Ada Park in Ada Michigan is going all out for Earth Day/ Arbor Day this year with a Festival.  The celebration will start at  10 AM and continue until 2 PM at Ada Park & Arboretum on Saturday, April 24th, 2010.  Ada Park is located at 1180 Buttrick Ave.     Festival admission is free, although donations are accepted. The Festival will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with exhibits on trees, landscaping, native plants, invasive plants and insects.       Activities for all ages include: Games Crafts Fishing in the pond   Activities are also free, except for one craft and ‘tree themed ‘ snacks. Each group will receive a free white pine sapling as long as supplies last. The white pine is Michigan’s state tree.  Share this post :   04/23/2010

  Spring is here and Ada Parks Programs are underway.  Take a look at what fun programs the Ada Parks are offering this spring. Pre-register by calling 616-676-0520 or email: mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com       ”Senior Specials at Ada Park” Pre-register at the park office 676-0584 before the day of the event $2/per event payable on site the day of the event.   Bird Break – Thursday April 15th  9-10 AM Ada Park Les Craig Learning Center A morning gathering in the learning center for coffee and donuts, followed by a guided leisure walk ( 25 minutes) to look for and  listen to local birds.   Nature Walk – Thursday May 6th – 9-10 AM Ada Park Shelter and Trails A guided walk ( 40 minutes) along the paved paths through the  Arboretum and Nature Area in search of spring wildflowers and other ... 03/17/2010

Winter fun is on the schedule in Ada Michigan this winter.   The following  activities were published today:   Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a series of  upcoming programs for youth & families to get outside & enjoy  the winter.    For Kids Ages 3-5, Discovery Days Program: Build a Bird Feeder Tuesday, February 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Ada Park Learning Center,  $4/youth Designed especially for Pre-Schoolers along with a parent or guardian  to have a fun, educational adventure out in Ada Park.  This session  will explore different birds and how they feed, making bird feeders  to take home and outdoor discovery hike looking for birds.  Come dressed for both indoors and outside activity.   For Kids Ages 7-12, Junior Naturalist Program:  Winter Survival on Snowshoes  ... 02/11/2010

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner, Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since 2000. The new 80 unit condo site - Villas of Ada and Stone Falls of Ada  - a 210 unit apartment complex, currently under construction here. Both of these new developments are quite close to Adacroft Commons.                    Adacroft Commons Real Estate                    Jan-Dec  2009 Market Report                   2 Sold, 4 For Sale, 1 Expired, 1 Pending Adacroft Commons Active Listings: 4 Adacroft Commons Active Price - $174,200 183,233 Adacroft Commons Active Price/SqFt - $120.46 Adacroft Commons Active Days on Market -61 Adacroft Commons SOLD Listings: 2 Adacroft Commons average sold price - $ 187,00 Adacroft Commons average sold price/SqFt - $95.99 Ada... 12/17/2009

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an established subdivision, started in the early 1970's by E.L. Ladd Builders of Ada.  I have held many open houses in these plats  and sold many of  the homes as new construction - to be built. If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic ranch in Adatowne (about 1000 sq ft) sold  for $ 19,900 in 1975.  Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan    Jan- December 2009 Real Estate Market Report           7  Sold, 0 Pending, 2 For Sale, 3 Expired  Adatowne Active List... 12/15/2009

          Catamount properties are in the rolling hills adjacent to the Grand River in the northern section of Ada Township in a gated community with privacy  and wooded acreage.  Executive style homes with lots of room for entertaining and all the custom extras  that make a home luxurious are the norm here.  If you  are searching for a prestigious address, this could be what you are looking for, as it is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the Grand Rapids area.                         Catamount Market Report Jan-Dec 2009                           4 For Sale,  5 Sold, 8 Expired Catamount Active Listings: 4 Catamount average active price - $712,425 Catamount average active price /SqFt - $ 200.72 Catamount average days on market - 75 Catamount SOLD Listings: 5 Catamount average sol... 12/11/2009

Roselle Park in Ada Michigan along the Grand River is  247 acre park that is a dedicated Natural Habitat Refuge.  On a rainy Saturday a few weeks ago, we stopped and took  a few photos.  It was cold and windy but the fall colors were great.  We walked on one of the trails along the Grand River. A very peaceful place to visit. Dogs on leashes are welcome.  These silos were left from the previous owner of the property. The one with the stars on top has been made into a 9 story observation tower.    This stone states that Roselle park is dedicated the people of Ada Township  View from the observation tower toward the Grand River    On the walking trail along the river.     The Grand River, the longest river in Michigan. It starts near Hillsdale MI and winds it's way north then west, eventu... 11/06/2009

Nature has so many lessons to teach us.  We don't always pay attention to what she is saying but when we do....we have a chance to share a moment of clarity and wisdom.  On our excursion through the Grand Rapids area yesterday, we encountered this maple tree.  How many times have we sped past and not noticed it? Hundreds, probably.  Why did we notice it yesterday? It shone out its brilliant yellow light on a rainy day, saying:  Look at me!  In a few days my golden leaves will be on the ground, so notice me today....right now!   We did. We stopped to take a photo and share it with you.  Each day we have the opportunity to notice and appreciate the beauty around us. 10/25/2009

Ada Township Park Participates in Connecting Families with Nature Saturday Sept 19, 2009 ~ Free Ada MI Event The Kent Conservation District is holding a Kick Off Event for their Nature Passport Program. These local events will be  held at local parks and Nature Areas this fall.  The events are to encourage families to enjoy outdoor activities and your local park resources. Ada Township Parks and Recreation - Invites families throughout Kent County to come out and enjoy a family day at Ada Township Park.  You can pick up your "Passport for Adventure".  Check in at the Park Shelter to register and get your "Passports" and then you can have a range of free activities for your day at the park. Saturday Activities include: Learning Center with nature artifacts and hands on science exhibits F... 09/17/2009

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner, Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since 2000. There is a new proposed 80 unit condo site - Villas of Ada and Stone Falls of Ada - a 210 unit apartment complex, currently under construction here. Both of these new developments are quite close to Adacroft Commons.                    Adacroft Commons Real Estate                    August  2009 Market Report                   2 Sold, 3 For Sale, 0 Expired, 0 Pending Adacroft Commons Active Listings: 3 Adacroft Commons Active Price - $183,233 Adacroft Commons Active Price/SqFt - $124.32 Adacroft Commons Active Days on Market -70 Adacroft Commons SOLD Listings: 2 Adacroft Commons average sold price - $ 187,00 Adacroft Commons average sold price/SqFt - $95.... 09/13/2009

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an established subdivision, started in the early 1970's by E.L. Ladd Builders of Ada.  I have held many open houses in these new plats  and sold many of the homes as new construction - to be built. If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic ranch (about 1000 sq ft) sold  for $ 19,900 in 1975.  Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan         August 2009 Real Estate Market Report                     1  Sold, 0 Pending, 2 For Sale  Adatowne Active Listings: 2 Adat... 09/11/2009

The East/West  Village subdivision off  Ada Drive in Ada Township is a fairly new development. The new housing construction started in 2005 and is still continuing to date. You can buy a resale home or a new home in this centrally located housing development.  Near both public and private schools, East Village is also close to  Forest Hills and 28th Street shopping areas. The Ada Bike or Walking Trail also connects this area on Ada Drive with the village of Ada, Grand Rapids, and the village of Cascade. East Village is also close to the I96 expressway for easy access to many different parts of our greater Grand Rapids area.  Large, executive style homes with many amenities and extras are the rule in this neighborhood. If you would like to start with a brand new house in Forest Hills, th... 09/10/2009

It seems there are free summer concerts everywhere this summer. I have seen banners flying in small towns and villages all over Michigan. What a great way to get out and enjoy the local parks, people and scenery. Not to be outdone, Ada Michigan is joining the free music offerings this summer in West Michigan.      Ada Historical Society is jumping on the proverbial "bandwagon" with their Music on the Lawn Series. Last Friday, they featured the Nowhere Band, which bills itself as a Beatles tribute band.  Darn, we missed that but I plan on attending some of the remaining concerts this summer.   All concerts are located at the Ada Historical Society  7144 Headley St  Ada Michigan 49301     616-676-9346   Tuesday, August 18 - Java Jive - dance standards from ‘30s & ‘40s   Tuesday, August 25... 08/17/2009

Tuesday was the first day of the Ada Farm Market at a new place, Ada Reformed Community Church.  The Farm Market will run Tuesdays, 2-7 pm from now until the end of September.  We took a video so you could see the market for yourself.  We found all kinds of goodies, freshly roasted coffee, chickens and other meat available from local farmers.  Fresh strawberries, sweet cherries,lettuce, Walla-Walla onions, radishes, and other great looking items.   Some of the farmers will sell you a share in their crops.  You contribute a set amount and they will deliver fresh produce to you every week all summer!!  We might look into that if our gardening days are getting too difficult. We came home with some freshly picked black raspberries and a King Kong Coleus. I will definitely be back next week ... 07/12/2009

The East/West  Village subdivision off  Ada Drive in Ada Township is a fairly new development. The new housing construction started in 2005 and is still continuing to date. You can buy a resale home or a new home in this centrally located housing development.  Near both public and private schools, East Village is also close to  Forest Hills and 28th Street shopping areas. The Ada Bike or Walking Trail also connects this area on Ada Drive with the village of Ada, Grand Rapids, and the village of Cascade. East Village is also close to the I96 expressway for easy access to many different parts of our greater Grand Rapids area.  Large, executive style homes with many amenities and extras are the rule in this neighborhood. If you would like to start with a brand new house, this may be the pl... 06/23/2009

Clements Mill is  a newer home development built by Eastbrook Construction in the Ada MI area, started in 1999 and completed in 2003. Apart from newer homes, part of the appeal is the proximity of  Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Forest Hills Woodlands 5/6 School, St Roberts & Ada Christian Schools, which are within walking distance. Clements Mill is midway between the Village of Ada and Forest Hills shopping area at Cascade Road and Forest Hills. Ada's Clements Mill has seen steady to declining values in the short time it has been built out.  This is largely due to the current over abundance of houses for sale in a soft resale market.                  Clements Mill  Market Report                           May 2009           6  Sold,  5 For Sale, 3 Expired Clements Mill Ac... 06/04/2009

Catamount properties are in the rolling hills adjacent to the Grand River in the northern section of Ada Township in a gated community with privacy and wooded acreage.  Executive style homes with lots of room for entertaining and all the custom extras  that make a home luxurious are the norm here.  If you  are searching for a prestigious address, this could be what you are looking for, as it is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the  Grand Rapids area.                         Catamount Market Report May 2009                    4 For Sale,  2 Sold, 4 Expired, 2 Pending Catamount Active Listings: 4 Catamount average active price - $800,725 Catamount average active price /SqFt - $ 227.03 Catamount average days on market - 290 Catamount SOLD Listings: 2 Catamount average sold price -... 06/01/2009

Arts in Ada Michigan Festival ~  May 16th 9 am to 4 pm Event will be held on Bronson Street from the Covered Bridge to Ada Drive Directly in front of historic Ada Town Hall Hosted by the Ada Council for the Arts Music, Dance, and activities are planned all day Artists will sell their creations, including stained glass, jewelry, photography, paintings, and pottery.  Live entertainment will be provided, food will be available.   A great time to check out the boutiques and specialty shops in Ada.   These photos are from Art in Ada 2008 - last year's event.   Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate Copyright 2009 all rights reserved Photos by Bonnie Westbrook 05/13/2009

We took a drive along the Grand River last week and took in some local sites.  The Grand River was a full flood stage and it changed the scenery in a few places. This short video was taken at Roselle Park in Ada Township Michigan.  This park is a 274 acre natural preserve right on the banks of the Grand River.  It normally has some swampy areas, but nothing like the scenes in the video.  Usually you have to walk about 100 yards to get close to the river.             Since we didn't bring our wading boots, we stayed near the entrance and just shot our video.  We will go back and photograph the park without water soon.   Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Copyright  All rights reserved 2009 05/11/2009

If you would like to pick out your own Mother's Day present and take some of the heat off your partner, Thursday night in Ada might be the perfect time.  Ladies Night Out is sponsored by local Ada Michigan businesses that want to encourage busy Moms to shop locally. Here are the carrots: Free Child Care at the Community Church 7239 Thornapple River Dr. Reservations needed, space limited. Call 676-1032 or email carol@thecommunity-ada.org Free Trolley Rides - Grand Rapids Trolley will be in the Village to escort you from stop to stop for your shopping convenience 6-9pm   Free Gift Bags - pick up a postcard at your first stop and have it initialed at 5 shops and you are entered for Fantastic Gift Bags     Sponsored by these Ada Village Businesses: Betsy Ratzsch Pottery -Spend $100 and rece... 05/04/2009