Parks and Recreation

Meet the Parks and Recreation Director

Matt Painter has worked with the City of Ionia in Parks and Recreation since July 2003. Mr. Painter was previously employed with Gus Macker.

Education
Mr. Painter is a graduate of Ionia High School and a 1996 graduate of Ferris State University with a Bachelors Degree in Recreation and Leisure Management.

Current Responsibilities
As the Director of Ionia Parks and Recreation, Mr. Painter is dedicated to the department's "Mission, Vision, and Value" statement. This is a commitment to provide a comprehensive system of year-round quality recreation and leisure services designed to meet the needs of the community, including exceptional programming for health and fitness, and personal enjoyment and enrichment.

The commitment goes on to maintain and improve parks and facilities so that they are attractive, safe, and meet the community's physical and recreational needs. Mr. Painter oversees ten city parks, a river trail, softball fields, and the Armory Community Center with a gymnasium and two conference rooms.

Parks and Recreation Director's Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact:
Phone: (616) 523-1800
Fax: (616) 523-1803
Email: mpainter@ci.ionia.mi.us

Parks and Rec. Survey

Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update: Every five years, the City of Ionia updates its Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The plan is valuable for several reasons — it provides an inventory of all City parks facilities and rates their accessibility; it identifies future parks and recreation improvement projects; and it makes the City eligible to apply for a variety of grants to help fund those future parks improvements. As part of the update process, we want to hear from you, City residents, regarding what you find most valuable when it comes to Parks and Rec and what you’d like to see in the future! To respond to our online survey, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IoniaParksandRecreationPlan . The survey will be open through mid-August.

Ionia Armory Community Center

The City of Ionia Parks and Recreation department, is located inside the Armory Community Center, at 439 West Main Street, Ionia!

Adult and Youth Recreation Programs

The City of Ionia Parks and Recreation Department, offers recreational programs for adults and youths! Look inside the 'Gold file cabinet' on this page to find program information and registration forms for participation. Note; recreational programs will not appear in the gold file cabinet until it becomes available for registration.

Events and Other

The City of Ionia is pleased to offer a variety of recreational events. Check the red file cabinet on this page for more information.

Also; Available through Ionia High School

*Basketball Competitive Travel League, a youth program of the 'Red Cedar Hoops' is offered through Ionia Public Schools, for Girls and Boys divisions in 3rd/4th grades, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. An Intermediate sized (28.5 in.) basketball is used. Teams travel to other towns and will be separated into geographical divisions.There are only two days in which you can register:

• Wednesday, October 10th, at 5:30PM - 7:30PM, IHS sports lobby
• Tuesday, October 16th, at 5:30PM - 7:30PM, IHS sports lobby.

Download a File:
Ionia Athletics Youth Basketball Travel League Info

Ionia Armory Community Center

Special Events. Whether it's a conference, party, meeting, or class, we can help. We have three rooms available at the Ionia Armory Community Center that you can rent for any event. Alcohol is allowed with a permit and liability insurance rider. The center is equipped with special needs accessibility ramps and an elevator. The Armory Community Center is a non-smoking facility.

Rooms
The gymnasium is ideal for receptions and it seats 250 people. Tables and chairs are provided and set up for you. The Lions Room accommodates 20 people and can be used as conference style seating or a smaller group party. The American Bumper Room accommodates 30 people and can be used as conference style seating or a smaller group party.

Get Forms, Learn More. Check the red file cabinet on this page to download the Armory Community Center Rental Contract, Rental Rates and Rental Rules and Regulations.

Fred Thwaites Grand River Trail

Amenities at the Fred Thwaites Grand River Trail include Picnicking, Boardwalk, Bridges, a Fishing Deck, and a Boat Dock. Download a Trail map and see a montage of Trail photos at the links below.

Download a File:
Ionia River Trail Map
Ionia River Trail Photos

Balice Park

Balice Park is located on East Adams Street and offers swings, handicap accessible play structures, and a picnic area.

Fred W. Green Park

Located on East Main Street, just beyond the 'Ventra' manufacturing facility. This City park is nestled alongside Prairie Creek. This City park offers a playground area and a pavilion. This City park is also the site of 'The Camping Ground of the 21st Michigan Infantry.' A dedication plaque is placed at this park in honor of the regiments gallant service in the Civil War.

Hale Park

Hale Park is located at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Division Street, and offers a playground structure, bathrooms for year-round use, three full basketball courts, a picnic area, a climber, and swings.

Harper Park

Harper Park is located on Bayard Street just west of Cleveland Street. This City park features a playground for the kids, and a nice pavilion, and a ball field, in which you can rent either through the Ionia Parks and Recreation department.