Oct. 16, 2025
Grand Rapids Community College, the City of Grand Rapids and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are partnering to install a Boot Brush Station at Aman Park on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.
The station will be located at the trailhead north of the park’s northernmost parking area. It includes educational signage explaining how and why hikers should clean their footwear, helping reduce the spread of invasive species that can threaten native plants, streams, rivers and wetlands.
“This project is a great example of education in action,” said John VanElst, dean of GRCC’s School of Workforce Training. “Our students are learning about water, sustainability and careers in the industry — and they’re also leaving a lasting impact on the community.”
The station was constructed this summer by campers participating in GRCC’s Water Career Camps, with guidance from GRCC faculty and staff. Campers built the wood framing and assembled the brush system, while grant funding from the EPA supported the project. The station represents a hands-on outcome of the camp, which is designed to inspire the next generation of environmental and water-industry leaders.
Funded by an EPA grant, GRCC’s Water Career Camps introduce middle and high school students to the urban water cycle and the careers that ensure every drop of water is safe, sustainable and clean. For only $25 per camper, participants spend three days in hands-on, place-based learning experiences, including:
- Water quality testing on Lake Michigan aboard Grand Valley State University’s Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI)’s research vessel.
- Tours of the City of Grand Rapids drinking water and wastewater plants.
- Woodworking and welding workshops at GRCC MTEC.
- Activities such as building edible aquifers, invasive species tag and designing water filters.
The camps are designed to empower youth with knowledge, skills and purpose while highlighting careers in engineering, water treatment and environmental science.
By constructing and donating the Boot Brush Station, campers have extended their classroom learning into a real-world project that will help preserve Aman Park’s ecosystems for years to come.
Project Partners
This initiative is a collaboration among:
- City of Grand Rapids Water & Environmental Services
- City of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation
- Grand Rapids Community College
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The station will be installed on October 21, with installation expected to take two to three hours.
