapids back to Grand Rapids. The project has served as a catalyst for significant riverfront development that is reshaping the role the Grand River plays in our community; yet after 16 years there are still no rapids in the Grand River. This presentation will take a deep dive into the original vision for the project, explore the history of the Grand River, discuss what happened to the rapids, identify setbacks the project has faced along the way, and share the new vision for what the rapids in Grand Rapids will look like once again. This transformation project will fundamentally change our city’s perspective. Rather than a series of reflecting pools, our river will become alive with the sound and mist of moving water—and will once again justify the name Grand Rapids. 

Subject: ecology, history 

Matt Chapman serves as executive director for Grand Rapids Whitewater. He has been with Grand Rapids Whitewater since 2015 and has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. His passion for rivers stems from his childhood growing up on the Chippewa River in Midland, MI, where the river was his summer playground. He holds a BS in advertising and public relations and a graduate certificate in nonprofit administration from Grand Valley State University.