ShareA popular new attraction in downtown Lansing has expanded in size and imagination.
In the fall of 2024, members from the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® (GLAR) expanded on a parklet project they had launched in 2023 at the old Lansing Union Depot, a National Historic Site.
The initial play area had brand new turf, a bench, a Lansing Union Depot timeline placard, and a train play set.
Since the time of the launch, GLAR wanted to expand the parklet. After a year of planning, the second phase of the train playscape has now been completed. Once all materials were delivered, real estate professionals—including real estate agents, appraisers, home inspectors and photographers—dedicated a day to building and installing the equipment with their own hands.
“This is an area of our city that is growing, so we wanted to invest in making this little play area even bigger and better,” said Salina Murton, member of the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS®.
Thanks to a grant from the National Association of REALTORS®, GLAR added two additional playsets—including a steam roller and a passenger car—more benches, a table with seating and landscaping to beautify the urban setting. In the immediate area of the playscape, there is a children’s museum, several restaurants and cafes, a theater, an art gallery, a baseball stadium, a newly built hotel and an urban grocer.
“One of my favorite aspects of this park is the imaginative play that it inspires among the kids who frequent the spot,” said REALTOR® Kelly Schmitt. “It gives them a place to have hands-on entertainment by pretending to drive a car, conduct a train.”
Lansing City Council member Tamera Carter and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion. Volunteers made fresh popcorn to distribute to community members and talked about the REALTOR® commitment to Lansing.
In years past, GLAR has adopted actual parks. It has recently focused on more non-traditional spaces such as creating linear parks and activating vacant lots. The goal of these projects is to strengthen, encourage and inspire community connection and gathering in public spaces and destinations.
The association looks forward to continuing placemaking initiatives in the years to come, because REALTORS® don’t just sell homes, they help build communities.
To see pictures and learn more about local REALTORS® making a difference in our community, follow the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® on Facebook.
Meghan Webber is the chief executive officer for the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS®.