PARKS & RECREATION

SPORTS NIGHT OUT: THIS SATURDAY

Join us Saturday, Jan. 21 for a fun evening that includes games, challenges and activities for children ages 5-12 at the EGR High School gym. Plus, there’s a photo booth so you can have a keepsake from the evening. 

Register online or at the door. The cost is $24 for residents and $29 for nonresidents.

SPRING PROGRAMMING: NONRESIDENT REGISTRATION OPEN

Nonresidents can now register for our Parks & Recreation spring programming by visiting eastgr.org/programguide or by calling 616.949.1750.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

NEXT CITY COMMISSION MEETING: FEB. 6

The next City Commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.  

The meeting agenda will be available Feb. 1 here: https://bit.ly/3XF74DB. 

Can’t make the meeting in person? No problem – watch the meeting live on our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3koI057. 

PUBLIC WORKS

AVOID FLUSHING WIPES

A reminder that wipes marketed as “flushable” are hazardous to our wastewater system. This includes adult wipes, cleaning wipes and baby wipes. 

Only toilet paper should be flushed down toilets because it is the only paper designed to break down as it travels through the wastewater treatment process. Other types of paper and wipes are not designed to break down, causing blockages in home sewer lines that can lead to costly plumber repairs.

TREE MAINTENANCE

Public Works continues to conduct tree maintenance for city-owned trees in the public right-of-way throughout the winter. A city contractor will also be assisting with pruning during this time. Winter pruning is optimal because it causes less stress on the trees since they are not growing new leaves and branches.

WINTER SAFE STREET DEMONSTRATION PILOTS

Public Works is seeking resident feedback on its safe street demonstration pilots. These demonstration pilots seek to improve misaligned intersections and pedestrian crossings. The demonstration pilots consist of temporary rubber curb installations and signs that allow residents to experience the potential changes.

The demonstration pilots will be in place through February. Below are links to each demonstration pilot area. Information was mailed to adjacent residents and information stations are available at each location. 

For questions and feedback, please email publicworks@eastgr.org or call 616.940.4817.

Englewood Drive and Gorham Drive: https://bit.ly/3QLvoS1. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Gladstone Avenue and Rosewood Avenue: https://bit.ly/3QQHHwr. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Rosewood Avenue are pictured above. 

ADOPT-A-DRAIN

Did you know the City has partnered with neighboring communities through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to create an online adopt-a-drain portal? By adopting a drain and keeping it debris-free, you're helping protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding. The City has about 1,300 catch basins and, while Public Works staff work to keep them clear of leaves and debris, a community effort is needed to support this initiative.

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 to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash. Compost, if possible, in your yard compost container. Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain.  

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 or remove the drain grate. Wear reflective clothing so vehicles can see you. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL

The GVMC and its partners are seeking feedback on ways to improve access to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport as well as the surrounding local road and freeway systems. 

A public open house is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Road SE. During the event, community members will have an opportunity to provide input on the GVMC’s list of preferred projects as part of this improvement effort.

Can't make the meeting? Take the Phase 3 survey to provide your thoughts here: https://arcg.is/LWvW9.

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