A Note From The Administrator
As the warmer temperatures are finally settling in, it served as the perfect backdrop for some exciting milestones this week, including the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Amway Soccer Stadium and the reopening of our wonderfully renovated Animal Shelter.
Last week, I joined several of our commissioners and staff at the Children’s Advocacy Center Luncheon - always a powerful event that highlights the important work being done to support and protect children in our community.
As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
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Animal Shelter Returns to Fuller Avenue Facility Following Renovations
After 12 weeks of renovations, our Animal Shelter was excited to head back into their main location at 740 Fuller Ave NE last Thursday, April 24! The updates (including fresh new floors) will help us take even better care of the animals and serve the community.
We still need your help! With only 38 kennels available during the move, there’s an urgent need for fosters and adopters to help make room for incoming animals. Visit kentcountymi.gov to see all of our available pets. Let’s make this transition smooth and safe for the pets who need us most.
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Celebrating Community Development Week
Last week we celebrated Community Development Week, a time to highlight the impactful programs that improve the lives of Kent County residents. One such program is our Community Action Affordable Housing Development Program, which played a key role in helping Charlie become a first-time homeowner.
What makes Charlie’s story even more special is that, after achieving this milestone, she joined our Facilities Team, working in the same building as the department that helped make her dream of homeownership a reality. Her journey is a testament to the positive and lasting impact of the programs we offer to our community.
Through initiatives like the Affordable Housing Development Program, we continue our commitment to supporting Kent County residents and fostering a brighter future for all. Learn more about this program at kentcountymi.gov/HOME
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Clerk’s Office To Host The Secretary of State's Mobile Unit On April 29, To Help With REAL IDs As Deadline Approaches
The REAL ID deadline is coming up fast! To make it easier to update your identification, the Michigan Secretary of State's mobile office will be at our Kent County Clerk’s Office (300 Monroe Ave.) tomorrow, April 29, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m, to help with REAL ID conversions.
Starting May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly within the U.S. or enter certain federal facilities - even if you’re just flying domestically. If your license or ID doesn’t have a gold star in the corner, it’s time to upgrade.
Bring your required documents (current Michigan driver's license or ID, a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence) and stop by - no extra trip to the SOS office is needed!
Employee Spotlight: Sangeeta Ghosh, Assistant Corporate Counsel
We are so grateful for Sangeeta Ghosh's work spanning a wide range of critical responsibilities, including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) advisory, contract review and negotiation, litigation support and management of outside counsel, ensuring data privacy and confidentiality, and more!
"The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to contribute to the public good by providing legal services to elected officials and departments that directly impact effective governance, programming, and public services. Seeing the tangible outcomes of this work in the community is both humbling and gratifying."
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Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails Coming to Johnson Park
Exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts and our Parks Department - Johnson Park in Walker is set to become a premier destination for mountain bikers with the upcoming addition of six miles of trails designed to be accessible for all riders, including those using adaptive bikes.
This project, slated for completion in 2026, is a collaboration between our Parks Department, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), and the West Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance, with funding support from the American Rescue Plan Act and a Grand River Greenway Grant.
This initiative not only introduces the first entirely adaptive mountain bike trails in Kent County but also positions Johnson Park as a key trailhead along the developing Grand River Greenway, enhancing recreational opportunities for both local riders and those exploring the region's growing trail network.
To learn more, you can read this MLive article.
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Health Department Recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month
During April, our Health Department spotlighted Alcohol Awareness Month and our Public Health Educator, Sharon, had the opportunity to talk about it on WZZM13. On-Air, they discussed the significant impact of alcohol misuse on individuals and communities and how crucial it is to understand that problematic drinking can lead to serious health complications, increase the risk of injuries, and have lasting negative social consequences.
Recognizing the early warning signs can be the first step towards seeking support and making positive changes. Signs include:
- Drinking interferes with daily activities
- Loved ones or trusted friends make comments about your drinking
- You spend a lot of time drinking or thinking about alcohol
- You need to drink more than you once did to feel the effect you want
- You try to stop or cut down but can’t
For those seeking more information and resources related to alcohol awareness and support, visit AboutLastNightKent.com.
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"A To Z: Discovering Kent County" Series Highlights The Fish Ladder
 As part of our "A to Z: Discovering Kent County" series, we are happy to highlight the Fish Ladder, for the letter F!
Tucked along the west bank of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, Fish Ladder Park is a place where nature, art, and science all come together. It's not just a scenic riverside stop, it’s where fish fly, and people gather to watch them do it. The Fish Ladder opened on January 2, 1975, after salmon and steelhead populations were introduced into the Great Lakes in the 1960s. As these fish began their instinctive migration upstream to spawn, they hit a concrete wall - literally. The Sixth Street Dam blocked their path, cutting them off from their spawning grounds. Enter artist Joseph Kinnebrew, who had an idea to solve the problem artistically...
To read the full article about the Fish Ladder, visit here.
New Deer Management Coalition Webpage
We're excited for the recent launch of the Kent County Deer Management Coalition’s webpage at www.kentcountymi.gov/deer, created in partnership with Grand Valley State University, the Kent County Road Commission, and local communities. This site features key research and data on local deer populations, a project timeline, and survey results from residents. Many community members reported seeing deer a few times a week, mostly in the evenings, with their top concerns being deer-vehicle crashes, property damage, and disease risks. While most enjoy seeing deer, they also recognize the challenges they bring.
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Veterans Services Department To March In Walker Memorial Day Parade
For the first time, the dedicated team at our Veterans Services Department will proudly march in the City of Walker's Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, starting at 12 pm at Walker City Hall (4243 Remembrance Rd NW, Walker, MI 49534).
We invite the community to join us as we honor the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation; the parade route will proceed along Remembrance Road and conclude at Walker Village Drive at the National Storage Lot.
To learn more about how you can get involved at Veterans Services, contact us here.
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Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, visit kentcountymi.gov/jobs. To learn more about our employee value proposition, visit here.
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