GR Outside Offers:

• Support for teachers looking to take their classrooms outside
• Co-led field trips & outings
• Equipment rentals from the GR Outside Gear Library
• Outdoor leadership training

GR Outside offers free or discounted services to groups operating within Grand Rapids city limits. Groups based outside of Grand Rapids city limits are still eligible for services at an increased fee. Groups seeking yard games for one-time events such as block parties, school assemblies, and similar events are encouraged to contact us at gearlibrary@grcity.us to inquire about one-time equipment rentals.

To partner with GR Outside, your school, program, or group must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Operate in the Greater Grand Rapids Area
2. Have a primary focus on participants aged 24 or younger
3. Have a defined mission and leadership structure

To become a GR Outside partner, follow these steps:

Step 1: Learn more about GR Outside in our program guide 

GR Outside Program Guide 

Step 2: Apply and schedule an introductory meeting using the link below

Partner Application

In 2016, Our Community’s Children led a community planning effort - with support from the Children & Nature Network and National League of Cities. The effort was a part of the national Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative. 

Learn more about Our Community’s Children and their work in Connecting Children to Nature

In 2019, Our Community’s Children was the recipient of the Outdoor Foundation Thrive Outside Grant, and closely partnered with the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to spearhead this initiative. The Thrive Outside Initiative was built on the foundation created by the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative. 

Read more about the Thrive Outside Initiative

In 2020, the Thrive Outside Gear Library began pilot programs and community outreach. 

In 2023, The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department absorbed the work of Thrive Outside Grand Rapids and renamed the initiative “GR Outside”.