PARKS & RECREATION

FALL PROGRAM GUIDE AVAILABLE

The fall program guide is now available. Registration opens July 7 for residents and July 14 for nonresidents.

CONCERTS AND MOVIES IN THE PARK

The East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department has announced the lineups for its Concerts and Movies in the Park series presented by The Brouwers Agency, Auto-Owners Insurance, Consumers Credit Union and Friends of the EGR Library. Free to the community, both series will be held at John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE.

Concerts in the Park will run on six select Monday evenings in June and July from 7-8:30 p.m. This year’s remaining concerts are: 

• July 11 – Whorled
• July 18 – Sleevetones
• July 25 – The Stones Soul Rhythm Band

Movies in the Park will run on four Friday evenings, with each film beginning at dusk. The remaining movies are: 

• July 8 – “Despicable Me 3”
• July 22 – “Dora & the Lost City of Gold”
• Aug. 12 – “War Horse”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets and to arrive early to secure a spot. Barbeques, grilling, open fires or alcohol are not allowed in the park and dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Visit eastgr.org/concerts and eastgr.org/movies for more information.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES

Summer property tax bills were billed on Friday, July 1 and are due Monday, Aug. 15. Residents can pay property taxes in one of the following ways: 

• Dropbox: The City has a 24-hour drop box located in the Community Center vestibule at 750 Lakeside Drive.  
• Online: Online payments using a savings or checking account (EFT) have a flat $1.95 service fee. Credit and debit card payments have a 2.75% convenience fee. https://bsaonline.com/OnlinePayment/OnlinePaymentSearch?PaymentApplicationType=4&uid=320
• Mail: Payments must be received on or before the due date. Postmarks are not accepted. If you desire a receipt, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with both portions of the tax bill or supply an email address on the tax bill stub for an electronic receipt.

More information can be found at eastgr.org/taxes. 

AUGUST 2 PRIMARY ELECTION

Absentee ballots are available for the August 2 primary election. Stop by the offices from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick yours up, or contact us at (616) 949-2110 to have an application mailed or emailed to you.

PUBLIC SAFETY

REMINDER TO LOCK UP

A reminder to lock your homes and vehicles. The City encourages residents to participate in the #9PMRoutine. This national initiative helps community members remember to take simple measures at 9 p.m. each night to keep their possessions safe (bring in items, lock up and turn on lights).

Learn more about the #9PMRoutine here.

PUBLIC WORKS

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

To learn more about street, sidewalk and utility projects and to receive frequent updates, visit the construction updates webpage.

TALL GRASS

Just a reminder that the City code allows for a maximum height limit of grass at 5 inches.  

MOBILITY/BIKE ACTION PLAN: DEMONSTRATION AND ENGAGEMENT PILOT

The Department of Public Works has installed temporary bike route signs and pavement markings for two demonstration engagement pilot project areas on Alexander Road from the west City limit to Plymouth Road and York Drive/Lake Grove Avenue from Berwyck Road to Lake Drive. The full implementation plan will be considered by the City Commission in July. Read more about the Mobility Bike Action Plan here.

ADOPT A DRAIN 

The City of East Grand Rapids has partnered with other local jurisdictions through the Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC) and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW) to promote water quality for our watersheds while mitigating localized flooding by creating a “adopt a drain” portal.

• What does it mean to adopt a drain? By pledging to keep your drain free of leaves and debris, you are joining your neighbors in helping to protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding. The City has approximately 1,300 catch basins. Though our 15 Public Works staff members help clean catch basins, rain events or even just a few leaves can plug them, so a community effort helps tremendously!    
• How to care for your adopted drain:  Check the weather report weekly. If possible, clear leaves and debris off the drain before it starts raining and shovel snow off the drain in winter to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash. Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain. Leaves, sticks and other natural materials can be placed in your yard waste container. 
• Drain cleaning safety tips: Please stay out of the street as much as possible. Place yourself in the right of way (the area between the sidewalk and the street) to clear the drain. Always wear gloves and be careful of sharp objects! Use a rake, broom, or shovel if possible. Never try to lift/remove the drain grate. Wear reflective clothing so vehicles can see you. 

FOOD SCRAPS COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM

Registration is open for the food scraps compost drop-off site pilot program. Our team has done a great job working together to get the program operational. Learn more about program information, rules, regulations and registration instructions by checking the City's Facebook page and website.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS