Save the Heart of Forest Hills Park Association 

Imagine summer without the laughter of children splashing in the pool, swim team, or a place for community to gather.The Forest Hills Park Association isn’t just a pool — it’s where memories are made, friendships grow, and traditions pass from one generation to the next.

Nestled in the Greenbrier neighborhood of Grand Rapids, this Olympic-sized outdoor pool has been a cherished community asset for decades. But time has caught up with us. The pool has exceeded its lifespan, and a structural failure beyond repair is approaching. Without significant investment, the pool and the connection it creates — will be lost.

The impact reaches beyond the water. The pool funds the 9-acre park and community activities, drawing people together and bringing energy to this shared green space. Without it, the park loses its heartbeat. That’s why the Friends of Forest Hills Park Association, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, is leading the effort to save it. Driven by passionate volunteers and community members like you, we’ve made meaningful progress — but we need your support.

"The pool was, and is, the hub of the neighborhood. Always full of friends, family and positivity. To think of it possibly not being there for future generations is just not an option." 

- Steve Evert, former resident and pool member

Why the Time is Now.

This discussion has been ongoing for many years with many generations of Board Members. Now, we have a 501(c)(3) non-profit designation. We have momentum from activating the park and record pool membership. We have a plan. We have urgency.

From 2017-2024 there has been over $60,000 in pool repair costs. Fortunately, these are costs for items that will be re-usable in a new pool. Unfortunately, they are also evidence of the pool and mechanical systems' age.

When you walk onto the pool deck on opening day, you may not see the wear-and-tear of the pool. This is because countless hours of work by our Pool Manager and volunteers goes in to making the pool operate and look as good as it can each season. However, these are not long term fixes. Cracks re-appear. Settling from leaking water continues to occur. Gutters continue to crumble.

The photos above are just a few examples. We invite you to come see the state of the pool during work days in the spring. You'll see firsthand why we have urgency.

The Forest Hills Park Association pool has not only been a place for community, fun, and lasting memories for generations, but it directly effects the value of every home in this neighborhood. Whether you're a new or long-time resident, the pool and park was probably one of the biggest reasons you decided to move to this neighborhood. Even if your children are grown and you may not use the pool how you did before, it most likely played a huge role in your family's life.

Just as the original owners of this Plat came together to fund and create this wonderful pool, we now have an opportunity to leave our own legacy and create something for generations to come.