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Monthly e-Newsletter | June 2019 Edition
Hello from Mayor Gary Carey
Whether navigating through Walker, or on most major roads and highways in West Michigan, we are reminded that we are already deep into construction season. We all discuss the shorter-term inconveniences that these projects bring to us in longer travel times and traffic delays. While inconvenient, these projects are needed maintenance and improvements that are critical to avoiding a larger price-tag down the road. I continue to be proud of the road and infrastructure funding priorities that we have established, which does make for a lot of roadwork going on in Walker right now. A huge thank you to our City staff for making sure the work is done and done properly. Walker maximizes every grant and funding support opportunity to help us lower costs with the projects, as well as making sure we minimize those inconveniences as much as we can. Below I will share some updates on current and potential projects, and you are always encouraged to reach out to myself, or your Commissioners for questions and feedback.

The first construction area is Three Mile and Walker. This intersection has been a multi-year project in its prep work and budgeting. Because of our business and industrial growth in that area, the City developed plans to improve the intersection in several ways. The most notable improvements are the addition of dual left turn lanes from Three Mile Road to northbound Walker Avenue, with the addition of new mast arm signals. This will help to alleviate what have been extremely long waits during peak traffic hours. I am excited to share that this project is currently ahead of schedule.

The second area of note is the construction of the three new Laker Line stops on Lake Michigan Drive through Standale. You have probably noticed the large concrete pads and structures starting to go up. The Laker Line is a 13-mile route connecting Grand Valley State University in Allendale to the Michigan Street Medical Mile in Grand Rapids. Stations in our city will include eastbound and westbound stations at the intersection of Ferndale Avenue and M-45 / Lake Michigan Drive, the intersection of Cummings Avenue and M-45 / Lake Michigan Drive, and at the tunnel crossing of the Fred Meijer Standale Trail and M-45 / Lake Michigan Drive. These stations are significantly larger than traditional bus stops and they offer several amenities to riders such as snow melt, real-time arrival info, emergency phones, bike racks, and security cameras. While the construction in our City will be done well before then, the first buses are currently scheduled to go into service in August of 2020.

As far as upcoming project work, the most notable one is the intersection at Three Mile Road and Remembrance (M-11). The City of Walker has been collaborating with MDOT on possible short- and long-term solutions for the shape and function of this intersection. Residents and business owners have made numerous requests to restore the temporary traffic signal that was in place during the construction of the M-11 roundabout, just to the southeast. Both MDOT and Walker staff have agreed that simply installing a traffic signal at this location is not the best long-term solution. Our City Commission, however, had made a formal request to MDOT to consider signal installation as a temporary solution until the intersection can be redesigned. An improved intersection will mitigate the skewed angle of the cross streets. As part of the design work for the signal, MDOT and Walker are exploring a narrowing of Remembrance (M-11) through the Three Mile intersection to turn it into a 3-lane road. Taking a 4-lane road and converting it into a 3-lane road is commonly referred to as a “road diet”. While Walker is still actively lobbying for widening of M-11 further south on Wilson Avenue, this concession would allow for the installation of a traffic signal for the foreseeable future. This short-term modification will help to control traffic enough to meet the criteria necessary to warrant a traffic signal installation at Three Mile Road. Long-term solutions will continue to be discussed but this lane adjustment should help to make a traffic signal a reality. We will continue to work with MDOT to monitor the operation of the new signal as we work together on long-term solutions. 

A second intersection that has both my focus, and that of the City Commission’s, as well as City staff is the intersection of Wilson Avenue (M-11) and Richmond Street. This traditional rural intersection has gotten progressively busier as Walker continues to grow around it. Walker recently installed dual LED street lights to help highlight the intersection to drivers along M-11, and it is significantly brighter than before. MDOT also has cleared trees and brush to improve intersection visibility. The City and MDOT have discussed the long-term need for center turn lanes and potentially a traffic signal. MDOT unsuccessfully applied for a Safety Grant last year to make intersection improvements which would precede any type of signalization. Walker is also currently preparing a Safety Grant that would allow for widening of the Richmond Street legs. For MDOT to consider signalization, we need to have 2 exit lanes designated on each of our Richmond legs. Our grant will propose the widening necessary to meet these criteria. 

In summary, we have a lot going on with current road construction. We are working on solutions to known present and future challenges. We appreciate your patience through all of it and welcome your feedback. 

Whether a resident or business, thank you for making the choice to call Walker home.

Gary Carey, Jr.
Mayor
City of Walker
Upcoming Events:
June 10: KDL Summer Fun Kick-off Carnival @ 4:30 pm, KDL Walker Branch (outdoors)
June 11: Biannual Neighborhood Watch Meeting @ 6:30 pm, Walker Fire Station #3
June 12: Pop with a Cop @ 6:00 pm, Double Dip Depot
June 13 : Summer Concert Series ft. Brena @ 6:30 pm, Community Park
June 19: Alpine Ave Corridor Planning Open House @ 5pm, English Hills Golf Course
FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR EVENT DETAILS AND UPDATES!
Save the Date:
Walker Parks & Rec Night
Join us on Thursday, July 11 for Walker Parks & Rec Night to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month!

Where? Walker Community Park
(700 Cummings Ave)

When? 4:30 pm - 6 pm

What? Drop-in soccer and kickball (all ages and abilities), tennis and pickleball demonstrations, crafts, food, snocones, ice cream, raffles, tshirts and more!

Cost? FREE
Walker Fire Department: Changes to Michigan Fireworks Law
The State of Michigan has recently changed their Fireworks Law. No person within the City of Walker shall ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks on any day other than the following days:

  • NEW YEARS EVE - December 31 after 11:00 a.m. and until 1:00 a.m. on January 1
  • MEMORIAL DAY - On Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day after 11:00 a.m. and until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
  • FOURTH OF JULY - On June 29 to July 4 after 11:00 a.m. and until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days. On July 5 if July 5 is a Friday or Saturday after 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m.
  • LABOR DAY - Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day after 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days

The City of Walker Fire Department urges you to use caution when using fireworks as part of your celebration of the Fourth of July and all holidays.
Public Act 256 of the State of Michigan allows for the use of consumer fireworks. Use of fireworks in Walker is regulated by Section 38-16 of the City Ordinance. Some of the highlights of the State law and City ordinance are as follows:

  • You must be 18 years or older to purchase consumer fireworks.
  • Use of consumer fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is illegal.
  • Setting off fireworks on public property, in the street, school property, church property, or any other person’s property without permission is prohibited.
  • No person shall sell consumer fireworks to a minor.

Please be aware of your neighbors and the affect that your fireworks use has on them. The Walker Fire Department would prefer that you leave fireworks displays to the professionals and simply enjoy from a distance. But if you choose to set off fireworks as part of your celebration, please use extreme caution.

For more fireworks safety facts, go to nfpa.org/education.
Walker Police Department: Department News
Follow Walker Police Department's Official Facebook Page to stay updated on summer events! Click on the green button below.

Bi-Annual Neighborhood Watch Meeting #1
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Fire Station #3 Upper Community Room
630-8 PM
  • City Officials providing updates
  • Discussing support network for victims of identity theft and fraud
  • All residents are welcome to attend!

3 rd Annual Pop with a Cop
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Double Dip Depot
6-730 PM (Rain Date is June 14)
  • Connect & Chat with local officers, play FREE mini golf, and kick off the summer with safety tips!
  • All residents welcome to attend!
Clerk's Department Updates
Alert! All solicitors must be licensed by the city clerk to canvas within the City of Walker.

If someone comes to your door soliciting, please ask to see their Solicitor License from the City of Walker and proof of employment with the company.

If they refuse to show you their license or they state that they are not licensed, get their vehicle license plate number, name of the individual and the company name. Please report this to the Police Department at (616) 453-5441.
Passports: You can apply for a passport in the Clerk’s Office. No appointments are necessary during Passport Office Hours which are Monday – Thursday from 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM and Friday from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM.

Visit our website for details on passport requirements. More information Passports are currently taking longer than usual to process, please allow at least 6 weeks for your passport to be processed.
Real ID: The Secretary of States office is rolling out the new REAL ID driver’s license, which will be required after October 2020, to fly domestically. Please plan ahead if you plan to convert your current driver’s license to a REAL ID driver’s license.

You will be required to take your original birth certificate and any certified name change documents, such as your marriage license or court order with you to apply.
Vote from Home! Everyone can vote via an absentee ballot (by mail) if you have not contacted us to be put on our automatic permanent absentee mailing list please email us at [email protected] .

If you have any questions pertaining to any of this information, don’t hesitate to call us at 616.791.6865 or [email protected]
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Summer Facility Hours
Mon-Thurs: 5am to 10pm
Friday: 5am to 8pm
Sat & Sun: 7am to 5pm

*Starts May 24th - September 2nd.                                  
Summer Public Skating
Looking for a way to beat the heat? Head over to the Walker Ice Arena to enjoy a cooling public skate session. We have lots of open skate, freestyle skate, drop-in hockey and stick and puck sessions available. Check out the skate schedule online .
Calling all Walker Walkers!!
June 5 marks the start of the 2019 season of our popular Senior Fit Walking Club. It’s not too late to sign up! Every Wednesday morning at 9am, meet in the lobby. The group will do a short warm up with our fun instructors and then we all head outside and walk the trails through City Central Park! If you walk 5 times over the summer, you will earn a free t-shirt!
Party Packages and Room Rentals
Are you looking for a fun place to host a birthday party? Family Reunion? Graduation Party? Call Facility Director—Mary Kay Sherman (616) 735-6286 for more information and room availability!!  Skating Parties start at $6.99 per person and Room Rental starts at $20/hr!!
HAWK House Hockey
Session 5 of our Learn to Skate/Learn to Play Hockey starts on Wednesday, May 29 th at 6pm! Visit our website online for more information or call Mike Fountain, Ice Director (616) 735-6286 with questions. 
News and Events
2019 Spring Soccer season has come to an end. Thank you to all our volunteers, soccer officials, field supervisors, parents and players for helping us make it another good season! We hope everyone had fun!
 
See all of you again in the Fall 2019!
Registrations will start July 1!
Adult softball games started June 3! Check out the game schedule here https://secure.rec1.com/MI/walker-mi/leagues and go cheer on your favorite team and enjoy the evening!

The picture here is featuring one of last year’s Men’s team champions, Walker Roadhouse! Good luck to all our teams this year, we are excited to have the season start and looking forward to seeing who wins!
July is National Parks & Recreation Month!
It’s time to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining quality of life within our community for all ages.  
What is National Park and Recreation month?
Since 1985 Americans have been celebrating National Park and Recreation month in July. As our Walker Recreation Department recognizes and celebrates this month, we also are encouraging you to get outside, explore local parks and enjoy outdoor activities!

Why celebrate parks?
  • To find connections across communities: Access to parks is equally important as ensuring the presence of parks and has the power to connect several communities.
  • To support the environment: Parks play an important role in the environmental health by cleaning water, preserving wildlife, and offering a refuge to humans and animals throughout the seasons.
  • To explore local ecosystems: Did you know that parks are not just plots of grass? Sports fields, beaches, trails and many other spaces can be parks offering a host of recreation opportunities!
Why get active outside?
  • To increase children’s chances of success in school: Kids with access to safe parks and playgrounds are more likely to engage in physical activities - kids who are physically active do better in school.
  • To contribute to the maintenance of a healthy weight: Local parks and recreation departments help promote physical activity.
  • To have a more positive outlook: Spending time outdoors reduces stress and improves mental health. Exposure to nature improves creativity, decreases stress hormones and calms aggression.

Contact our Parks & Recreation Department for locations of our parks or for information on our recreation programs at 616.735.6286 or at www.walkericeandfitness.com . Help us help you and celebrate National Park & Recreation month with us!

Like us on Facebook and Instagram to know about more special events coming!
Summer is here, which means it’s time to get out and explore the great things happening at your local parks and recreation center! 

This July, join in on the fun and games offered by Walker Parks & Recreation at our official Walker Parks & Rec Night on Thursday, July 11 . A variety of fun activities are planned for residents of all ages and abilities — including drop-in soccer and kickball, a tennis and pickleball demonstration, raffle, giveaways, food and more! This event will be held at Walker Community Park (700 Cummings Ave) from 4:30-6 PM before the evening’s concert series at 6:30 PM.

The City of Walker is celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), by inviting you to ‘get in the game’. With everything from learning about our youth and adult sports leagues, visiting a park to hit some balls on the tennis court, or walking our ever-growing trail network, there are plenty of ways that you can celebrate with us!

Throughout the Month of July, The City of Walker and Walker Parks & Recreation Department will be highlighting our City Parks and the numerous activities the parks program has to offer on our social media pages! Be sure to follow the City of Walker and Walker Ice & Fitness Center’s pages to stay connected.

NRPA encourages people that support parks and recreation to share why they think it’s important with the hashtag #GameOnJuly.

To learn more about Park and Recreation Month, visit www.walker.city and www.nrpa.org/July .  
KDL Walker Branch: Library News
Summer Reading
Summer reading starts Monday, June 3 this year and runs through Saturday, Aug. 10.

Sign up online at  READsquared  or pick up a paper form at  your nearest KDL branch . Log your summer reading activity and earn prizes!
Prizes will be available for pickup starting Tuesday, July 2. (If you finish earlier than that, please wait until July 2 to claim your prize.)

Everyone who completes summer reading will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 10 iPad minis. Youth and teens who complete the additional Super Reader challenge will get an additional chance to win an iPad mini. Adults who complete summer reading will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize basket.

The Adult prize for this year is a Summer Reading at KDL beach towel.
Fine Free
Fines for overdue items will become a thing of the past for Kent District Library patrons beginning June 1. This change removes a barrier for people who cannot afford their fines and wish to use the library.

The elimination of late fines is expected to spark an increase in circulation of library materials and encourage inactive patrons to return to the library.
“Each year, hundreds of patrons stop using library services entirely because they are deterred by late fines,” explains Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, Director of Programming, Outreach and Collection Services for KDL. “There’s a ‘shame’ element to late fines that does more harm than good.

Eliminating the shame and late fines will make library resources more accessible and create a more encouraging experience for more people.”
Other libraries around the country, such as the Salt Lake City Public Library, have eliminated late fines and shared positive results.

As of June 1, all unpaid fines for overdue materials will be forgiven. Card-holders who were prohibited from checking out materials due to unpaid late fines will once again be able to check out materials. Patrons will continue to receive notifications of due dates and past-due items. Items that are more than 35 days past due will be considered ‘lost’ and charged to the patron. The library will also continue to charge patrons for damaged items.
 
The elimination of late fines coincides with the kick off of KDL’s Summer Reading program, which fosters reading and event participation for all ages.
Reoccurring Regular Program s

Toddler Time
Nurture your toddler's love of books through music, movement and stories while helping to develop their language, motor and social skills.
For children ages 3 and younger with an adult.
Mondays, 9:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Starting June 17

Family Storytime
Read and sing together as a family. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop early literacy skills.
Thursdays 10:30 a.m.  Starting June 20

Baby Playgroup
Get to know other families and help your baby develop listening and language skills while you gather and play. We provide the space and a variety of sensory and play activities. Each playgroup also includes 15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs. For babies from birth to 18 months with a caregiver. Older siblings welcome!
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. Starting June 20

Ruff Readers
Ruff Readers is a unique read-aloud program in partnership with West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. that pairs kids with a trained therapy dog and their handler. Kids read their favorite book and the pooches curl up, listen and enjoy. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and secure a time slot. First come, first served. Sponsored by Bissell
Mondays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Starting June 17 till July 15
Special Programs

Monday, June 10, 2019 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m.
Launch your best summer yet with an outdoor carnival! Start the summer reading program, play games for prizes and enjoy lots more carnival-style fun. Also come and explore the KDL Bookmobile.

Adult Book Discussion: Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m
Join us for a fun, informal book discussion. This month's selection is Saving CeeCee Honeycut by Beth Hoffman.

Outdoor Discovery: Animal Communication
Monday, June 17, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered how ants follow what seem to be invisible trails leading to food? Or why beavers slap their tail? And why are skunks black and white? If so, you’re in the right place! In this program we will learn about some types of critter communication.

Teens: Comic Strip Commandos
Tuesday, June 18, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Comic strip illustrating with Wade Gugino. This is a one hour, high-intensity cartoon creation and layout boot camp. Paper and pencils provided. 

Adults: BuJo with Mo: Using a Bullet Journal
Tuesday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of using a bullet journal to achieve goals and organize your daily, monthly and yearly tasks. Tackle your To-Do lists with confidence. All supplies provided.

Teens: Art Attack
Wednesday, June 19, 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
Exercise your creativity! Create a variety of art projects to take home with you.

Travel Tales: Alaska – the non-cruise edition
Wednesday, June 19, 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Listen to fellow “travel bugs” each month as someone will share a story of a memorable travel trip and why it was special. Speakers will share pictures and mementos from their trips with a chance for Q&A. Lite refreshments will be provided thanks to Wonderland Family Vacations, who will also have a travel agent in attendance to help answer any travel related questions.
Did you have an awesome travel experience you would like to share? Are you willing to talk to a group of people about this experience and share some pictures? If so consider signing up for one of our future travel tales by contacting Walker Branch staff.

KDaLe Book Club: Osgood Brewing
Thursday, June 20, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Combine your love of books and brews at the KDaLe Book Club. Enjoy a drink from Osgood Brewing while we talk about what we've been reading. Expert book recommendations from KDL librarians included. The book club will be held at Osgood Brewing, 4051 Chicago Dr. SW in Grandville. For adults 21 and older.

Teens: Ca ndy Mosaic
Tuesday, June 25, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is required . When the waitlist is full, the registration buttons disappear because registration is closed. Teens! Bring your friends and artful hunger and create Mosaic designs using candy, frosting and graham crackers. 

Farm on the Go!
Wednesday, June 26, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Visit friendly farm animals with the Critter Barn of Zeeland. Enjoy many hands-on experiences!

Adult Book Discussion: Rise and Shine Benedict Stone
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m
Join us for a fun, informal book discussion. This month's selection is Rise and Shine Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick.

Teens: Paint a Mug
Tuesday, July 9, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is required . When the waitlist is full, the registration buttons disappear because registration is closed. Teens! Bring your friends and artful hunger and create Mosaic designs using candy, frosting and graham crackers. 

Audacious Hoops
Wednesday, July 10, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Watch a lively, interactive hula hoop show. There will be hula hoops available for everyone to give it a whirl.

Drop-In Tutoring with Sparta Adult Education
Wednesday, July 10, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Drop-in tutoring is available to adults 18 and up enrolled in any of the following programs: High School Diploma, English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), High School Equivalency (GED) and Career Technical Education (CTE). Questions on all subjects are welcome. Tutoring is hosted by Sparta Adult Education.

Visit KDL.org Events for a current schedule of programs at the branch.
Friends of Walker Trails News
Welcome to summer!! School’s out which means lots more kiddos and traffic in general on the trails. Here are some basic reminders of trail etiquette and safety:
 
  • Ride / walk single file when there is oncoming traffic
  • Be mindful of pets, small children etc. If you stop to smell the flowers (or chat with a neighbor) make sure they stay to the right so passing bikers, joggers, and skaters don’t collide with your little ones.
  • It’s a state law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. That said, it’s smart biking to make sure traffic is aware of you. Stop, hold up your hand, & be sure to wave to motorists that give you the right of way...builds good bike/driver relationships!
  • Pick up your dog and people waste! We have trash cans and pooh-bags along the trail. If dispensers are empty, or in need of repair, contact [email protected]
  • When passing, announce yourself as ‘Passing on the left’ in a clear voice and proceed.
 
We could go on… but these are some of the top items we hear about. Basically, just be aware of your surroundings and take advantage of the trail to build community.
 
Volunteer with us!! We have volunteer opportunities throughout the summer. Easy, one-time commitments at the community concert series and other local events. Check our Sign Up Genius page to lend a hand. Go to signupgenius.com/findasignup and enter [email protected] as the ‘creator’s email’.
 
Advocate for us!! Walker Master Planning is underway. There will be a series of community meetings to discuss the future development of Walker. The first is June 19 from 5-8 at English Hills Country Club. Even if you filled out a survey in the past, it’s important to have representation at these meetings so everyone can build an understanding of the process and what other community members are thinking.
 
Meet with us!! We have regular meetings at the Walker Ice and Fitness Center. Generally the first Monday of the month. Come join us this summer to help organize group rides & runs as well as a fun run Next meetings July 1 & Aug 5 6:30-7:30 pm.
 
Support us!! T-shirts for sale at all our public events, (cash or check). You can also get one at Walker Ice & Fitness Center. $15 adult sizes only. 
Walker Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
Quarterly Meetings are held at:
Walker City Hall
4243 Remembrance Rd.
Walker, MI 49534
Held quarterly the second Tuesday of the month

Next Meeting: August 13
"Finding & Retaining Quality Employees"

If your business would like to host an Walker After Work Event, please let us know!
The City of Walker is now on Instagram!
Follow along at @CityofWalkerMI
Created by the Walker Youth Commission and adopted by the City Commissioners, this exciting video highlights the main attractions of the City of Walker, from Millennium Park to beautiful neighborhoods. This video was presented to the Walker community and soon-to-be citizens on how Walker is such a great place to live, work, and grow.