Parks & Recreation

COVID-19 Information

SPRING SEASON RECREATION PROGRAMS CANCELLED
On April 2, Governor Gretchen Whitmer suspended all “in-person K-12 instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year” (Executive Order 2020-35 COVID-19).  As a result, the City of East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department has made the difficult decision to cancel our session of spring programs, aquatic activities and league sports. We are hopeful the current “stay at home” (Executive Order 2020-21 COVID-19) will be lifted soon, and we will be able to commence with our summer session of programs and activities. Stay safe and healthy!

OUTDOOR RECREATION GUIDELINES
East Grand Rapids parks and outdoor athletic facilities remain open at this time; however, citizens must adhere to the Governor’s Executive Orders as well as maintain social distancing of six feet or more and other guidance to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If we continue to see gatherings and contact sports at athletic fields, we may be forced to close all public spaces.  Please talk with your children about the need to maintain proper distance and to not gather in groups of more than 10 people. You can also set a good example for them by modeling all of these practices yourselves.

It’s important to stay informed on COVID-19 by the experts. The City of East Grand Rapids will follow the direction of the Kent County Health Department and the State of Michigan. We encourage everyone to educate themselves on the virus and how to protect you and your family from these non-biased and reliable resources. The KCHD provides helpful and accurate information including videos, tips and answers to FAQs, as well as helpful links to the CDC and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The MDHHS has also set up a hotline for citizens with questions at 888-535-6136 (8 am to 5 pm daily).

About the Department

The East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing enrichment, educational and sports programming for all ages – from young children to senior adults – to promote healthy lifestyles, family interaction and a sense of community. Our programs – open to all residents and non-residents – challenge minds and bodies, allowing participants to express their creativity, form new bonds of friendship and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The City has a lively and spirited appreciation of recreation and healthy lifestyles, and as such we offer special events throughout the year, including the Reeds Lake Run, Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon/Duathlon, Spectrum Health Fourth of July Celebration, Sweet Heart Dance and many others.