Welcome to the City of Kentwood's monthly eNewsletter. Stay up to date about community news, events and programs happening this month. |
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I am pleased to announce the return of our Fourth of July Celebration, which has been Kentwood’s most popular community event for generations. The daylong event draws thousands of residents and neighbors together for cherished activities and traditions. This year’s event features a variety of activities community members of all ages can enjoy as we celebrate our nation’s independence and our community’s resiliency after such a challenging year.
I’m grateful for how much we have grown as a country since its founding years ago and am optimistic we will continue to build solidarity through listening and respecting our diverse perspectives and experiences. Our ability to learn from one another has made Kentwood a welcoming and thriving community.
In partnership,
Mayor Kepley
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Celebrate Independence Day in Kentwood on Saturday, July 3 |
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Join us for a full day of activities Saturday, July 3 to celebrate Independence Day. Here’s the schedule of events for our annual celebration:
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7-9:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast at the library, 4950 Breton Ave. SE
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8:30 a.m. – NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk at City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
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9:30 a.m. – Parade starting at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, and ending at Challenger Elementary, 2475 52nd St. SE
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10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Carnival with games and rides for all ages at City Hall
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4-10 p.m. Evening celebration at City Hall with community booths, food trucks, a beer tent and live music, leading up to fireworks at dusk
More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found at kentwood.us/july4.
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Fireworks Hours and Safety Reminders |
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Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate summer events, but there are a few things to keep in mind. In accordance with state law, fireworks are allowed June 29 through July 4 from 11 a.m.-11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
If you plan to enjoy fireworks this summer, please be courteous of your neighbors. The Kentwood Fire Department recommends residents follow safety precautions, such as:
- 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 firework activities are supervised by a responsible adult; never give fireworks to children.
- Have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
To report the use of fireworks during prohibited times, call the Kentwood Police Department’s non-emergency line: 616.698.6580.
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Four Free Summer Concerts Set for July |
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Our Summer Concert Series has returned with free concerts on select Thursday nights. Four bands will take the stage in July:
All concerts take place 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Thanks to our friends at WKTV, concerts will also be livestreamed for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.
New this year, we're offering essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.
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Enjoy Free Classes and Concerts While You Shop the Kentwood Farmers Market |
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The Kentwood Farmers Market is back and stronger than ever for its seventh season with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities. The market is offered 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy a variety of free classes, themed nights and Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series, which overlaps with the market’s Thursday evening schedule. Here’s what’s planned for this month’s market dates:
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July 1: Hip-hop fit class at 6 p.m.
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July 8: Herb demonstration 4:30-7:30 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. – The Bootstrap Boys
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July 15: Concert at 7 p.m. – Benzing Graves Collective
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July 22: Concert at 7 p.m. – Dalmatian Stone
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July 29: Concert at 7 p.m. – David Gerald
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Summer Events, Food Assistance and More at Your Local Library |
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Kent District Library continues to offer great programs and services year-round, but there are also a few special summer offerings to know about:
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Summer Wonder: Pick up a reading log at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, or sign up online at kdl.org/summer to start logging your reading. Read 20 minutes a day for 30 days and win prizes! Plus, enjoy outdoor activities for all ages now through Aug. 7.
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Friends of the Kentwood Library Book Sale: Buy a bag for $5 and fill it up with books to support your local library 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 17.
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Library Lunches to Go: KDL has partnered with Feeding America West Michigan to supply lunches for area youth up to age 18 on weekdays now through Aug. 13. Library staff will hand out lunches 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in front of the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch entrance. Lunches may be taken home or eaten at the library in the outdoor courtyard.
Learn more about KDL programs and events at kdl.org.
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Kentwood Parks and Amenities Perfect for Summer Fun |
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As you plan to enjoy the sun and fresh air this summer, don’t miss out on these fun parks and their special features.
Grab your discs and throw a round at one of our 18-hole disc golf courses:
- Jaycee Park, 1088 Gentian Drive SE
- Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE
Cool down at one of our splash pads, open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the following parks:
- Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE
- Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE
Visit the Kentwood Snack Shack to buy yummy summer goodies:
- Conveniently located next to the splash pad at Veterans Memorial Park, this concession stand features slushies, hot dogs, candy, popcorn and more. It’s open daily 1-6 p.m. now until Aug. 20.
Visit the Dog Park to exercise and socialize your furry friend:
- Located north of softball field #1 at Kellogg Woods Park, 275 Kellogg Woods Park Drive SE
Learn more about all the great amenities Kentwood parks have to offer to help you make the most of the summer season at: kentwood.us/ExploreOurParks.
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Kentwood Receives Redevelopment Ready Community Certification |
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We’re delighted to share we’ve received the Redevelopment Ready Community certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for our commitment to attracting new investors, businesses and residents through targeted and strategic planning and creating a vibrant community in partnership with residents.
The designation recognizes the City’s efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and facilitate community-driven economic development projects in Kentwood. It also means we’re “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning and zoning to remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective investors. This certification qualifies us for state community development incentives that encourage developers to invest in our city. You can learn more about the certification on our website.
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It’s Swimming Pool Season |
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With hot summer days, you may be thinking about adding a backyard pool to your residence. Please join us in making pools in our city both safe and fun by following building requirements.
A permit is needed for the installation of most swimming pools, fences and hot tubs. If the pool has 24 inches or more of water in depth at any point, a fence or barrier approved by the City must be in place. The approved fence must be put up so it surrounds the property or pool area as a safety precaution to make the swimming pool inaccessible to small children.
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Covenant Park Planning Continues |
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Thanks to all the community members who participated in our survey to help guide the future of Covenant Park, as well as provide input on the City’s existing parks, trails and recreational programming and facilities. The advisory committees are taking the survey results into consideration as they gather, review and prioritize improvement ideas, concepts and plans for future development of the park. You can explore the survey results and follow along the committees’ journey at kentwood.us/CovenantParkPlanning.
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Want to join the City of Kentwood team? We’re hiring for several positions. Learn more about all our job openings and apply today at kentwood.us/employment.
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City offices will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day. |
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4900 Breton Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 49508 | 616.698.9610 | Contact Us
City Hall opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and closes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; and Fridays at noon.
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This is a monthly eNewsletter. You are receiving it because you have done business with the City of Kentwood or have signed up for news about our community events and programs. If you would like to no longer receive this, you may unsubscribe below. |
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