PARKS & RECREATION

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 concert lineup is: 

• June 20 – BN90’s
• June 27 – Coty Bouchard
• 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. This year’s movie lineup is: 

• June 17 – “Jungle Cruise”
• 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.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Information regarding the City's Fourth of July Celebration, presented by Spectrum Health, can be accessed here.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES

Summer property tax bills will be 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. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

WELCOME BIKE PATROL

The City welcomes Garrett, Aidan, Santiago and Lejla to our community this summer as part of the bike patrol. They will assist Public Safety with controlling traffic, enforcing parking regulations and educating youth about helmet and crosswalk safety.

If you see the patrol during public events, such as Concerts and Movies in the Park and races, be sure to wave and say hello.

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 will be installing 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. 

COMING SOON: FOOD SCRAPS COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM

In late April, the City Commission authorized a food scraps composting drop-off site pilot program. The program will start with the registration of up to 100 households and three business operators in the City. Stay tuned for program information, rules, regulations and registration instructions by checking the City's Facebook page, website, and e-newsletter.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

REEDS LAKE TRAIL BLAZER 5K RUN/WALK

Kick off your Independence Day celebrations by participating in the Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5k Run/Walk! All ages can participate in this event. To register, visit: reedslaketrailblazer.com.

When you participate in the Reeds Lake Trail Blazer, you support the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation. The Foundation helps secure financial support for services, programs and projects that enhance the quality of life for EGR residents and visitors. 

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