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Smart phone app lets users take walking tours of Grand Rapids

Posted at 10:01 AM, Apr 26, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-26 10:01:51-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--A smart phone app created by a local man is helping lead walkers through history as they make their way through the city.

'GR Walks' is a free program that lets you pick a walking trail in the city, then gives you historical facts as you follow it. It was created by Josh Leo, who said he received help from students at Calvin College who created paths to be added to the map.

"The app is really made to bring history to the physical locations that it happened, and so getting people to learn more about their cities--getting them to really understand what made the city what it is--is really important. And I think a great way to do that is by walking through the neighborhoods, learning about the history, seeing historical photos," said Leo.

Leo wants to keep the app growing by adding more trails to explore different areas of Grand Rapids. Within the next couple of months, he said tours of East Grand Rapids, Ramona Park, the Reeds Lake area, and a history of beer within the city will be added.

"My goal is to just have the entire city of Grand Rapids be covered in walking tours that feature architecture and history and art and culture."