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ArtPrize offers ways to visit competition with ease

Preparation can make navigating ArtPrize easier!

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - ArtPrize is expected to attract roughly 500,000 people over the next two-and-half weeks. Large crowds, along with construction projects, will make getting around more than a little challenging.

However, with a little planning, ArtPrize visitors will be able to navigate the event with ease.

The ArtPrize website offers tips for visitors coming in from out of town, coming from neighboring communities and those who require special accommodations.

Downtown Grand Rapids offers plenty of accessible parking options and The Rapid buses are wheelchair accessible as well. ArtPrize even offers a wheelchair loan program out of the Visitor Pavilion. According to the website, "Visitors will need to provide an ID and credit card information when checking out the wheelchair, all of which will be returned upon checking back in."

One of the best ways to get around downtown is to hop on the bus, especially the Downtown Area Shuttle - or DASH. They are easily identified by their pink color. They will take passengers to some of the best ArtPrize venues in town.

Those that decide to drive are advised to check out a few phone applications and websites. The first, is the city's interactive parking map. It tells people where all the parking ramps are - as well as the location, rates and enforcement times for parking meters. The other is the new MOTU parking app. It offers a convenient way to pay for metered parking and monitor sessions from a cell phone.

Also, nine area Meijer stores are offering park-and-ride options into the city. Drivers coming in from the outskirts can avoid parking downtown altogether by leaving their cars in the secure parking lots and taking the Rapid bus to ArtPrize.

"Grand Rapids' bus system, offers routes throughout greater Grand Rapids. Pick up an ArtPrize Metro Pass for $5 and get 10 free rides on any of The Rapid's fixed routes and unlimited rides on the Silver Line. Starting in September, pick one up at a participating Meijer stores," according to the website.

No matter how visitors decide to get there, checking out ArtPrize venues will likely involve a lot of walking. That said, perhaps, the best advice is to grab some comfortable shoes and get ready to get some steps in.

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