PARKS & RECREATION
THANK YOU, FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION SPONSORS
Please join us in thanking the following sponsors for supporting the annual East Grand Rapids Fourth of July Celebration, presented by Corewell Health.
Title sponsor:
Corporate sponsors:
- Grand Rapids Yacht Club
- Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library
Patriot sponsors:
- Christian Brothers Automotive, 28th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue
- John and Janyce Huff
- The Sperling Family
Firecracker sponsors:
- Rick, Stacey, Sean and Rachael Wykoski
RHOADES MCKEE REEDS LAKE TRIATHLON
The annual Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon is quickly approaching. It’s set for Saturday, Sept. 9 at John Collins Park.
Get more details, including ways to volunteer and register, here.
NEXT MOVIE IN THE PARK: “TOP GUN: MAVERICK”
The next Movie in the Park will be “Top Gun: Maverick” at sundown (around 9:30 p.m.) at John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE.
For details and park rules, click here.
SECOND ROUND OF MANHATTAN PARK ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
Save the dates for the next round of community engagement sessions for the planned improvements at Manhattan Park.
Using feedback from the first round of input in June, City staff and design consultants are planning additional open house engagement sessions where interested community members can review the updated plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
Below are details for the engagement sessions:
- 6-8 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 2 at the Manhattan Park Pavilion, 331 Cascade Road SE.
- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 at the East Grand Rapids Commission Chambers, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.
If you are unable to attend the in-person sessions, an online survey will be available in August to share your feedback. For the most updated project information, please check here or follow the City of East Grand Rapids on Facebook.
FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION
NEXT CITY COMMISSION MEETING: AUG. 7
The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.
Community members can also watch the meeting live via the City’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3koI057.
ELECTION WORKERS NEEDED
Interested in serving as an election worker this November? View the application here or visit the Clerk’s Office 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 750 Lakeside Drive SE.
For more information, call the Clerk’s Office at 616.949.2110.
SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES
Summer property taxes have been mailed to property owners. The deadline to pay without penalty is Aug. 14.
To learn more about property taxes, visit https://www.eastgr.org/148/Property-Taxes.
PUBLIC WORKS
CLEAN AIR ACTION DAY INFORMATION
Join your neighbors in helping mitigate air quality on clean air action days. Read these tips from the West Michigan Clean Air Coalition or visit the Public Works educational display in the lower-level lobby of the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.
ADOPT-A-DRAIN
The City partners with other local communities through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to promote water quality for our watersheds and mitigate localized flooding through an adopt-a-drain portal.
- What does it mean to adopt a drain? By pledging to keep your drain free of leaves and debris, you’re joining your neighbors in helping to protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding. The City has approximately 1,300 catch basins. While 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.
- Stay safe when clearing storm drains: 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 drivers can see you.
TREES AND SHRUBS: TRIMMING REMINDER
A reminder City code prohibits trees and shrubs from obstructing public ways and clear vision areas. During summer when more community members are out walking, running and playing, residents are asked to make sure their trees and shrubs aren’t blocking sidewalks.
The required height for clearance over a sidewalk is 10 feet. For a corner lot at the intersection of two streets, plants cannot exceed 30 inches in height at the 20-foot-by-20-foot triangular area formed at the corner. Properly maintaining trees and shrubs adjacent to sidewalks and streets helps keep pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers safe.
TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
As part of the City’s tree planting program, residents can share the cost, 50/50, of a new tree to be planted in the outlawn of their yard – typically the area between the sidewalk and the street. Place your tree order by Oct. 1, with payment due Oct. 6. Learn more at eastgr.org/forestry.
TALL GRASS
City code allows for a maximum height limit of grass at 5 inches.
CONSTRUCTION AND ROAD WORK UPDATES
For the latest construction and road work updates, including road closures and detours, click here.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
EAST GRAND RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET
Enjoy fresh produce, flowers, sweet treats and food at the East Grand Rapids Farmers Market 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. each Thursday through Sept. 28 at 723 Rosewood St. SE. Visit the EGR Farmers Market Facebook page for more information.
GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Join us for the Artisan Village market of local vendors, artists and makers 5-9 p.m. Thursday, July 27 in the parking lot of Big Bob’s Pizza, 661 Croswell Ave. SE. Organized by the Gaslight Village Business Association with support from the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, this event also will offer attendees an evening of live music and all-ages entertainment.
E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
Community members are invited to the E-waste and Foam Packaging Recycling Day event 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Public Works parking lot, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE.
Foam packaging #6 expanded polystyrene will be accepted. This is mostly used for food and beverage containers and electronics and furniture packaging. Look for a triangle with the number 6 inside. Packing peanuts will only be accepted in plastic bags, with only one peanut type or color per bag. Ensure all waste is clean.
Community members can also recycle computers, laptops, tablets, circuit boards, hard drives, cell phones, VCRs, DVD players, video game systems, printers, wires and holiday string lights. CRTVs, monitors and batteries will not be accepted.
For more information, view the E-GReen Sustainability Initiative’s Facebook event.
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