Peters Applauds Restoration of Iconic Grand Rapids Tire Swing

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded the restoration of the tire swing to the "Motu Viget" art installation at the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. Peters recently sent a letter to the Government Services Administration (GSA) urging the agency to expedite the safety enhancements needed to complete the restoration of the tire swing and ensure the "Motu Viget" installation will be available for future generations to enjoy.

"The "Motu Viget" tire swing is a valued piece of the fabric of Grand Rapids," said Senator Peters. "Grand Rapids has a long tradition of supporting public art, and I'm proud I was able to work with Mayor Bliss and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to help restore this treasured and iconic symbol of the strength of the Grand Rapids community."

"On behalf of all those who live, work and play in City of Grand Rapids, we're thrilled to see the Motu Viget sculpture back better and safer than ever. High-quality parks and public spaces bring people together. They're also a key factor in enhancing quality of life and supporting both residential and job growth in our community. The 'Tire Swing' provides an experience unique to Grand Rapids, and we're grateful that Senator Peters and the GSA made it a priority to get the piece back in good working order for our children, families and downtown visitors," said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.

"Recreation and fun are critical components of building an attractive and liveable Downtown neighborhood. Like the Van Andel Arena or the Grand Rapids Public Museum, assets such as the Motu Viget sculpture enable unique experiences and memories for the people of the Grand Rapids region. We deeply appreciate Senator Peter's leadership and the GSA's impressive responsiveness to restore this important piece of our urban playground," said Kristopher Larson, President/CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

The "Motu Viget" sculpture was installed in 1977 and is a locally cherished piece of public art. It is a popular location for children to play, wedding party photos, and other outdoor activities. The swing was removed after an accident in September 2013, when it broke and injured two children.

The City of Grand Rapids has a proud history of supporting public art. It is also home to Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and has hosted the ArtPrize international art competition since 2009.

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