GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With neighborhoods covered in a fresh blanket of snow, it is a no brainer that many would be out clearing their driveways and sidewalks, but many also made sure to take time to simply enjoy the arrival of snow.
"The roads weren't as bad as I think people expected, but the snows been fun and we built Frosty the Snowman," said Caleb Copeland who had just gotten off the sled with his young child at Richmond Park in Grand Rapids.
Elsewhere in the neighborhood surrounding Richmond Park, there was work being done to clear away snow, but a line of front yards each had at least one to a handful of snowmen.
Copeland said his own driveway was still waiting for him to come home and clear it, but sledding was the first to get off the to-do list.
"It was the little guy's first big sled, and no huge wipeout! So it was just a lot of fun," said Copeland.
For one group of friends at the park, it was their first time experiencing winter.
Mason Coletta and Mia Giovenco had just moved to Grand Rapids from Florida, and their friend had also just flew in on Thursday for a visit, as they came to Richmond Park after googling sledding locations, and running to Meijer for snow boots.
"I was more nervous to drive than anything because I've never driven in the snow," said Giovenco, saying that they were fairly nervous going into their first snowstorm, but are now just having fun, adding "It's really pretty. We like it a lot."
Coletta was enjoying the sense of community, saying he feels that the snow has brought out a lot of good.
"The sense of community here, everyone gathered around of all ages sledding and everyone's laughing with each other, no one is getting mad at each other, it's really beautiful. Honestly, it's awesome," said Coletta.
Kids were excited to all have an even longer weekend after many schools were called off on Friday, and even though some admitted to being nervous Friday night, those nerves had went away as soon as they hit the slopes.
"I was a little nervous because I was at my friend's house, and then the storm came and I thought about if I wouldn't be able to come home because if there was lots of snow in front of the door," said one boy in between runs down the hill, but said now he is just having fun.
While laughing, his father then added, "parents are nervous, kids are having fun."
The City of Grand Rapids also now has free sled libraries, where community members are able to borrow and return sleds at Richmond Park, Mulick Park, and Plaster Creek Family Park.
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