Tag Archives: Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department

City of Kentwood and Mary Free Bed partner to host Limb Loss Awareness 5K on Saturday, April 27

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Last year’s Limb Loss Awareness 5k. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood and Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics are teaming up to recognize Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month with the Mary Free Bed Prosthetics Limb Loss Awareness 5K on Saturday, April 27.

The all-ages, all-abilities event will kick off with packet pickup at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE, followed by a “Show Your Mettle” photo at 9:45 a.m. This annual photo is a play on words and provides participants who use prosthetics an opportunity to show off their mettle – ability to cope well with difficulties and face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way, as well as their prosthetics and mobility aides which may be made of metal. The race will begin at 10 a.m. and feature a route that will take participants through Veterans Memorial Park and part of the East West Trail. A 1-mile fun run for ages 12 and younger will follow at 11 a.m.



Last year’s Limb Loss Awareness 5k. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Through this race, the City and Mary Free Bed are seeking to increase awareness of limb loss and limb differences, build community and raise funds for Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs. These programs are designed to provide recreation and enrichment programs for people of all abilities and offer adapted athletic opportunities for people with disabilities to create a safe, fun experience for all. 


“This race has quickly become one of our most popular events, bringing in participants from around the state,” said Shelby Henshaw, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “We’re honored to have Mary Free Bed as our title sponsor for the event as we focus on community, recreation and inclusion for people of all abilities.” 


Registration is available online and costs $30 through March 29. The cost increases to $35 from March 30 to April 26 and is $40 on race day. Participants will receive a T-shirt, finisher medal and swag bag as part of their registration. To guarantee a shirt, register by April 5. The kids race costs $10 per child and includes a T-shirt and finisher medal. 


Last year’s Limb Loss Awareness 5k. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Packet pickup will be available at the event and in advance at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Thursday, April 25 from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.


A brief award ceremony will take place following the race around 11:30 a.m. First place prizes will be awarded to the first adult men and women amputees and nonamputees who cross the finish line, as well as top finishers in each age group. The event will wrap up at 1 p.m. 


“Our team at Mary Free Bed is dedicated to helping individuals with limb loss and limb differences achieve their full potential,” said Scott Riddle, vice president, of Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics at Mary Free Bed. “We are excited to support the Limb Loss Awareness 5K alongside the City of Kentwood. This event is a powerful platform to raise awareness and celebrate the freedom and possibilities of individuals living with limb loss or a limb difference.”


The event also will include educational activities designed to help race participants learn more about limb loss and limb differences, connect with resources and build community. Several informational booths from various sponsors will also be on-site. 


The event’s diamond sponsor is Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses or organizations looking to get involved in the race. 



Last year’s Limb Loss Awareness 5k. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)




For more information about the race, sponsorships and race registration, visit kentwood.us/LimbLoss5K.


All profits from the event will go toward improving and expanding the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs to encourage health and wellness, socialization and excellent quality of life for all. The programs – offered in collaboration with community partners like Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics – allow participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of community, improved confidence and new skills. For more info on the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Kentwood Valentine’s Dash 5K set for Saturday, Feb. 10

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(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood will host its seventh annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.

The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Participants are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed costumes. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.

An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room around noon and include light refreshments and a Valentine-themed photo booth.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“Our Valentine’s Dash has been a community favorite for the past seven years,” said Shelby Henshaw, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “This race brings together friends, loved ones and neighbors of all running and walking levels for an afternoon of winter fun.”

Online registration is available until Feb. 9 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies while supplies last. Registration is $35 until Feb. 9 and $40 on the day of the event. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a free race entry.

Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch in 2021. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

There also are volunteer opportunities available for this event. Volunteers will help with racer check-in and registration, keep traffic off the race route and hand out water to participants during the event.

For more event information, visit kentwood.us/ValentinesDash.

Kentwood Parks and Rec Department soccer leagues remain popular

City of Kentwood, Entertainment News, Sports, West Michigan,
Soccer players enjoy playing on the newer grass surface at Veterans Memorial Park where soccer games also take place under the lights. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



When it comes to soccer, the city of Kentwood has been and still is a hotbed for the world’s sport. From youth leagues to the varsity teams at East Kentwood High School, Kentwood has a long tradition of soccer excellence.

The popularity of soccer also is evident among mature soccer players. Many adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s continue playing the game they enjoy for fun in one of the soccer leagues that Kentwood Parks and Rec offers.  

The recreation soccer leagues have been going strong for over 20 years. There are currently four leagues taking place in the summer with a total of 23 teams. The leagues include a co-ed recreation league, a co-ed competitive league and men’s and women’s leagues. All the leagues have strong numbers this year and have been popular with area soccer players for years.

“The soccer leagues are a real nice option for adults who enjoy soccer in the greater Kentwood area,” said soccer program director Spence McKellar. “We’ve had the leagues for over 20 years and they are well established.”

 

The leagues play at three primary locations. Matches take place at Kellogg Woods Park, Pinewood Park as well as Veterans Memorial Park which is home to several matches during the week. The soccer field at Veterans Memorial Park is especially popular as it is a lighted field and has matches going well into the evening from the start of the season in the spring to the summer/fall league that concludes in October.


Referee Dale Sanborn talks with team captains before a recent match in the Kentwood Recreation Department’s soccer leagues. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Dale Sanborn has been around the league for 20 years and has experienced the league in a couple of ways. Sanborn began playing in the league in 2003 and continued as a player until retiring in 2020. Sanborn also began to referee in the league in 2008 and is currently still a referee.

“The leagues are very popular,” Sanborn said. “We’ve had a pretty steady number of teams throughout the years and we have a lot of teams during the fall. I think we are the only league around that has an outdoor league in the fall. We also have a new grass field at Veterans Park along with the lights and that is a big draw.”


The leagues are open to players of all ages and soccer background. Along with many former high school and college players, the league has players with limited soccer experience and backgrounds who just want to play to have fun and meet other soccer enthusiasts.

Alex Pastor has been playing in the league for five years and is a goalkeeper.

“The league is fun,” Pastor said. “I joined five years ago and I’m on my current team after learning that they needed a goaltender. The league is a great way to meet new people and have fun. Even if you are brand new to the sport you can play and have fun.”

The Kentwood leagues draw soccer players from all over West Michigan. Chuck Wroblewski is a former high school soccer player from Wayland who currently plays in the league.

“It’s super fun,” Wroblewski said. “I’ve been playing in the league for five years and every year it is something that I look forward to. Playing with players you know and meeting new players, the league gives you a sense of community and that’s another reason I enjoy the league. There is a real community feeling to the league.”


Soccer players of all ages and soccer experience enjoy playing the game they enjoy in the Kentwood Recreation Department’s soccer leagues. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



The number of teams has remained steady and the recreation department is looking to grow the league as well. There also are two seasons of leagues. The first season, a spring/summer league, begins in May and goes through July while a second season starts in early August and goes through October. The availability of lights at Veterans Memorial Park makes having the fall league possible when the days become shorter in the fall.

Signups are already being taken for the fall leagues. There will again be women’s, men’s and co-op leagues taking place in the fall. For more information on the upcoming fall leagues interested players can check out the Kentwood Parks and Recreation website.

Kentwood’s adult softball league is all about fun — and maybe a little competition

City of Kentwood, Entertainment News, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Members of The Creamsicles celebrate a win, their first of the season, in a recent game. (Courtesy, Miriam Dietsche)



By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor



For the teams and players in the Kentwood Parks and Rec Summer Co-Ed Adult Softball League, it is all about having fun with friends and families.


But, a home run trot and a win or two can be fun as well.

“We definitely have a few competitive players, but at the end of the day everyone is just there to have fun, be social, and get their bodies moving,” said Miriam Dietsche, team manager of The Creamsicles. “It’s our first year playing together, and we don’t have a great record … but I have been extremely impressed by how positive our team has stayed, and we are always hyped up for games.”



Kyler Marble gets high fives after a home run for The Creamsicles. He leads the team in homers this season with two grand slams.  (WKTV/K.D. Norris)


They were especially “hyped up” on a recent Tuesday night when the team won its first game of the season playing at Kentwood’s Kellogg Woods Park, a 14-6 win on June 13. (For schedule and standings of the Tuesday league and all of the City of Kentwood’s sponsored sports, visit here.)

“Our team is made up of mine and my boyfriend’s family, and a few friends,” Dietsche said. “Most of our team knew of each other before the season started, but over the past few weeks we have all grown a lot closer.

“We have a pretty interesting mix of people who have played softball competitively for a while, and people who had never swung a bat until a couple months ago. I decided to put the team together because I personally have played since high school and love the sport.” 

The team’s sponsor is XYZ Motors — “My brother, also on the team, works for them and they were gracious enough to buy our shirts for us,” she added.

Kentwood’s Kellogg Woods Park hosts games

As part of its year-round, wide-ranging recreational offerings, Kentwood Parks and Recreation maintains several baseball and softball fields spread around its park system, also including fields at Home Acres, Northeast and Pinewood parks.

It also oversees other community activities associated with the fields.

“Our adult recreational softball offerings have been a popular option for decades that have created many lasting memories,” said Spencer McKellar, Kentwood Parks and Recreation deputy director. “In recent years we’ve hosted practices, youth clinics, sanctioned middle school games, as well as our adult recreational leagues all on our fields which is a great example of how our playing surfaces are intended to be a community resource for all ages and ability levels.”


Alicia Fields, a summer worker at the Kentwood Parks and Recreation department, handles the scoreboard — and gets in a little coursework reading — during a recent game. The city hires part-time and summer workers for many parks and recreation activities. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)



On a recent Tuesday evening, not only was the Kellogg Woods main field prepped for the league games by the city, but a summer-hire city employee handled the scoreboard and a longtime player handled the umpiring duties.

“I’ve been playing softball every year for 32 years,” said Robert Vanderhart, who umpires the Tuesday night league.  “I’ve umpired slow pitch softball for four-to-five years now, but I’ve been an umpire of all levels of baseball for close to 20.”

For Vanderhart, umpiring adult softball also is a way to continue being part of the “rec softball” community as well.


Robert Vanderhart umpires the Kentwood Tuesday night league and has played, coached and umpired softball and baseball for many years. (Courtesy Photo)

“I’m now umpiring for players who have played with me before and also for me when I coached youth ball 15 plus years ago,” he said. “And when I can, I like to help players develop … it’s the coach part in me.”

And over the years, Vanderhart says the fun part of the game is always shared with the competitive part of the game.

“Winning isn’t that important, but having fun and being competitive is,” he said. “If every game you play is very one sided it’s no fun for everyone … (and) if you could play and lose a good, close game or win by forfeit what would you rather do? I’d play.”

About Kentwood parks, softball league

For more information about City of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation programs visit here. For location and amenities of the city’s parks, visit here.


Kentwood parks; a growing, all-season ‘launch pad’ for disc golfers

City of Kentwood, Sports, West Michigan, ,
A team launching from the launch pad during the 2022 Fall Fling disc golf tournament and fundraiser. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor

In the past couple decades, the community sport of disc golf has literally and figuratively
taken flight in West Michigan, and it could be argued that some of the best courses to
play begin with launch pads in the Kentwood Parks and Recreation system.


While the city may be mostly known for its innovative, off-season events — the annual
Fall Fling and the mid-winter Freeze Fest — one of the areas premier disc golf
businesses has nothing but praise for the city’s year-round courses and its
commitment to the recreational sport; past, present and future.


Commemorative discs from the 2022 Fall Fling disc golf tournament and fundraiser. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“West Michigan was an early adopter of disc golf and has been a hotbed for the sport
since the creator of disc golf, Ed Headrick, founded the Professional Disc Golf
Association in 1976,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “For the
first 30 years of the sport, growth in its popularity was steady but minimal. Starting in the
the early 2000s, the PDGA started seeing steady annual growth.”

And that growth was only slightly slowed by the COVID pandemic.



“During Covid, players in areas with disc golf courses installed found that you could
practice social distancing while playing and an enormous amount of new players found
the sport,” said Abbgy, a long-time partner with the City of Kentwood’s disc golf program
whose business opened in 2015 and is located at 4321 Kalamazoo Ave., near the
corner of 44th Street.



Kentwood has welcomed the expanded popularity and demand.



City courses improved, new course planned
Laura Barbrick, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Market and Events Coordinator, said the
city is committed to many community sports and disc golf is certainly one of them.



“We’ve offered youth disc golf lessons and skills clinics in the past and will continue to add new programs in the future to grow the sport with our residents,” Barbrick said. “We also host two disc golf tournaments each year in partnership with Great Lakes Disc … (Abbgy) helps coordinate our tournaments, has helped plan and design our disc golf courses, and is well connected with the disc golf community.”



Not only are there two full-time disc golf courses operated by the city, at Old Farm Park and Jaycee Park, but both have been or will be improved by last year’s voter approval of a parks millage.



And plans are for a third course at Covenant Park, where there is currently
only winter “pop-up” disc golf play.



“Kentwood will soon be breaking ground on Phase III of renovations at Jaycee Park
which include upgraded baskets, tee pads and signs for the disc golf course,” Abbgy
said. “Part of the (millage funded) proposal for Covenant Park was a disc golf course for
the property which would be Kentwood’s third disc golf course in their parks system and
lay the ground for larger disc golf events to come to Kentwood.”


A disc golfer in action from the 2019 Fall Fling event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Two annual events support Kentwood Little Free Pantry
In partnership with Great Lakes Disc, the city hosts two disc golf tournaments, the Fall
Fling at Old Farm Park, planned for November, and Freeze Fest, planned for February
2024.



According to Abbgy, the city and his company will be hosting the ninth annual Freeze Fest
at Jaycee Park, scheduled for Feb. 17.



“The success of the Freeze Fest led us to add a second annual event, the Farm Fall Fling at Old Farm Park, in 2018,” he said. “This Nov. 11 we will be hosting the sixth annual Farm Fall Fling at Old Farm Park. Both events are food drives for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.”


While both events can be as much a weather challenge as a course challenge, both
typically host 120-140 players at each event, and have seen over 180 players some
years, he said.



But on any given weekday, or weekend, players and flying discs are flying in a first-
come, first-served style course play.


About Kentwood Parks, Great Lakes Disc
For more information about the Kentwood Parks and Recreation programs visit here.
For location of the city’s Disc Golf parks with disc golf courses, visit here. For more
information about Great Lakes Disc, visit here.

Harriet Stanaback celebrates 99th birthday at park she helped establish in Kentwood

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Harriet Stanaback (center) and two of her granddaughters look at the tree planted in her honor at a birthday celebration for Harriet Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr, Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



Stanaback Park in Kentwood has been enjoyed by the community since officially opening in 2008 and it recently hosted a special 99th birthday party for Harriet Stanaback, who played a big role in the park becoming a reality for Kentwood residents.

Harriet’s late husband Kenneth purchased that land in 1958 and 10 years after his passing in 1988 Harriet donated the land to the city. After that donation Harriet continued working with the city staff to create park plans that would be an asset to the community and in 2008 that vision came to fruition as Kenneth Stanaback Park opened.





A jewel in the middle of Kentwood, Stanaback Park is a 33-acre park that includes open land, two playgrounds, a basketball court, pavilion, picnic tables and paved walking trails.

Since then, countless local residents have enjoyed the park as has Harriet who enjoys seeing the park grow and become a treasure for the community.

“It’s really grown,” Harriet said. “I like it because it’s absolutely free. Anybody can come over here and have a dinner if they want to. Bring your lunch and eat it in the cabin. I’ve done it myself.”


Harriet Stanaback and family members look at the plaque and tree planted in her honor while celebrating her 99th birthday Saturday at Stanaback Park in Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Family and friends gathered Saturday afternoon at the park to celebrate Harriet’s 99th birthday. Harriet and her family also were able to see the tree that was planted along with a dedication plaque from the city of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department recognizing her and her late husband’s donation to the city.

My grandmother used to live over there two houses away,” said Harriet’s granddaughter Kelly Martinez. “They had 50 something acres. She decided she wanted to donate this part of the land from their property so that everybody could enjoy the woods. She used to walk through the woods every day after work. That was her favorite thing to do.



“She just wanted everybody to be able to enjoy nature the way that we grew up running through the woods as kids. The way that she walked and enjoyed the woods and she taught us so many things about the trees and the bugs and the plants and the flowers and everything. It was her desire that everybody could have that same type of experience that she gave to us her grandkids and that she’s also enjoyed all these years.”

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley also dropped in on the festivities to wish Harriet a happy birthday and thank her again on behalf of the city and the residents for her generous gift that has brought so much joy to others.

“This is a beautiful, beautiful park and we are so thankful for the family for donating this land back in 1998,” said Mayor Kepley. “It’s a beautiful sight. I was just talking to some of the family members that have memories of growing up here and enjoying the woods, enjoying the creeks, making mud pies. The blessing is so many more people can enjoy this land because of their gift.”

Harriet’s younger brother, Ron VanDam, 86, of Cutlerville, also was on hand to share the day with his older sister and has plenty of fond memories of the land.


Harriet Stanaback (middle) and her brother Ron VanDam and his wife Mary pose for a photo at Harriet’s 99th birthday party Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr., Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



“I love it,” VanDam said. “We come here just to walk around and that’s what it’s for. It’s neat to have a greenspace where the deer can live and all the other wild animals.”  

Kentwood residents who were visiting the park Saturday took time out to share their appreciation with Harriet as well including Kyle White who was at the park to get some basketball in on the basketball court.


“It’s been more of a comfort zone for us,” White said. “We kind of just come here to meet up with friends. We’ve played here for the past 15 years so it’s been kind of a consistent thing. This park has just been home for us. Miss Stanaback, her life means so much to us, we meet here to have get togethers. This park is home to us. It’s a great appreciation. It’s one of the underlying things that we have in Kentwood. The parks make a big difference in how our community interacts and basketball has been one of them.”





Kentwood has some 16 parks and nature trails and Stanaback Park has taken its place as a special park in the city since opening in 2008 with its heavily wooded acres along with rolling hills and ravines. The park has over 5,000 feet of paved trails that wind through the hills and trees. 

Kentwood free summer concerts begin with Azz-Izz Band Thursday, June 15 and Wity Sound Band, June 22

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Entertainment, West Michigan, ,
The Azz-Izz Band has been playing local gigs for more than three decades, and still brings it. (Courtesy, Azz-Izz Band)



By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor



Kentwood prides itself on being a city of energetic, multi-cultural residents and visitors, so what would you expect from the Kentwood Summer Concert Series but a kickoff month with bands bringing some savory rhythm and blues, and a taste of Latin love.

The Azz-Izz Band, led by vocalist Darrick Pearson, but including a stage load of local R&B+ talent, will open the free admission outdoor series on Thursday, June 15, starting at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.


Then get your Latin dance party pants on Thursday, June 22, when the Wity Sound Band hits the stage to continue a series running almost every Thursday evening through Aug. 10.


The Wity Sound Band includes as many as eight musicians and singers, and plays a wide range of Latin, Cuban and American music with Latin beats. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)



The remaining lineup includes Cabildo on June 29, Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes, July 13, Good Morning Bedlam, July 20, Big Band Nouveau, July 27, Brena, Aug. 3, and RocknSoul in the series finale on Aug. 10.


More details on the entire lineup are available on a City of Kentwood webpage here. WKTV Community Media will again partner with the City to bring the concert series to the public, with details on live community cable and on-demand replays also available on the city’s webpage.



The public is invited to bring their blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to the concerts, which run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and a variety of food truck fare is available prior and during. Concertgoers also are welcomed to bring their own beer or wine to the show.

Check out the Kentwood Farmers Market beforehand

Come early and visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.



Bringing local talent to local audiences

The Azz-Izz Band is a “6-piece, energetic dance band performing top hits from R&B, funk, MoTown and pop music,” according to a band spokesperson. The group, which plays throughout West Michigan, has been under the leadership of Pearson for more than 35 years. Featured performers include Pearson on percussion and vocals, James Bates on vocals, Kevin Gillespie on bass, Will McNeil on guitar, Billy Gregory on keyboards and Mark Barnes on saxophone.

For more information on the band, visit their Facebook page here.

Wity Sound Band

While the Azz-Izz band has a long history of bringing their sounds to local audiences, the Wity Sound Band is fairly new to the area, but delivering their hot Latin sounds in a big way.

“The Wity Sound Band is me and my band, eight musicians from Cuba and Mexico,” band leader and keyboardist Wity Zaldívar said to WKTV. “We will be playing Latin music, like Salsa, merengue, bachata, Cuban traditional music and a mix of American music with Latin sounds.



The Wity Sound Band is led by keyboardist Wity Zaldívar. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)



“This is a new concept in Grand Rapids, and we hope the audience will enjoy our performance. This will be our first time playing at this summer concerts and hope not the last.”

The Wity Sound Band is already well known on the local Latin dance and club scene. For more information on the band, visit Wity’s Facebook page here.


Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series kick off on June 15

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, West Michigan, , ,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2023 season on June 15.

The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 15 through Sept. 7 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“We’re looking forward to connecting with community members as they join us to shop local goods and enjoy the sounds of local music,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20+ local vendors and include special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

Community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring eight local music groups on the following dates:

  • June 15
  • June 22
  • June 29
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • July 27
  • Aug. 3
  • Aug. 10



Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.

Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:

  • June 15: Opening day celebration featuring Patty Matters, Street Chef Shaw, Kool Breeze and Kona Ice food trucks as well as the Azz-Izz Band concert at 7 p.m., playing old-school, new pop, Motown and funk.
  • June 22: El Jalapeño, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Taste of Toya’s World and Dolce Maria food trucks and Wity Sound Band concert at 7 p.m., performing a fusion of salsa, Cuban timba, rock ’n’ roll and American music.
  • June 29: Around Baking Company, Let’z Taco Bout It, Street Frites and Semifreddo food trucks; Cabildo concert at 7 p.m., playing a blend of cumbia, Ska, folk and other genres of music from Latin and South America.
  • July 6: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing. Food trucks include Street Chef Shaw and Semifreddo.
  • July 13: El Jalapeño, Taste of Toya’s World, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze food trucks and Chicago Farmer and the Field Notesconcert at 7 p.m., performing gritty country rock and folk.
  • July 20: Falafel Truck, Let’z Taco Bout It, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Skinny Kenny’s BBQ and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks and Good Morning Bedlam concert at 7 p.m., playing high-energy folk music.
  • July 27: Around Baking Company, El Jalapeno, Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks and Big Band Nouveau concert at 7 p.m., performing modern jazz in a full big band orchestra.
  • Aug. 3: Patty Matters, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Falafel Truck, Street Chef Shaw and Kona Ice food trucks andBrena concert at 7 p.m., playing oldies, Top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
  • Aug. 10: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples, Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck, Kool Breeze and Dolce Maria food trucks and RocknSoulconcert at 7 p.m. performing a mix of songs from the 60’s to current hits.
  • Aug. 17: Kids Day featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo, kids crafts and activities and Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks.
  • Aug. 24: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors and adoptions and Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo food trucks.
  • Aug. 31: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients, and El Jalapeño and Dune Buggy food trucks.
  • Sept. 7: End of season celebration with food demos and samples and Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks.

Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking options at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE; Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE; and street parking in nearby neighborhoods. 



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the events. A  detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.

Additional information about the Kentwood Farmers Market can be found at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com. To learn more about the Summer Concert Series, visit kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Kentwood to host dance opportunities for all abilities in June

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan, ,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is inviting individuals to join them on the dance floor for two adaptive dance events in June.

On June 1, Kentwood Parks and Recreation will host its annual Spring Fling from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The event will offer individuals with disabilities ages 15 and older and their loved ones an opportunity to celebrate the start of summer with dancing, food, prizes and more.

The event costs $12 per person, and participants are asked to pre-register by May 25 online at bit.ly/AdaptiveSpringFling or by calling 616.656.5270.

On June 9, Parks and Recreation will host an inclusive dance workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Community members of all abilities ages 3 and older are invited to join the workshop, where experienced dancers will teach participants a choreographed dance. At the end of the event, parents and caregivers will be invited to watch the final production. All moves will be inclusive of individuals who use a wheelchair, walker, crutches or other mobility aide.

The event also will include games, snacks and more. Siblings and friends are welcome to participate. The workshop costs $12 per person, and registration is available online at bit.ly/InclusiveDanceWorkshop or by calling 616-656-5270. 



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“Our adaptive programs give individuals of all abilities a chance to connect, learn something new and have fun,” said Katelyn Bush, program coordinator with Kentwood Parks and Recreation. “Dancing is a great way to get active and build connections, and we’re looking forward to learning some new moves alongside participants.”

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming. Programs are open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. To learn about current offerings, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Kentwood recently hosted Bark for the Park, a dog-friendly fundraiser at Kellogg Woods Park

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
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By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributor



It was all fun and games for pets and their owners at the Kentwood Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Bark for the Park fundraiser at Kellogg Woods Park on May 18.

This free community event is a dog-friendly fundraiser for enabling the city to add amenities to Kentwood’s Dog Park at Kellogg Woods Park.

“We have a ton of great amenities in our park system for humans, but want our community members to know that if you have a pet at home we have fun, social, safe spaces for them, too,” said Spencer McKellar, Lead Recreation Program Coordinator for KPRD. “We welcome (dogs) in our parks … and welcome them to come out and have fun just like humans do.”

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley agreed, telling WKTV, “We have 54,000 bosses, and what do they want as a service from the city? We heard loud and clear that one of the things that they want is a place where they can take their dogs to play with other dogs and let them run free.”

Kepley went on to say the city has done as the community requested.

“We’ve created dog parks where owners can go to a fenced in area to release their dogs,” Kepley explained. “It’s a way for dogs to play with one another and for their owners to meet other dog owners. Everything costs money and to be able to raise funds to help build new ones and to maintain the ones we have is what we’re doing.”

Due to previous Bark for the Park fundraisers, Kentwood was recently able to purchase and install a drinking fountain near the Kellogg Woods Dog Park.


Artemis, the winner of the Doggie Fashion Show. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)



“This year, and moving forward, the funds raised will hopefully provide shade sails or some kind of shade structure,” McKellar said. “There is not a lot of shade for the dogs, and they get hot.”

Sponsorship dollars and donations enable KPRD to offer free admission to Bark for the Park, though donations are welcome via QR codes throughout the event if participants feel led to do so. Each attendee also was offered a goodie bag full of items from participating sponsors and vendors.

“We invite pet-related businesses and organizations in the area, but also anybody is welcome to sponsor and donate to our event,” McKellar said. “If they do, they are welcome to have a booth here and talk to our community members as they come through.”

Beastro, a restaurant designed specifically to cater to dogs and cats and owned by Jessica Ann Tyson, was one such sponsor at Bark for the Park.


Getting some dog treats at the Kentwood Bark for the Park fundraiser May 18. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)



Offering fresh canine cuisine, Beastro’s recipes are created by a Michigan pet nutritionist. “We love making food that is fresh for the animals,” Tyson said.

Dogs are allowed inside the restaurant for dining, or customers can order take out as well.

Also the owner of The Candied Yam on 44th Street, Tyson said she got the idea for Beastro from watching her customers.

“We started this because our customers would come in and they would have to leave their dogs outside, and we watched their dogs while they got their Candied Yam (order),” Tyson said.

Other vendors included Sierra Marie Photography, CLJ Counseling, Kent County Animal Shelter, Dogtopia of Grand Rapids, VCA Animal Hospitals, and many more.

Treats were provided for the dogs at various stations, and Dune Buggy and Underground Cookie Club food trucks were on site to provide food for pet owners.

Various activities included pet craft stations, a dog agility course, photo booth, and a doggie fashion show featuring many costumes and colored hair and fur.


Amara, a 14-week-old Husky Great Bernese mix sporting a tutu. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)



“They get really into it, and it’s fun,” McKellar said.

Attendees included Lainey Dennison, resident of Portage, Michigan, who heard about Bark for the Park through Facebook and attended with her one American Eskimo and four Husky dogs.

“I try to take them out and socialize them,” Dennison said of her well-mannered troupe of canines. “We go into stores and dog parks and stuff, so they are pretty used to this.”

To learn more about Kentwood and the city’s variety of parks, or to submit a donation, visit Kentwood Parks and Recreation.

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author

Kentwood to host Bark for the Park May 18 to benefit Kellogg Woods Dog Park

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Pets/Animals, West Michigan, ,
Last year’s annual Bark for the Park event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood’s Bark for the Park event is set for Thursday, May 18 to raise funds for new amenities at the dog park at Kellogg Woods Park. 

The dog-friendly event takes place 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kellogg Woods Park, 275 Kellogg Woods Park Drive SE. Admission is free, and financial donations are accepted throughout the event. No registration is required. 

Pet vendors, vet clinics, Wyoming K9 unit and more

Attendees and their canine companions can explore a variety of local pet vendors and community booths, including veterinary clinics, the Wyoming Police K9 unit and more. The event also will include a pet craft station, photo booth and dog agility course. A doggie bag filled with dog treats and other favors will will be available for participants to take home.  


The Wyoming Police K9 unit will be at Bark for the Park. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


At 6:30 p.m., attendees will have a chance to show off their pup’s style by participating in a doggy fashion show. The crowd favorite will receive a gift basket.

Dune Buggy and Underground Cookie Club food trucks will be on-site with burgers, fries, ice cream sandwiches and beverages available for purchase. T-shirts also will be for sale at the Kentwood Parks and Recreation tent.

“The dog park at Kellogg Woods Park is a unique amenity we’re proud to be able to offer the dogs and dog lovers in our community,” said Spencer McKellar, the City of Kentwood’s lead recreation program coordinator. “This event is a fun opportunity to gather together to showcase this space to the community and raise money to ensure it remains a premier canine hangout for years to come.”






Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward the purchase of a shade structure at the park.  Champion sponsors include Beastro Fresh Canine Cuisine, Bloom Sluggett, PC, Consumers Energy Home Energy Analysis, Metronet, VCA Woodland Animal Hospital and Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa. Advocate sponsors include Red Barn Veterinary Clinic, Simply Pet Cremation Services and Sinclair Recreation, LLC. 

For more event information, visit kentwood.us/BarkForThePark.


Last year’s annual Bark for the Park event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Kentwood and Hanger Clinic to host annual Hanger Limb Loss Awareness 5K April 29

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Last year’s event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood and local orthotic and prosthetic care provider Hanger Clinic are again partnering to host the fifth annual Hanger Limb Loss Awareness 5K on Saturday, April 29 in honor of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

The all-ages, all-abilities event will begin with packet pickup at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE, followed by a Show Your Mettle photo at 9:45 a.m. The race, which begins at 10 a.m., will include a new route this year that will take runners through Veteran’s Memorial Park and part of the East West Trail.

The race seeks to increase awareness of limb loss and limb difference, build community and raise funds for Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs. These programs provide quality recreation and enrichment programs for people of all abilities and offer opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in athletic activities in an adapted way to allow for a safe, fun experience. 

“Our Limb Loss Awareness 5K is focused on inclusivity, awareness, relationships and making a difference in our local community,” said Katelyn Bush, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “We’re honored to host this event alongside Hanger Clinic and are thrilled about its growing popularity since the first one in 2018.” 

Register today

Online registration is available at RunSignUp.com. Registration is $35 through April 28 and $45 on race day. Participants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and swag bag as part of their registration. To guarantee a shirt, please be sure to register by April 14. Packet pickup will be available at the event and in advance at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, during business hours beginning Thursday, April 27.



Last year’s Hanger Limb Loss Awareness 5K. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Four first-place awards will be given to the first adult men and women amputees and nonamputees who cross the finish line. The event is set to conclude at 1 p.m. 

The kid-friendly event will also include a fun run for ages 12 and younger at 11 a.m. in the park. The kids race costs $10 per child and includes a T-shirt and finisher ribbon. There also is a Family Fun area with yard games, chalk and more for all ages to enjoy.



Last year’s Hanger Limb Loss Awareness 5K. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



This year’s event will feature two speakers: Kelly Allen and RJ Myler. 

Allen was born missing a femur, tibia and patella and with a hip that is not fully developed on her left side due to a limb difference called proximal femoral focal deficiency. She was fit for her first prosthetic at just 3 months old. 

She was born into a family of athletes, but there was not an adaptive sports community near her home. So, she competed in able-bodied sports, working hard to keep up with her peers on the field and court. In 2006, her prosthetist introduced her to the Extremity Games, an extreme sport competition for athletes with disabilities. This was her first introduction to adaptive sports, and it had a big impact on her view of her disability. 

“In a flash, I went from being the only person I knew with a prosthetic leg to being surrounded by people who shared similar life experiences to me,” Allen said. “I walked away from this event with a second-place medal in rock climbing and with a new sense of belonging and pride in my disability.”

Allen’s love of sports and participation in adaptive recreation took her many places. She trained and competed in adaptive skiing in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. While recovering from a ski injury, she was introduced to paracanoe and became a paralympic kayaker, representing the U.S. on the world stage for 10 years in Hungary, Portugal, Germany, Poland and Brazil. 

Myler experienced a workplace accident that led to his left leg being amputated from the hip down in June 2022. Due to the accident, he suffered a broken left femur and humerus, a broken pelvis, two broken hips, a fractured right femur, tibia and fibula, a fractured heel and a severely dislocated right knee that tore all four major ligaments. Upon waking up on a ventilator and finding his left leg amputated, Myler knew he had a long road to recovery ahead.  

He spent three months at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital rebuilding strength in his right leg and preparing to use a prosthetic limb. During this time, he said it was hard to focus on the bright side of his new life when he was often faced with thoughts of activities he would no longer be able to do. 

A supportive community made all the difference for Myler. 

“Fortunately, I have an amazing wife, family, friends and neighbors who rallied behind me and gave me something to fight for,” Myler said.  “I knew I wasn’t alone in this.” 

“I hope others read this and know help is always available to those who ask.”

Myler returned home from the hospital in October, was fit with his first prosthetic leg at Hanger Clinic in December, and recently returned to work as a dispatcher, where he enjoys encouraging others to approach life with a positive mindset. 

Radio personality Phil Tower will DJ the event

Phil Tower, a West Michigan radio personality, amputee and advocate for people with disabilities, will serve as the event’s DJ. Tower has more than 40 years of broadcasting experience and a background in higher education and talent coaching. 

Along with the race, there will be activities and educational opportunities to raise awareness about limb loss and limb difference. These resources will help participants and attendees learn more about amputation, prosthetics and orthotics as well as connect individuals who have experienced limb loss or limb difference and to build relationships. Several informational booths from various sponsors also will be at the event.



 

Last year’s Hanger Limb Loss Awareness 5K. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Sponsors include Corewell Health, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics, Buist Electric, Green Shield Deck Builders, Life Beyond Barriers Rehabilitation Group, College Park, Metronet, Muskegon Surgical Associates, Summit Labs LLC, Amazon, Foot and Ankle Specialists and Willow Wood.

“We have a vibrant, supportive community for people experiencing limb loss and limb difference in West Michigan as well as many local resources,” said Nikki Stoner, Hanger Clinic care coordinator and a lower limb amputee herself. “This event gives us an opportunity to raise awareness and let individuals know they aren’t in this alone – we’re here to help.”

 

Volunteers are needed for the event. Those interested may sign up at RunSignUp.com.

 

More information on the Hanger Limb Loss Awareness 5K is available at kentwood.us/LimbLoss5K.

All profits from the event will go toward improving and expanding the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs to encourage health and wellness, socialization and excellent quality of life for all. The programs – offered in collaboration with community partners – enable participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills. For more on the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department earns two state awards

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Recreation, West Michigan,
From Left: Ann Przybysz, recreation program coordinator with City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation; Clay Summers, executive director of mParks; Katelyn Bush, recreation program coordinator with City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation. Bush is holding the Excellence in Therapeutic Recreation Programming Award. (Courtesy, mParks). 



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department has received two awards from the Michigan Recreation & Park Association.

The department was honored with the Excellence in Therapeutic Recreation Programming Award for its adaptive programs and the Integrated Marketing Campaign Award for its 2022 parks millage campaign. Department representatives accepted the awards during the Michigan Recreation & Park Association’s annual conference and trade show earlier this month in Lansing.

“We’re proud to have our innovative programs and initiatives recognized by mParks,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “Michigan is home to many impressive recreation departments, so we’re delighted to have our hard work and dedication to the community celebrated at a statewide level.” 

The Excellence in Therapeutic Recreation Programming Award is given to an organization for innovation and breadth of service in therapeutic recreation program development and recognizes accomplishments and consistently high standards in clinical and community settings. The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides the most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming in Michigan. Kentwood’s adaptive recreation offerings are designed to encourage health and wellness, socialization and excellent quality of life for all and include adaptive programs such as archery, bowling, water skiing and more. 

The Integrated Marketing Campaign Award recognizes an individual or organization that has developed an outstanding campaign using a variety of coordinated mediums to effectively deliver a message to key audiences. In January 2022, the City of Kentwood launched a seven-month campaign to educate residents on the park millage proposal set to appear on the August ballot. The campaign included web pages, social media, digital media, printed materials, direct mailings and more to show voters all the benefits of a permanent parks millage. The millage passed with 63 percent of voters in favor.  



From left: Clay Summers, executive director of mParks; Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator for City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation. Barbrick is holding the Outstanding Integrated Marketing Campaign Award. (Photo Courtesy, mParks)



“The City of Kentwood has an exceptional recreation presence in Michigan, and it’s truly an honor to have that work recognized at the state level,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We’re eager to keep serving our residents and the West Michigan community and to continue improving our parks, trails and programming so these amenities can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

 

More information about the Michigan Recreation & Park Association can be found at mparks.org. To learn more about Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation department, visit kentwood.us/parks. 

Eighth Annual Freeze Fest disc golf tourney (Feb. 18) sponsored by Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Sports, West Michigan, ,
A photo from a previous Freeze Fest tournament. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc are partnering to host the eighth annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament and food drive on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to join the best-shot doubles competition at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds will go to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. and the first round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/FreezeFest. The cost is $25 per person or $50 per team and one canned food donation.

 

A photo from a previous Freeze Fest tournament. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“It has been exciting to watch Freeze Fest and our other disc golf events continue to grow each year,” said Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “We continue to be amazed by and are grateful for the generosity of the disc golf community.”

The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers nonperishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.

“The annual Freeze Fest gives the disc golf community a great opportunity to enjoy the game during the off season while also supporting the local community,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “This is one of our favorite events of the year and we’re proud to continue partnering with the City of Kentwood on this tournament.”



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, has steadily increased since its opening. To help meet the growing need, the City of Kentwood opened a second pantry location in 2021 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. More information is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Kentwood hosts first Adaptive Recreation Expo on Thursday, Jan. 26

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood is inviting local organizations and community members of all abilities to its first-ever Adaptive Recreation Expo on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The free event will take place 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. It is open to all community members and no ticket or pre-registration is required. The event will feature a variety of local programs and resources for people of all abilities and provide opportunities for community members and vendors alike. 

During the event, individuals with disabilities and their families can learn more about a variety of local programs and resources, including recreation opportunities and adaptive equipment demonstrations.



Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Kayaking. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Students and community members interested in adaptive recreation can connect with local agencies and learn about volunteer, internship and employment opportunities. 

Vendors will have an opportunity to connect directly with potential new clients and volunteers as well as other organizations.  

“Kentwood is incredibly proud to be part of the adaptive recreation community and serve individuals with disabilities through our programs,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Through this event, we hope to build connections and raise awareness about other local resources and programs West Michigan offers for individuals with disabilities and their loved ones.” 


Organizations participating in the event include Kentwood Parks and Recreation, Hanger Clinic, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Hunt 2 Heal and many others.


Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Rock Climbing. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Vendor applications are still being accepted. If your organization is interested in becoming a vendor, contact Ann Przybysz at przybysza@kentwood.us or 616.656.5284.


The event’s gold sponsor is Airway Mobility and Rehab Equipment, and silver sponsors are Creative Mobility Group, Hanger Clinic and Life Beyond Barriers. 

Learn more about the Adaptive Recreation Expo at kentwood.us/AdaptiveRecreationExpo. For more on the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programming, visit kentwood.us/Adaptive.



Kentwood Tree Lighting highlighted by essay winner, parade and Santa visit

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and essay contest winner Clara Wells pose for photos after the Tree Lighting on Dec. 1. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



It was a chilly, festive and activity-filled event at Kentwood’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade last Thursday at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.

The festivities included carriage rides, children’s crafts, food trucks, live music, a visit from Santa, a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and the main events: the parade and tree lighting, of course.

One of the highlights of the night was grand marshal Clara Wells, a fifth grader at Brookwood Elementary, who was in the same float in the parade with Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and later helped him light the Christmas tree in front of the library.

Wells achieved the honor by winning a new student essay competition among Kentwood students/residents from ages 5-18. Participants were asked to write a 1,000 word essay entitled, “Why do you love living in Kentwood?”

“It really was a good essay about what makes Kentwood so special,” said Mayor Kepley of Wells’ composition. “She talked about our parks and trails, and the schools.”

  • (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
  • (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
  • (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
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  • Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (left), Deputy Chief Stephanie Morningstar
    Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (left), Deputy Chief Stephanie Morningstar at the Kentwood Tree Lighting, 2022. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
  • Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff pose with Santa. Bottom row, from left: Spencer McKellar and Shelby Henshaw. Top row, from left: Ann Przybysz, Laura Barbrick and Lori Gresnick. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)



When asked what he loves about Kentwood, Kepley said he loves it “because it’s a taste of heaven … because the world has come to Kentwood.”

A city of diversity

“It has such diversity, and to be able to have such diversity and live in peace and love with one another is just a wonderful thing,” Kepley continued. “I live in a neighborhood with 13 homes, and those 13 homes represent the world. We just feel blessed because we have relationships with our neighbors. You see how it can work with different backgrounds.

“A lot of people living in Kentwood weren’t born and raised in the United States, including my lovely wife Susan, who was born and raised in Kenya.”

All in one

Kepley talked about the unity of having all the City’s events in one area, compared to having them spread around in years past.

“We have really focused on bringing everything here (around the library), centralizing things, whether it’s the tree lighting, July Fourth, all our events like the concert series, food truck rallies, the parade, the farmers market.

“We really don’t have a downtown, but we’re trying to create this place around the library and City Hall where people can create traditions and memories.”

Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry

Tree Lighting attendees also had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. For more info, check out this site: kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Outdoor Explorers program gets kids outside examining nature

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Recreation, West Michigan, , ,
(WKTV/Deborah Reed)



By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributor


Designed to spark a love of science and biology in children, the new Kentwood Parks and Recreation Outdoor Explorers program offers a nature-focused curriculum.

Basic survival skills, plant identification, campfire safety and cooking are just some of the activities taught in the program.

“Our goal is to get kids outside and exploring nature,” said Cassie Wielard, Outdoor Explorers program leader.

Outdoor Explorers Leader Cassie Wielard prepares the group for their adventure in Covenant Park. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)



Designed for children ages 6-12, the Outdoor Explorers meet Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. primarily within Covenant Park. The program offers many of the same skills and experiences kids may find through a scouting program, but with much greater flexibility.

Focused on the five senses

Outdoor Explorers often focuses on the five senses, encouraging participants to investigate various textures of plants and other aspects of their surroundings through touch, exploring scent as they smell flowers and campfire smoke, and tasting s’mores and other treats.

Leader Cassie Wielard shows the Explorers goldenrod on a walk in Covenant Park. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)



The purpose, Wielard said, is to give children “experiences that maybe not every kid gets to have outside in nature.”

Along with experiencing nature, instilling a respect for the environment also is a central principal of Outdoor Explorers.

“This feels like an extension of things that I love to do, and it’s been really fun,” said Wielard, who has a background in elementary education.

Covenant Park has three color-coded trails located just outside the clubhouse, each offering approximately one mile of natural space to explore. The park also offers an optional “Hide and Seek” activity for each trail along with maps to help guide explorers.

Rain, no worries

Less than ideal weather doesn’t hinder the young explorers from trekking through the park.

“The rain doesn’t faze them,” Wielard said. “To them, it’s fun.”

If a planned activity is not possible due to weather, Wielard and her volunteers easily improvise and ensure explorers are still learning and having fun.

“Last week it was raining, so s’mores were microwaved,” Wielard said.



Outdoor Explorer Kristofer shows off a bat he made with sticks and bark. (WKTV/Deborah Reed)



Simple crafts offered during each class highlight animals and other aspects of the environment. From building bird feeders, to creating owls and bats out of sticks and bark, participants are treated to a lesson about animals and the natural materials used in their creations.

Looking for winter Explorers

Even though the fall Explorers program has wrapped up, plans are already in motion for a winter session with dates and activities in development stages.

“We are hoping to explore Covenant Park in all the seasons,” Wielard said. “Signs of nature (such as animal tracks) should be obvious with snow on the ground. And, of course, snow opens up a lot of opportunities for activities.”

The winter session is seeking participants for early 2023. To find out more about the program and its benefits, contact the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department.

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author

Kentwood partners with Great Lakes Disc to host Fall Fling Disc Golf Tournament Nov. 12

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan, , ,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc are partnering once again for the annual Fall Fling, a disc golf tournament and food drive set for Saturday, Nov. 12.

Donations will help restock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

Community disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to bring a partner for this best-shot doubles tournament at Kentwood’s Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE. Each participant will receive a player package at check-in with opportunities for extra prizes during the event. The cost is $25 per person or $50 per team plus a canned donation item for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

“This popular event gives local disc golfers a chance to continue playing through the fall months while also helping us stock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We are very grateful to be partnering again with Great Lakes Disc for this awesome event and for the generosity and participation of the local disc golf community.”


A previous Fall Fling disc golf tournament. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/FallFlingDiscGolf. Players will meet at 9:45 a.m. and the first round of the tournament will begin at 10 a.m. El Jalapeño food truck will be on-site with authentic tacos, burritos and more for purchase.

 

“This event gives us the opportunity to enjoy a friendly disc golf tournament while giving back to the community,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “It’s a great way to get involved and we have enjoyed partnering with the City of Kentwood to host this event each year.”

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which operates year-round, provides food to community members in need. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The pantry is open to all community members year-round and addresses an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry, no applications required and no questions are asked.


The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry has steadily increased over the years and the current need for donations is high. The pantry has locations at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, along with several other donation bins located throughout the City’s campus. 


More information about the pantry, including hours and a suggested list of donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry. 

Kentwood Glow in the Park features Fun Run, Costume Party, and much more on Oct. 15

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Be sure to check out Kentwood’s Glow in the Park event held on Oct. 15. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

Community members are invited to brighten the night with the City of Kentwood’s Glow in the Park event from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.

Kentwood’s Glow in the Park 2021. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Taking place at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE, the event features a variety of glow-themed activities, including light-up playground games, a dance party, costume contest, fun run/walk, food, and more.

Participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the-dark clothes and accessories.

“We’re excited to get the community together and get our glow on at this special fall event,” said Shelby Henshaw, recreation program coordinator. “With an abundance of glow-in-the-dark materials and activities, it’s sure to be a fun night for everyone.”

 

Kentwood’s Glow in the Park 2021. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Glow in the Park kicks off with check-in at 7 p.m. The lighthearted race will start at 7:30 p.m. Participants can choose either a 0.3- or 1-mile run/walk along a park path that will be lit with glow sticks and other colorful lights. There also will be a costume contest at 8:30 p.m.

Light-up playground games and crafts, music and snacks will be available throughout the event. The fun run will be followed by an after party with dancing. The evening will conclude at 9 p.m.

Two levels of registration are available online at kentwood.us/GlowInThePark. For entry to the event and glow supplies, registration costs $5. For individuals who also want an event T-shirt, registration costs $20 and includes a goody bag with glow materials. Participants selecting the $20 option should register by Sept. 30 to guarantee an event T-shirt. 

Food, fun and live music featured at Kentwood Food Truck Festival on Sept. 17

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The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library. Pictured is last year’s Food Truck Festival. (Courtesy City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks have again partnered to host a Food Truck Festival with more than 30 vendors to help the community support small businesses and make the most of the remaining summer season.

The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 17 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., features 32 food trucks, live music and a beer and wine tent. 

The event, which is free admission, features 32 vendors, live music and a beer and wine tent. (Courtesy City of Kentwood)

“We have a day full of delicious food, great music and fun planned for this Food Truck Festival,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We look forward to celebrating the last few days of summer with this community-favorite event.” 

There will be a wide variety of sweet and savory food options available for purchase. Participating food trucks include:

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with the Decades Band, followed by DJ Snax, Rochelle and the Spoilers and King Possum. A tent featuring local craft beer and wine will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival gives residents a unique opportunity to enjoy great food, build community and support local small businesses, all at one event,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “We encourage community members to come join the fun.” 

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will host a Food Truck Festival with more than 30 vendors on Saturday, Sept. 17. (Courtesy of City of Kentwood)



The event also features a food drive to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of canned goods to help restock the pantry shelves. A list of suggested donations and more information about the Little Free Pantry is on our website at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry

This year’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank and NN Mobile Solutions. Entry to the festival is free. The cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.

For the latest event information, visit kentwood.us/FoodTruckFestival.

Kentwood adult beach volleyball leagues attract all experience levels

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By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

From high school coaches and former college players to those looking for exercise and recreation, the Kentwood Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues offer something for everyone.

“We have a large age demographic, from people who are college age all the way to retirees,” Kentwood Site Supervisor Christina Dessauer said.

Four competition-grade beach volleyball courts, unveiled in 2019 and located at the Department of Public Works on Breton Avenue, have allowed the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department to expand its beach volleyball program by offering both recreational and competitive beach volleyball leagues to interested community members.

The Kentwood Parks and Rec Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues have enjoyed a great summer at their competition-grade courts at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. (WKTV)



“The incentive of building the courts at our Department of Public Works was to have more courts available so that we could really expand our program,” said Shelby Henshaw, recreation program coordinator for Kentwood Parks and Recreation. “We are the only facility that I am aware of that has four courts like that.

“The senior population just wants to get outside, they want to exercise, they have participated in our 50-plus fall league before — so they come here as just another way to get exercise. In the competitive leagues, I find that there are high school coaches who are currently playing, former college players — I see it all.”


Henshaw said the beach volleyball courts have allowed Kentwood to expand its program from a maximum of six teams to 12 teams that play doubleheader games each week for a total of 16 games per season.



The Kentwood Parks and Rec Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues enjoying a night of competition at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. (WKTV)


Kentwood currently offers three categories of beach volleyball leagues, ages 18 and above: a 2’s (two players per team) recreational co-ed league, a 4’s (four players per team) recreational co-ed league, and a 4’s co-ed competitive league.

Co-ed is defined by Kentwood Parks and Rec as having one male and one female on the court at all times. Participants form their own leagues, finding the required number of players needed and coming to the first league night with their team already in place.

Each team plays doubleheader games in 45 minutes on league night and is responsible for keeping score, giving scores to the site supervisor, and calling infractions as they occur.

Teams also are responsible for starting their games.

Four competition-grade beach volleyball courts, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE near the Kentwood Department of Public Works facility, are home to the Kentwood Adult Beach Volleyball Leagues. (WKTV)



“If you don’t start within the first five minutes, you forfeit your first game,” Dessauer said. “If you don’t start within the first 10 minutes you forfeit all of your games, and the other team wins automatically.”

Scores and points do matter, as the season culminates in a tournament where points seed the tournament.

“We run the tournament like a basic volleyball tournament where it is the best two out of three games,” Dessauer added.

The first two games are played to 18 points, the final game to 15, with a stipulation that the winning team wins by two points.

Volleyball leagues run year-round, ensuring that there are always volleyball activities available for interested participants.

Indoor volleyball as well

Indoor leagues are held at Kentwood Activities Center, but they also have partnered with other facilities because Kentwood’s winter leagues are so popular that the number of players has increased beyond what the Activities Center can hold.

“It is a continually growing program,” Henshaw said. “This year especially, I saw a lot of new faces. We offer four different types of leagues, so getting new people, new faces to sign up and join is always a welcome addition.”



For more info on Kentwood’s beach volleyball leagues and upcoming indoor league options, visit Kentwood Sports Schedules and Standings

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed

Community invited to Kentwood’s The Vibe Fundraiser for Adaptive Recreation Sept. 8

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Xia Dargo participates in the Kentwood Parks and Rec waterskiing clinic this summer at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville. Funds raised at The Vibe will go toward purchasing new equipment for Kentwood’s many adaptive programs, including waterskiing. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

Community members are invited to The Vibe, an annual celebration and fundraiser to enhance the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, on Thursday, Sept. 8.

This year’s event will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Kent District Library, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will include food and cocktails, live music by the Moonshot Band, a silent auction, adaptive equipment displays and yard games.

Funds raised at The Vibe will go toward purchasing new equipment for Kentwood’s many adaptive programs, including golf. Troy Almli tees off at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center this summer during Kentwood’s Adaptive Golf League. (WKTV)

The evening also will feature guest speaker Lee “Coach” Montgomery, a longtime coach and athlete of wheelchair and adaptive sports, who will share more about his experience in both roles. 

Montgomery has medaled in the Paralympics, traveled the world and played a range of different sports, including sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. He won a gold medal for wheelchair basketball in 1990 and in 1993 was recognized as one of the top 10 wheelchair tennis players in the U.S.

His coaching career began in 1988 with Kentwood Parks and Recreation, where he led the junior wheelchair basketball team for several years. He was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

“Coach Lee has long been a champion for adaptive sports and recreation and athletes of all abilities, and we’re excited for him to join us at this year’s event,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We welcome the community to join us to learn more about his story and the value of inclusive recreational opportunities.”

Tickets for the casual-attire event are $40 per person. They can be purchased online at KentwoodVibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270. 

Fundraising for adaptive rec programs

Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward purchasing new equipment for Kentwood’s many adaptive programs. These offerings include archery, cycling club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and waterskiing, along with dances and other social events.

Mark your calendars for The Vibe on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Kent District Library, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The giving wall, shown here from last year’s event, presents an opportunity for people to donate towards specific adaptive equipment needed or to sponsor a specific adaptive program/event.  

“We have a wide variety of adaptive recreation programs that meet the interests of all individuals – from social opportunities like leisure club to sensational activities like waterskiing,” said Ann Przybysz, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “These programs give individuals an opportunity to connect and experience the benefits that come with recreational activities, including a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.”

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming in partnership with community partners, including Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers.



Programs are open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. To learn about current offerings, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Kentwood Adaptive Recreation Program Videos

Adaptive Archery

Adaptive Kayaking

Adaptive Snow Skiing

Adaptive Rock Climbing

Adaptive Water Skiing

Kentwood Parks and Rec holds adaptive waterskiing clinic at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin

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Xia Dargo participates in the Kentwood Parks and Rec Waterskiing clinic last Friday at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville. (WKTV)

By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributing Writer

Kentwood Parks and Recreation intern Aubrey Buckingham has experienced the benefits of the adaptive recreation program firsthand.

“I’ve been a part of facilitating relationships, encouraging participants, lending a hand, and a little bit of everything,” said Buckingham, an incoming senior at GVSU studying recreational therapy. “My favorite part of this summer is the relationships I’ve formed with the participants. There has just been a level of trust, and it’s really fun to see the participants flourish and try new things.

“It’s really special.”

Kentwood Parks and Rec intern Aubrey Buckingham shows Xia Dargo the adaptive waterski chair before they go on the water. (WKTV)

Exposed to working with individuals with disabilities later in her high school years steered Buckingham toward recreational therapy.

“From that point on, I knew that this was just the population that I wanted to work with.”


Kentwood Parks and Rec hosted an adaptive waterskiing and tubing clinic for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities and their families last Friday at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville.

Providing empowering and enriching opportunities for people of all abilities is part of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s main directive — and they are accomplishing that goal through their adaptive recreation program.

“It’s hard as an adaptive family, or a family with special needs, to sometimes find resources that are out there,” said Christy Dargo, mother of an adaptive participant. 

And that is where Kentwood’s Adaptive Program comes in. Kentwood developed its adaptive program 22 years prior, adding clinics open to siblings and other family members within the last five years.

“It’s nice because we all get to be part of it,” Dargo said. “Sometimes it’s hard to find something that everyone can be a part of. You’re a family. And when you have a child with special needs, you have to find that balance between adaptive lifestyle and incorporating things that are not adaptive.

“The clinics melded both the adaptive and nonadaptive and it’s something that they can do together. I think that’s really special.”

Four clinics per year

Parks and Rec partners with other organizations to offer four clinics a year. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan are two organizations that have stepped in to help bring these experiences and learning opportunities to those with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Waterskiing is a particularly popular clinic. Lessons are available on Thursdays over the course of six weeks. Unlike the clinics, which can have approximately 20 participants, the waterskiing lessons are limited to five participants due to the fact they get more time on the water.

Skill development

Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Ann Przybysz (lower left) helps with the adaptive waterskiing program at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin.

“We can work on developing the skills,” said Ann Przybysz, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “Getting better balance, more duration, more strength with their upper body.”

Christy Dargo admits that having the adaptive equipment, extra hands and trained staff helps make the experience “less intense of an adventure to go out and do something. Sometimes it feels almost too overwhelming to do it on our own.”

All about family

The Dargo family consists of four children, Zach, Abigail, Natalie and Xia, who was adopted from China in 2013 and the adaptive participant in the waterskiing clinic — though the rest of the family enjoyed trying out the sport as well.

“It’s so good for the kids, and so good for sibling relationships,” Dargo said. “And it may seem like a little thing, but it’s not. To give kids an opportunity, one, to do something they’ve never done — because of their ability level and making something adaptive — and two, to be able to share it with the rest of their family, for us, this is not a little thing.

“This is a big deal.”

Increased awareness in the community regarding the adaptive program is something staff, interns and parents all agree is needed and are working hard to implement.

Dargo said just the idea of exposure, and that this is even available, is huge.

“It’s a great thing; it’s a blessing for them to be able to do this together,” Dargo explained. “I don’t know if Xia would necessarily do it on his own.”

Seeing his siblings participate, Dargo said, takes away some of that nervousness for Xia.

“More people and families are better,” Xia said.

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed

Teeing off with the Kentwood Adaptive Golf League

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By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer

For many in West Michigan, a round of golf on a nice summer evening is the perfect recreational activity.

And for those with varying disabilities, taking part in the Kentwood Adaptive Golf League is an opportunity to continue playing the sport they love.

The Kentwood adaptive recreation program gives people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities including adaptive golf, which Ann Przybysz has been involved with for over six years.

As program coordinator for Kentwood Parks and Recreation, her role has only increased over the years.

“I started about six years ago with the golf program working golf carts, encouraging our participants and running the leagues,” said Przybysz. “It’s awesome to get people out on wonderful evenings like this and try to take advantage of the nice weather.”

SoloRider golf cart a game-changer

Partnering with the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park allows the adaptive golf league participants to have access to the SoloRider adaptive golf cart, which allows those with limited or no use of their legs the ability to golf freely with little or no assistance.

The adaptive cart features hand controls and a swivel seat that raises golfers into a standing position. Scott Lake is one of few golf courses in Michigan to have access to the SoloRider carts.


Director of Golf Shane Riley said the cart is a game-changer for those that may have not had the ability to golf before.

“The golf cart itself is used weekly by a handful of participants, (and) without that golf cart (they) would never be able to play golf again,” said Riley, who’s worked at Scott Lake for 11 years. “It gives them full capability on the course and they can take it anywhere with limited exceptions.”

Weekly tradition during the summer

Ryan Luchies looking for a club during a weekly Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Golf League at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center. (WKTV)

For Troy Almli (age 46), Ryan Luchies (38), and Krista Schulze (50), the adaptive golf league is just one of the many activities they take part in through the Kentwood adaptive program. The three of them are all survivors of traumatic brain injuries and make golf night weekly on Tuesdays at Scott Lake.


Almli, who got into a life-altering car accident when he was 10 years old, has been playing golf since he was seven and described why he enjoys the sport immensely.

“Enjoying the fresh air and seeing nice people,” Almli said. “I golf with the best people around.”

Meanwhile, Schulze says the adaptive program has been crucial to helping her enjoy the activities she likes to participate in that she otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. She enjoys bowling and snow skiing in addition to the golf program.

“I find it really helpful for anyone with a handicap out there,” Schulze said. “Helps them get back into doing whatever sport they love to do.”

Troy Almli tees off during Kentwood’s Adaptive Golf League held Tuesday nights at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center. (WKTV)

Mary Crestwell, a rehab tech for the Hope Network long term care facility where all three participants live, helps with the transportation to and from the adaptive programs and has been involved for the last five years. 

“It is a great way for them to get involved with the community,” Crestwell said. “Lets them stay active and integrates them with others socially.”

Getting involved in Kentwood adaptive programs

Those in the community that want to participate or volunteer in the Kentwood Parks and Rec adaptive programs are urged to visit their website. There you can find all the sports and activities available as well as where to volunteer or donate.

While the current golf league season is underway, registration is open for the next season that runs from Sept. 6-27. No previous golf experience is required, and clubs are provided for participants who do not have their own. Trained staff help guide participants through the game.   

Kentwood Leisure Club offers weekly recreation for members with disabilities

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Kentwood Leisure Club members making cookies at the Kentwood Activities Center.
Kentwood Leisure Club members making cookies at the Kentwood Activities Center. (Courtesy)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

Having no experience working with disabled individuals, Leisure Club instructor Stacy Zbikowski was hesitant stepping into the role of instructor.

However, she said getting to know the participants and building relationships over the past 15 years has been a great experience for her.

Zbikowski said any age is welcome, and any disability, referring to Kentwood’s adaptive program.

Kentwood Parks and Recreation Activities Center is dedicated to helping residents of all abilities find quality recreation and enrichment. Leisure Club is one of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation offerings to community members with disabilities.

All of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation opportunities promote health and wellness, socialization and quality of life. Leisure Club not only offers fun activities for participants, but also teaches independence and life skills.

“Mainly, it’s for them to be able to go out socially in public and be able to pay for their own meals on their own, or order their meals on their own, whatever we happen to be doing,” Zbikowski said. “It’s just learning some of those life skills.” 

The social interaction Leisure Club offers also has led to several friendships among the participants.

“Some of them actually see each other at work or in different other activities that they belong to at other times,” Zbikowski said. “They will come in, and they are so excited to see each other. They have definitely formed friendships.”

Most activities center around local businesses, with Whitecaps baseball games being the farthest location.

“We try to stick with the Kentwood businesses and the Kentwood area,” Zbikowski continued. “If we’re doing an arts and crafts activity, or playing games, or Bingo, or having the grill out … that’s actually at the Rec center at 48th Street,” Zbikowski said.

For activities outside the recreation center, participants meet at the destination.

“They will find their own ride there or a couple of them actually drive.” Zbikowski said.

A hard copy schedule of events can be found at the Kentwood Activities Center, interested residents can also call the Center or visit their website. Participants can choose which activities they are interested in and attend without registration.


Kentwood Leisure Club celebrates with a Halloween dance held at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. (Courtesy)


“We would love to have more participants,” Zbikowski said. “It’s been a fluid group over the 15 years.”

But regardless of who participates, Zbikowski said it’s a warm, welcoming group of people.

“Everyone is super friendly; they love to laugh and smile. We love to have new friends come join us — to try new things — or do the old things.”




Anneke Minnema, a 23-year-old recent graduate from Calvin College’s Ready For Life Academy, enjoys Leisure Club for the opportunity it provides to make friends and try different sports.

“My favorite is bowling,” Anneke said with a smile. “And pickleball, I like. Shuffleboard is a favorite.”

Vivian Minnema, Anneke’s mother, said, “One of the things we all collectively liked about it was that they have activities that maybe our neurotypical peers are doing also,” while listing pickleball, baseball games, bowling, cookie decorating, and gardening as examples. “They are catering the activities to the people, but it’s what other 23-year-olds are doing also.”

When asked what she enjoys most about Leisure Club, Anneke said it allows her “to communicate more” with her peers. She also enjoys interacting with the staff. “I like my volunteers a lot. They help me around.”

From a parent’s perspective, Vivian also appreciates the staff.

“It’s a well-run, organized program,” Vivian said. “The people who staff it are super great and outgoing and gregarious, and really able to communicate with all of the participants really well.

“We feel it’s very safe. It’s very well-staffed. It’s also a ton of variety of things … and it’s all super affordable.”

Leisure Club meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Costs range from approximately $5 to $10.

To find out more about Leisure Club and other adaptive recreation offerings at the Kentwood Activities Center, click here: Adaptive Recreation

Rains didn’t damper summer fun kickoff in Kentwood as first Food Truck Festival returned

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Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, discusses why the city added an early season food truck rally this year, at the May 19, 20231 event at the Kentwood City Complex. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks’s new early-season Food Truck Festival, the first of two this summer season, had some rain showers but plenty of family fun as well on Saturday, June 19.

On Juneteenth, June 19, the Kent County Black Caucus had a presence at the Kentwood food truck festival, attended here by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The “kickoff” of the Summer Food Truck Festival’s two-event schedule took place in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the same location.

The free-to-attend community event had 16 food trucks — with even more planned for the September event, Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV.

There was also live music, a beer tent and food available for just about every taste.

There was also several community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, as the day was also Juneteenth, attended early to by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz.

More information about the Summer Food Truck Festival is available at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival. For a slideshow of photos from the event, see below (and click through).

Kentwood inviting community review of, input on update to park and recreation plan

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
City of Kentwood Veterans Park, at 331 48th St. SE. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced Nov. 11 that it is inviting community members to share their feedback on a proposed update to its 5-year Community Park and Recreation Plan online or in person at an open house Monday, Nov. 16.

Residents may review and provide their thoughts on the Community Park and Recreation Plan between 5:15 and 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The start of a City of Kentwood disc golf event, from 2019. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

According to the city announcement, a community park and recreation plan is required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to be grant eligible. The update builds on previous parks master planning and engagement efforts to align with the community’s needs. It creates an inventory of existing facilities and resources, identifies community recreation and open space needs and sets an action plan for the next five years.

“An approved plan will allow us to seek state and federal grant funding that will help us make improvements we have identified and prioritized in partnership with our community over the past few years,” Val Romeo, Kentwood parks and recreation director, said in supplied material. “Additional public input on this plan brings us a step closer to accessing funding to make necessary enhancements to our parks, trails, recreational programming and facilities as our community grows.”

Community members who attend the open house are asked to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures, including wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing.

The draft plan and a form to submit feedback online is available on the City’s website at kentwood.us/5-year-park-plan.

 

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming news you ought to know

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”
 
                        ― Kalpana Chawla, an astronaut, engineer,
              and the first woman of Indian descent to go into space

Front row, scholarship recipients (from the left) : Astrid Melissa Lopez Oroxom from Kelloggsvile High School; Luz Parada-Martinez from Godwin Heights High School; Kathryn Abbott from East Kentwood High School; and Crystal Gonzalez-Pineda from Lee High School. Back row, from left: Chamber Education Committee Chair Kathey Batey; Chamber CEO and President Bob O’Callaghan, and Chamber Foundation Director Danna Mathiesen. (WKTV)

Following Their Dreams

Four students from Lee High School, East Kentwood High School, Godwin Heights High School, and Kelloggsville High School were the scholarship recipients for the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. The students received lots advice from those attending a special luncheon such as connect, network, and have an open mind. The students also offered advice to the class of 2020, such as make sure to fill out those scholarship forms. For more, click here.

The City of Wyoming will be bring a new master plan process on Thursday with a public workshop on Thursday at the KDL Wyoming Branch. (WKTV)

Getting [re]Imagined

The City of Wyoming announced last week its plans to develop a new master plan for the city. The process, called Wyoming [re]Imagined will start with a public workshop set for Thursday, May 2 at the KDL Wyoming branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The workshop will be from 6-8 p.m. For more information, click here.


City of Kentwood Veterans Park, at 331 48th St. SE, will be the location of improvements this year. (WKTV)

Pardon Our Dust

The City of Kentwood has started several park improvements at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE; and Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Park Dr. SE. The improvements will bring a new splash pad and playground to Veterans Memorial Park, a covered entry to the Kentwood Activities Center and a new multi-use facility at Old Farm Park. “We are looking forward to opening the new and improved facilities in the fall and appreciate your patience as we make our facilities more accessible, functional and fun,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation director. For more information, click here.



Fun fact:

Hot and Cold

If you think Hell, Michigan is the warmest city in our state, think again. It is actually Benton Harbor, which has an average high of 60 degrees. The coldest will probably come as no surprise as it is Ironwood, located in the Upper Peninsula, on the border of Wisconsin. It has an average low of 30 below. (Source.)

Improvements started at Kentwood’s Veterans Memorial and Old Farm parks

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City of Kentwood Veterans Park, at 331 48th St. SE, will be the location of improvements this year. (WKTV)

By City of Kentwood

Exciting changes are coming to Kentwood parks this fall with several construction projects now underway.

Major improvements will bring a new splash pad and playground to Veterans Memorial Park, a covered entry to the Kentwood Activities Center and a new multi-use facility at Old Farm Park.

“As construction gets underway, we ask the community to please pardon our dust and anticipate that some park amenities will be unavailable this summer,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation director. “We are looking forward to opening the new and improved facilities in the fall and appreciate your patience as we make our facilities more accessible, functional and fun.”

The City received a grant to grow community engagement at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 335 48th St. Pending Kent County approval, construction is tentatively set to begin in June and is slated for completion in November. Proposed improvements include a new splash pad with a hexagonal shelter and a new restroom/changing area that will include room for programming, storage and concessions. An additional large shelter, decorative lighting, picnic tables, trash receptacles and bike racks will also be provided.

 
During construction, the north end of the park, which includes the north playground and swings, north soccer field, tennis, futsal and basketball courts will all remain available for use, as well as the walking path along the creek, the Kentwood Activities Center and the majority of the parking lot. The shelter, splash pad, south playground, sand volleyball courts and south soccer field will be unavailable during construction.

Improvements to the Kentwood Activities Center, also located at 355 48th St., will include a new entrance portico, digital entrance sign and new windows on the front of the existing building.

 
“Many seniors visit the Kentwood Activities Center to participate in our programs,” Romeo said. “The addition of an entrance portico is an accessibility improvement with that population in mind. By protecting the entrance from rain and snow, patrons will be able to come and go without the worry of navigating slippery pavement.”

The new digital entrance sign will improve public awareness of events and allow the staff to change messages quickly. Replacing the original windows on the building will improve energy efficiency leading to positive environmental impacts.

Construction began the week of April 8 and is slated for completion in late June. The Kentwood Activities Center will remain open throughout the project. On May 3, the Parks and Recreation Department’s power will be turned off for electrical work, which will interrupt phone service. During the week of May 6, the front entry will be closed, but alternate entrances will be made available to the public.

Construction of the new multi-use building at Old Farm Park, located at 2350 Embro Drive SE, is set to begin May 2 and be completed in September. The building will have four family-style restrooms, along with room for programming and storage space. Other improvements include an enhanced central gathering space, new water main to serve the building, infrastructure for a potential future splash pad, trail replacement, landscaping and installation of irrigation.

 
During construction at Old Farm Park, the disc golf course, all four pickleball courts, basketball courts and small play structure will be available, as well as the walking path through the field around the park. However, the walking path along the parking lot, and the swings will be unavailable during the project.

 
“While some park amenities will be unavailable throughout this summer during construction, this is a great opportunity for the community to explore some of Kentwood’s other parks and trails,” Romeo said. “We have lots to offer at our community-wide system of parks and trails.”

 
Other Kentwood parks and trails include:

Bowen Station Park – 4499 Bowen Blvd. SE
Burgis Park – 4554 Burgis Ave.
East Paris Nature Park – East Paris Ave.
East West Trail – 4998 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Home Acres Park – 145 Farnham St.
Jaycee Park – 1088 Gentian Drive SE
Kellogg Woods Park – 275 Kellogg Woods Park Drive SE
Northeast Park – 1900 Middleground Drive SE
Paris Park – 3213 60th St. SE
Paul Henry Trail – Runs through 44th Street SE and Kalamazoo Avenue south to 60th Street and Wing Avenue
Pinewood Park – 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE
Rondo Street Station Park – 1950 Gerda Ave. SE
Stanaback Park – 3717 Whitebud Drive
Stauffer Station Park – 2360 52nd St. SE
Summerwood Park – 4689 Summer Creek Lane SE
Wing Station – 5931 Wing Ave. SE

More information about Kentwood’s 14 parks and 6.5 miles of trails is available online at kentwood.us/parks.

Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation spring, summer adult rec programs beginning

City of Kentwood, Going Local, Recreation, Sports
The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is taking registrations for its spring/summer softball leagues. (WKTV)

By Drew Dargavell, WKTV Sports Intern
ken@wktv.org

As the weather begins to heat up, The City of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department’s outdoor adult sports leagues and fitness programs are beginning. And the city has plenty of sports leagues to offer adults, ages 18 and up, whether you want to play for fun, be active and social, or to play competitively there is a variety of leagues and competition levels to offer.

 
“Our sports and fitness programs help promote healthy lifestyles and encourage adults to stay active, not to mention they are a great way to meet new people,” Spencer McKellar, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said to WKTV.

Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department’s spring leagues start in April and May, while the summer leagues begin in June and July. They offer both recreational and competitive women-only leagues, men-only leagues, and Co-Ed leagues, depending on the sport.
 

“We’re always thinking of exciting ways to broaden our community offerings with new classes catered to a variety of ability levels and interests,” McKellar said. “We encourage those interested in participating in sports and fitness programs to register early, as we do offer early bird rates for select classes.”

Some of the popular sports Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department (KPRD) has to offer are:

Recreational and competitive 11-v-11 co-ed, and 9-v-9 women’s soccer, taking place at Veteran’s, Pinewood, and Kellogg Woods parks. Registration closes April 29 for the spring leagues.

Co-ed 4-on-4 sand volleyball at Veteran’s Park sand volleyball court, which ends with a post-season tournament and a big cookout. Spring registration closes April 26.

Co-ed and mens softball at Kellogg Woods Park. The 10 game season ends with a post-season tournament. Spring leagues start the week of April 15, and summer on the week of July 29.

And new this year, KPRD is offering double-header softball leagues at Kellogg Woods Park. This league is 10 weeks and 20 total games, and ends with a post-season tournament. Spring leagues begin April 15 and summer leagues on July 29.

There are also many more leagues, clubs, programs and classes you can get involved in with KPRD.

To register now, you can visit Kentwood Parks and Recreations website at kentwood.us/parks or you can reach them at 616-656-5270.

Kentwood’s holiday season (only) started with its Ugly Sweater 5K run

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Sports, Upcoming Events,

 

 

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org 

 

The City of Kentwood’s busy holiday schedule started with an Ugly Sweater Cross County 5K run on Saturday, Nov. 17, but that is just the start of the city’s season’s offerings.

 

Next up will be the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, slated for Friday, Dec. 7. Centered around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the free event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m.

 

The Holiday Light Parade will start at 6 p.m., at the Kentwood Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, and travel north to the Kentwood Justice Center at 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Roads will be closed from 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the parade, which will affect both Breton Avenue and Walma Avenue.

 

At 6:30 p.m., city officials accompanied by carolers will conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Following the tree lighting, community members will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, go on carriage rides and enjoy a musical performance by the East Kentwood High School Jazz Band. The Elves Express Gift Shop will be open at the library for the duration of the event, offering a variety of gift items and gift-wrapping services.

 

The Ugly Sweater 5K run featured a route that showcased two Kentwood parks and a portion of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Proceeds from the race will support the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season.

 

More information about Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, as well as other community events, is available on the City’s website at www.kentwood.us.

 

Disc golf tournament Freeze Fest set to take place Saturday

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Once again disc golf aficionados will be heading to the fields of Jaycee Park for the annual Freeze Fest Saturday.

 

Hosted by GR Hobby & Disc Golf, the event is a fund raiser for the Kentwood Parks & Recreation south Programs.

 

Participants should bring your own partner. It will be a best shot doubles tournament. On-site registration and check-in is at 9 a.m. with a player meeting at 9:45 a.m. The cot is $40 plus canned food donation per team. All for items will be collect for The Pantry.

 

Jaycee Park is located at 355 48th St. SE, Kentwood. For more information, call 616-656-5317.

Dash through the snow – maybe – as Kentwood hosts Valentine’s-themed run

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It’s love on the run — literally — as Kentwood hosts its first-ever Valentine’s Dash Feb. 10.

 

“We decided to add an additional race to our list of events due to the cancellation of our Ugly Sweater Run in November because of inclement weather,” said Spencer McKellar, a recreation program coordinator for the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, who is overseeing the Valentine’s Dash event.

 

“As a department we also realize there are limited outdoor recreation opportunities in the winter. By offering this new race during February, we hope to encourage members of our community to get out and enjoy our beautiful trails and parks throughout the entire year.”

 

The 3.1-mile course, which McKellar note is great for any skill level, will have participants start and end at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, traveling along an east/west trail and into the Old Farm Park and adjoining neighborhood. Along the way, there will be Valentine’s candy stations.

 

McKellar said the library provides a warm place for both registration and the after party/awards program. Each participant will receive a knit cap and a goodie bag. There also will be a race raffle with a number of items raffled off including a night stay for two at the DoubleTree hotel, golf packages and other items.

 

Awards will be given for fastest time as well as best dressed with other runners helping to judge those in Valentine-themed costumes. Also at the after party will be music, Valentine-themed snacks, and a photo booth.

 

“We want to make this a fun Valentine-themed race with candy, prizes and lots of fun,” McKellar said.

 

Cost to participate is $30 per person with couples getting $5 off each registration. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Kentwood/ValentinesDash.

 

Kentwood Activities Center’s renovations start today

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The Kentwood Activities Center is currently under renovations.

The Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE will be closed for renovations from Dec. 7 to March 2, 2018.

 

During this time, scheduled programs will move to alternate locations, and staff will be relocated to Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

 

The renovation will include a new heating-cooling system, updated and expanded restrooms, updated sound system for the gymnasium and a certified commercial teaching kitchen. The teaching kitchen will provide expanded educational opportunities for the community. When not being used for instruction, it will be made available to caterers and other food business entrepreneurs. The renovation is the largest in more than 30 years for the building, which is one of the City’s oldest facilities.

 

The Little Food Pantry is located in the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

The project is estimated at $838,000, and made possible through  the federal grant program Community Development Block Grant. The grant receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is distributed through Kent County.

 

The Design/Build project is being constructed and designed by CD Barnes Construction and Hooker DeJong.

 

A grand reopening of the Kentwood Activities Center is planned for March 2018. For questions regarding the construction or relocation of recreation programs, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270 or stop by the front desk at Kentwood City Hall.

Kentwood 50: City hosts first-ever Ugly Sweater 5K

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It’s time to pair your running shoes with your favorite ugly sweater for Kentwood’s Ugly Sweater 5K Cross Country Run.

 

The race will begin at noon on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Stormy Creek Golf Course, 3460 36th St., Kentwood. The course will wind through the golf course, making for a fun and challenging run. The City, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017, is inviting runners and walkers to join this unique type of race.

 

“This is the first time the City has offered a cross country race. Participants will get to run on grass and gravel, cross bridges and even be challenged with a couple of hills,” said Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department. “The ugly sweater aspect adds a fun twist that the whole family can enjoy.”

 

Runners and spectators are encouraged to dress up for this fun 5k and show off their ugliest sweater. After the race, there will be an awards ceremony for both runners and the ugliest sweaters.

 

Registration is $35 and includes a knit beanie. For more registration information, visit www.kentwood50.com.