PARKS & RECREATION

PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECTS UPDATE

The final recommended designs for the playground replacement projects at Breton Downs, Lakeside and Wealthy elementary schools will be presented during the Sept. 19 City Commission meeting. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at the Community Center. The playground designs were updated following community input sessions earlier this month. These projects are part of the parks improvement millage approved by voters in 2021.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

ELECTION MACHINE ACCURACY TESTING

In preparation for the November election, the City will test election machines Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. in the Commission Chambers at the Community Center. The public is welcome to attend.

REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT

If you plan to vote absentee in the November election, request an absentee ballot by completing an application or visiting the Clerk's Office at the Community Center. Return your completed absentee ballot application to the drop box at the Community Center, the Clerk’s Office or by mail to the Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506. 

For more information on absentee voting, please visit the City’s website.

PUBLIC SAFETY

OPEN HOUSE & DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

Public Safety will host its annual open house 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 22 at the department, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. Bring the kids for treats, refreshments and police and fire giveaways. 

Public Safety will also accept prescription drug drop-offs during the same time in the lobby. This is an excellent opportunity to dispose of unused prescription medications safely.

PUBLIC WORKS

BRETON ROAD CLOSURE

Breton Road from Lake Drive to the south City limit will be closed to through traffic 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16 for pavement sealant work. Please follow the posted detour of Burton-Plymouth to Lake Drive.

Read the project details here.

TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

As part of the City’s tree planting program, residents can share the cost of a new tree to be planted in the outlawn of their yard – the area between the sidewalk and the street. Place your tree order by Oct. 1, with payment due Oct. 7. Learn more at eastgr.org/forestry.

FALL LEAF PICKUP

Fall leaf pickup begins the week of Oct. 10 and goes through the week of Dec. 5. Leaves may be placed in the street without obstructing the roadway and storm sewer catch basins. Rules and routes can be found at eastgr.org/refusecollection.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Learn more about street, sidewalk and utility projects as the season wraps up by visiting the construction webpage.

MOBILITY-BIKE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

The implementation phase of the Mobility-Bike Action Plan began last month with new pavement markings and route signage. Please visit the project webpage for details.

Pavement markings on Lake Drive between Elmwood Drive and Breton Road will be removed and repainted Friday, Sept. 16 after the morning commute time. Lake Drive will remain open to traffic, with traffic control present.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

KDL FALL HOURS

The library is now open Sundays 1-5 p.m. 

EGR branch fall hours:

Monday-Thursday: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL 

The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council is kicking off development of the next Metropolitan Transportation Plan for our region, which will outline funding and priorities for all modes of transportation through 2050. Complete the survey to help determine future transportation resource investments.

The five communities with the highest survey participation rates will be entered to win a $1,000 beautification grant for trees, native plants or green infrastructure. 

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