PARKS & RECREATION

WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Browse through the winter Parks and Recreation program guide at eastgr.org/programguide for activities for all ages and interests. Register online or call 616.949.1750. Registration begins today (Oct. 12) for residents and Oct. 19 for non-residents. 

For updates on winter offerings, check our website or the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.   

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION 

NEXT CITY COMMISSION MEETING: OCT. 16
The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16 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.

EARLY VOTING INFORMATION
Early voting will take place 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 5 in Room 105 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, except for Wednesday, Nov. 1, when it will be offered 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

For more information on early voting and the November election, visit eastgr.org/elections.

PUBLIC SAFETY

PUBLIC SAFETY EVENTS
Our fall Drug Takeback Day will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Public Safety lobby, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications – no questions asked.

Since the start of this program in 2018, our Public Safety Department has collected and properly disposed of 6,705 pounds of medications, helping to keep our community safe by decreasing the chances of misuse and environmental contamination.

Public Safety will also host its annual open house 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 28 at 770 Lakeside Drive SE. All ages are welcome for treats, refreshments and police and fire giveaways.

PUBLIC WORKS

FALL LEAF PICKUP CONTINUES THROUGH WEEK OF DEC. 4

Fall leaf pickup continues through the week of Dec. 4. Leaves may be placed in the street, but please don’t obstruct the roadway and storm sewer catch basins. 

Rules and routes can be found at eastgr.org/refusecollection. 

ADOPT-A-DRAIN 
During fall leaf pickup, it’s especially important to keep catch basins clear of leaf litter and street debris.

We partner with other local communities through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to promote water quality for our watersheds while mitigating 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. Our city has approximately 1,300 catch basins, and while our 15 Public Works staff members help clean catch basins, rain events or even just a few leaves can plug them. That’s why a community effort is needed – and helps tremendously.    
• How to care for your adopted drain: Check the weather report weekly. If possible, clear leaves and debris off drains before it starts raining and shovel snow off drains during the winter to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash and clear about 10 feet on each side 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 and wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you. 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.

SPRINKLERS

If you’re winterizing your sprinkler systems, please consider reviewing sprinkler head coverage patterns to ensure water is focused on vegetation and not on streets and sidewalks. Additionally, check coverage for morning and afternoon commute times to avoid negative impacts on students and pedestrians.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 
The Gaslight Village Business Association invites community members of all ages for a fun afternoon of trick-or-treating, retail and restaurant specials and more 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. Details coming soon. Visit gogaslight.com/frightfulfriday for updates. 

EAST GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Have questions about the November 2023 bond proposal? Get your questions answered at the final Coffee with Dr. Kattula 8 a.m. Oct. 24 in the East Grand Rapids High School Learning Commons.

On the Nov. 7 ballot, voters in the East Grand Rapids Public Schools District will be asked to consider a bond proposal that focuses on major additions and renovations at the high school, a multi-classroom addition at Woodcliff Early Childhood Center, infrastructure replacements at all schools, and a 10-year technology plan. 

For more information, please visit egrps.org/bond.  

FRIENDS OF THE EGR LIBRARY
Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library is accepting used book donations at the library, 746 Lakeside Drive SE. 

Mark your calendar for the Friends of the EGR Library fall book sale Nov. 3-5 in the lower level of the library. 

For more information, including how to become a Friends of the EGR Library member, visit friendsoftheegrlibrary.org.

KENT COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
For battery recycling opportunities, visit ReimagineTrash.org for details on recycling locations, hours and accepted items. 

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Foundation is counting down its Top 40 grants over the past 40 years. From elementary paraeducators and March Book Madness to the Middle School Innovation Lab and High School IB Programme and more, the Foundation has funded hundreds of grants thanks to its donors

Help the Foundation decide which grants should be included in its top 40 countdown by submitting your suggestions to Jay Forstner at jforstne@egrps.org.

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL
As the days get shorter, the GVMC encourages pedestrians to make themselves seen by wearing light, bright or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight or wearing a headlamp.

Watch this video for more safety tips.

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH

Children’s author and illustrator Jason Chin, winner of the 2022 Caldecott Medal for his book “Watercress,” will speak about his work. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation. Sponsored by the Friends of the EGR Library with generous support from the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation, this free event takes place 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the EGR branch, 746 Lakeside Drive SE. 

Learn more here.

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