PARKS & RECREATION

WINTER GUIDE AVAILABLE

The Parks and Recreation winter 2023 guide is now available. Resident registration began Oct. 6, and nonresident registration begins today, Oct. 13. 

LIFEGUARDS NEEDED

The City is looking for part-time lifeguards. Early and midmorning shifts are available as well as weekend options. Training is provided if needed. Starting pay is $15/hour or up to $16.50/hour for early morning shifts.

The two- and four-hour lifeguard shifts are perfect for high school and college students, stay-at-home parents, retirees and anyone else looking for fun and flexibility. Apply today.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

ABSENTEE VOTING

If you plan to vote absentee in the November election, complete the application or visit the Clerk's Office at the Community Center. Return completed absentee ballots to the drop box at the Community Center, by visiting the Clerk’s Office or by mailing it to the Clerk’s Office at 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Absentee ballots are due by 8 p.m. election night and postmarks are not accepted. 

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

The City will test election machines Oct. 26 starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. Community members are welcome to watch the testing.

SPANISH-LANGUAGE VOTER HOTLINE

The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan has launched a hotline to assist Spanish speakers in our community with voter registration and answer election questions.  

The hotline – 616.246.0562 or 616.246.568 – is open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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, police/fire giveaways and bicycle safety flags courtesy of Riding for Ryan.

Public Safety will also accept prescription drug takebacks during the same time in the department lobby. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription medications.

BICYCLE SAFETY

With the days getting shorter, it’s important for all cyclists – especially those biking to school – to take safety precautions while riding, such as wearing a helmet and using blinkers. Watch the City’s bicycle safety video for tips to stay safe on the road this season. 

CROSSING GUARD TIMES

A reminder to students and parents of when crossing guards are on duty: 

• Lake and Plymouth: 7:45-8:15 a.m. and 3:20-3:50 p.m.
• Lake and Lovett: 7:50-8:20 a.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Wealthy Condos: 7:50-8:20 a.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Lake and Bagley: 7:10-7:40 a.m. and 2:55-3:25 p.m.
• Lake and Breton: 7:25-7:55 a.m. and 2:50-3:20 p.m.
• Lake and Kennesaw: 7:25-7:55 a.m. and 2:50-3:20 p.m.
• Hall and Breton: 7:50-8:20 a.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Breton and Boston: 7:50-8:20 a.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Boston and York: 7:50-8:20 a.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• MLK (Franklin) and Gladstone: 7:35-8:05 a.m. and 2:55-3:20 p.m. 

Learn more about pedestrian safety here. 

PUBLIC WORKS

FALL LEAF PICKUP

Fall leaf pickup continues through the week of Dec. 5. Leaves may be placed in the street as long as they don’t obstruct the roadway or storm sewer catch basins. Rules and routes can be found at eastgr.org/refusecollection.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATES 

View updates on City construction projects here.

SHAKE YOUR MAILBOX THIS FALL

If your mailbox is located near the street, take a few minutes to check its condition. Over time, screws can loosen, and posts can rot. If your mailbox moves when shaken, the mailbox or post may not withstand snow thrown from plows and should be repaired before winter. 

It’s also important to ensure your mailbox conforms to U.S. Postal Service standards. The best mailbox supports are stable but bend or fall away if a car hits them. Position your mailbox 41-45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Place your mailbox 6-8 inches from the curb or edge of the pavement for areas that do not have a raised curb.

 CONSUMERS ENERGEY TREE TRIMMING

Consumers Energy is trimming trees in the public right-of-way and in private utility easements in the shaded areas on the map above. Consumers Energy mailed postcard notices to addresses in the impacted areas. Learn more about Consumers Energy tree trimming here. You can also contact Consumers Energy’s tree management team with any questions.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

EGRPS PTO COUNCIL

The EGRPS PTO Council invites community members to meet the EGRPS Board of Education candidates during a forum 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17 at the East Grand Rapids High School Performing Art Center.

In preparation for the event, view candidate profile summaries, Board of Education responsibilities and the district's strategic plan.  

GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL 

Help the City win a $1,000 beautification grant for trees, native plants or green infrastructure by completing the Grand Valley Metropolitan transportation survey.

EGR is currently in the top five. Let’s keep this momentum going for a chance to win the grant! 

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Gaslight Village Business Association will host Frightful Friday (previously “Spooky Saturday”) Friday, Oct. 28 from 3-6 p.m. Community members of all ages are invited for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, crafting and enjoying fall treats.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS SCHOOLS FOUNDATION  

The EGRSF thanks its donors, participants and the community for another successful homecoming event.

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