We are actively seeking new board members and volunteers
A note from the Board: air quality
Wildfire smoke from Canada has been drifting across Michigan this month, and Grand Rapids has been hit hard. On July 16, fine particulate levels here reached 613 on the air quality index, the worst in West Michigan and well into the range considered hazardous to breathe. Anything over 300 is hazardous. The smoke has come and gone with the wind, so conditions can change day to day.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the National Weather Service Grand Rapids office have urged residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity on smoky days, especially children, older adults, people who are pregnant, and anyone with asthma, heart disease, or a respiratory condition. Keep windows closed when the air is bad, and watch for coughing, chest tightness, or burning eyes.
Check the air before you head out. Live local readings are at Michigan.gov/MiAir and AirNow.gov.
A few timely updates to pass along, including two community surveys with deadlines this month.
Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation has launched its 2027 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the roadmap guiding future investments in parks, trails, recreation programs, and green spaces through 2032. The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes and is open through July 31.
The Grand Rapids Public Library is inviting residents to share feedback through a brief Library Hours Survey as part of its new Strategic Plan. The library's schedule has stayed mostly unchanged for more than twenty years, and GRPL wants neighbor input to build a more consistent schedule across all eight locations. There will be no staff layoffs or location closures. The survey is open through July 25.
The Grand Rapids Water System has been recognized by the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative with its Excellence in Community Engagement Award, a national honor for efforts to engage residents and build trust while accelerating lead service line replacement. The award was presented at the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exposition in Washington, D.C.
The Grand Rapids Police Department has shared an update clarifying the rules for low-speed vehicles and golf carts on city streets, including where they can operate, required safety equipment, and why most unmodified golf carts are not street-legal in Grand Rapids. It also explains how e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds fit into existing roadway and sidewalk rules.
Alger Heights Dumpster Day is Saturday, October 24, from 8:00 AM to Noon, or until the dumpsters are full, at MacKay Jaycees Park, 2531 Kalamazoo Ave SE. We have 12 dumpsters this year, and once they are full the event wraps up, so come early. We are also looking for volunteers to staff the morning.
We meet the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM at Seymour Church, 840 Alger St SE. Email us to get involved.
