June 2023 eNewsletter

Welcome to the City of Kentwood's monthly eNewsletter. Stay up to date about community news, events and programs happening this month.

Mayor's Message

Summer is nearly here. As we enjoy rising temperatures and sunny days, I look forward to celebrating the season in Kentwood by enjoying local flavors and sounds at our City’s many wonderful outdoor community events.

Later this month, many West Michigan food trucks will gather at City Hall and the Kentwood Library for the Kentwood Food Truck Festival. This is a great opportunity for you to experience a wide variety of delicious, local flavors in one convenient location – with local musicians enhancing the experience by performing their lovely music.

The following week and throughout the rest of the summer, you can support local vendors and find fresh produce, baked goods and more at the Kentwood Farmers Market. After you’ve shopped for produce, you can stay after the market closes on select Thursday nights and enjoy the local musicians featured in this year’s Summer Concert Series.

This month provides activities for residents of all ages to gather and celebrate the beginning of summer with food, music and community. I look forward to celebrating alongside you.

Wishing you a wonderful start to the season,

Mayor Kepley

Kick off the Summer at the Kentwood Food Truck Festival

The annual Kentwood Food Truck Festival is set for Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Community members of all ages are invited to join the City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, for food and a fun-filled day. This popular community event offers free admission and features more than 25 food trucks, live music and a beer tent. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival.

There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact your route to this event. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.

Check out the Kentwood Summer Concert Series Lineup

Our Summer Concert Series will return with free concerts on select Thursday nights beginning June 15. Bring a blanket or chair and join us 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Food trucks will be on-site with food and beverages for purchase each week. Concertgoers may also bring their own food and beer or wine. Get there early and explore the Kentwood Farmers Market from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall. 

Shop Local at the Kentwood Farmers Market 

The ninth season of the Kentwood Farmers Market will run June 15-Sept. 7. Community members can find fresh produce, baked goods, soaps, craft items and more from a variety of local vendors 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Food trucks will also be on-site each week. Find more information and a schedule of events at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com and get the latest updates from the Kentwood Farmers Market Facebook page.

Division Avenue Arts & Culture Festival 

The Division Avenue Business Association will host the Division Avenue Arts & Culture Festival on June 10 from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. at The Stray, 4253 Division Ave. S. This all-ages event will include food and craft vendors, live music, dance, interactive art, a colorful dragon parade, fun prize giveaways and more. Learn more about the event here.

Join Kent District Library’s Summer

Wonder Program 

The Kent District Library’s Summer Wonder program kicks off this month and features fun experiences for all ages and prizes for reading books between June 5 and Aug. 12. Whether you’re looking to play in a Super Mario Smash Bros tournament, check out a science show or play trivia, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. Learn more at kdl.org/summer.

Join the City of Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration

The City will celebrate the Fourth of July on Tuesday, July 4 with a full day of activities. The schedule for the day is: 

•  7:30a.m.-9:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. 
• 8:30 a.m. – NN Autocam 5K Race & Fun Walk at City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
• 9:30 a.m. – Parade featuring a new route this year. 
• 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Carnival with rides and games for all ages at City Hall.
• 4-9:45 p.m. – Evening celebration at City Hall with community booths, food trucks, a beer tent and live music – all leading up to fireworks at dusk. 

Find all the details, including parking and road work detour information, at kentwood.us/July4.

Fireworks Hours and Safety Reminders

Many summer celebrations include fireworks, and it’s important to use them safely and courteously. Per state law, fireworks are allowed in Kentwood 11 a.m.-11:45 p.m. June 29 through July 4. 

Please be courteous of your neighbors when using fireworks this summer. The Kentwood Fire Department recommends residents follow safety precautions, including:

• Only use fireworks outdoors in clear areas away from buildings, vehicles and flammable substances.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pockets.
• Ensure fireworks activities are supervised by a responsible adult; never give fireworks to children.
• Have a bucket of water and working water hose nearby. 

To report the use of fireworks during prohibited times, call the Kentwood Police Department’s non-emergency line at 616.698.6580.

Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Events

The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch will offer a variety of programs this month, including:

Teen Zone: Nintendo Switch Tournament 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 14

• Bring your friends to compete at Super Smash Bros. using Nintendo Switch. Space is limited and spots are available on a first come, first served basis.

Doctor Slime’s Science Show 10-11 a.m. Thursday June 15

• Enjoy demonstrations for all ages from Mad Scientist Doctor Slime.

Touch a Truck 10-12 p.m. Wednesday, June 21

• Check out big trucks and the amazing operators that keep our community working. Learn and explore together!

Find a full list of events at kdl.org. 

2023 Construction Projects

Several construction projects are underway or will begin soon in the city of Kentwood. These projects include improvements to approximately 27.5 miles of major and local roads. Planned street reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance projects include:

• Full reconstruction of 52nd Street SE from Kalamazoo to Breton Avenue.
• Full reconstruction of Meadowlane Drive SE.
• Other preventative street maintenance work throughout the city, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching.

All construction projects are expected to be completed by October, but construction schedules are dependent on weather. Message boards on major streets will give drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists advance notice of when closures will begin.

Community members can sign up to be notified when construction updates are added to the City’s website and receive updates via Facebook and Twitter. For more information on this year’s projects, visit kentwood.us/construction.

City of Kentwood Earns Energy

Savings Awards

Our Department of Public Works was recently named the 2022 Biggest Loser by Michigan Battle of the Buildings in the education and warehouse categories.

By adjusting schedules, installing new equipment and adding technology, Kentwood DPW reduced annual energy use by 17.44% at the DPW facility and 15% at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch when compared to 2021. 

Congratulations, DPW team! Find more information about this award here. 

Metronet Begins Construction in Kentwood

Metronet has begun construction to bring fiber optic internet, TV and telephone service to City of Kentwood residents and businesses. 

Residents can expect to see Metronet construction teams in and around neighborhoods completing both aerial and underground work over the next several months. Homeowners will be made aware of installation activity in their area prior to construction through a series of direct communications from the company. In neighborhoods with utilities on overhead poles, Metronet will use existing infrastructure. In areas with underground utilities, Metronet will use horizontal underground drilling machines to bury the fiber cables.

Residents are encouraged to visit construction.metronetinc.com or kentwood.us/metronet to access frequently asked questions, view construction areas and notify Metronet of any potential property concerns, such as the location of an underground sprinkler system or invisible dog fence. The website also contains brief and informative videos explaining easements and what to expect during construction.

Check Out Updates at Jaycee Park

Despite the Michigan winter, we’ve stayed busy at Jaycee Park constructing a new restroom and program building, drinking fountain and picnic table seating area thanks in part to a grant to facilitate community engagement. Work is currently underway on the parking lot, new lighting and security improvements. We’re excited to continue improving Jaycee Park and our other parks, trails and programming through future grants and the parks millage. To learn more about our plans, visit kentwood.us/millage.

Splash Pads Open for the Season

Our splash pads are now open through Sept. 4. The splash pads are available seven days a week 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and are located in Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE, and Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE. Children 8 and younger must have adult supervision. Water shoes are highly recommended.

Gather 2 Grow! Lunches at the Library 

Kent District Library is partnering with Feeding America West Michigan this summer to provide free lunches to students 18 and under and 26 and under for individuals with disabilities. 

The lunches are pre-packaged, nutritious and shelf-stable – plus, there are options to fit almost any dietary need. Lunches are available every weekday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. from Monday, June 5 through Friday, Aug. 11 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Please visit kdl.org/lunch for more information.

We’re Hiring for Seasonal, Part-Time and

Full-time Roles

Are you interested in joining the City of Kentwood team?  We’re hiring for several seasonal, part-time and full-time positions. Visit kentwood.us/employment to explore our current job listings and apply.

You can also benefit your community and yourself through volunteering. The City of Kentwood has a strong group of volunteers who add great value to our community – and we’re always welcoming more dedicated members to join our network. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities.