 
A Note From The Administrator
It was great seeing so many people on Friday at our Johnson Park ribbon-cutting! The beautiful weather and great turnout made it a fun celebration of the new eight-mile mountain bike trail system and other park improvements. There’s a lot of exciting work happening across our parks and along the Greenway, and it’s great to see it all coming together.
As you may have seen in the news, the John Ball Zoo announced Jason Jacobs as its new CEO. I was proud to be on the team interviewing candidates for the role, and Jason really stood out for his knowledge of zoo operations and the industry as a whole. Some of our commissioners, and I, spent some time with Jason this morning at the Goei Center and we look forward to continuing to have a great relationship with our Zoo partners.
As always, please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
Pictured from left: Administrator Al Vanderberg, New John Ball Zoo CEO Jason Jacobs, and Interim John Ball Zoo CEO Rob VerHeulen.
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County Commissioners Join the Michigan Apple Crunch
Can you predict the sound of an apple crunch? Our Kent County Commissioners gave it a try on October 15 as part of the 2026 Michigan Apple Crunch, celebrating National Farm to School Month with fresh, locally grown Michigan apples from Commissioner Morse’s family farm, J & J Orchards.
The Commissioners also joined in on a popular social media trend, trying to predict what the crunch would sound like before taking a bite!
The Michigan Apple Crunch promotes healthy eating, supports local farmers and celebrates Michigan’s agricultural heritage. To learn more about the Michigan Apple Crunch, visit here.
Thanks to our Commissioners for joining in on this fun way to celebrate local food and community wellness.
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Get Your Free Green Light Bulb To Support Veterans
Starting next week, Operation Green Light will shine a light on the service of our local veterans. From November 4–11, residents, businesses and community partners are encouraged to light their homes and buildings green to show their support.
Our Veterans Services department has already given out almost 1,000 free green light bulbs and continues to encourage participation in this awareness campaign.
By shining a green light, everyone helps show veterans that their service is valued and appreciated. To learn more about where to get a light bulb, visit here.
The event will conclude on November 11, starting at 6 p.m., with the Veterans Day Parade. The parade will start on Division Avenue at Pearl Street, proceed south on Division to Fulton Street, head east on Fulton, then turn north on Park Place and continue into Veterans Memorial Park. Bring the whole family and line the route to show your support for our veterans. Look for our Veterans Services staff, who will be handing out goodie bags!
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Johnson Park Celebrates Major Improvements
Last week, our Parks Department team celebrated major upgrades to Johnson Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a free community mountain biking Jamboree hosted by the our Parks and the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance.
The improvements include an eight-mile mountain bike trail system designed for riders of varying ages and abilities, an expanded parking lot, a family restroom, a replacement playground, and covered gathering spaces.
Supported by a $2.7 million investment, the upgrades enhance Johnson Park’s role as a gateway to the Grand River Greenway, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and connections throughout West Michigan.
Celebrating Two Years of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center
Network180 and Trinity Health Grand Rapids recently marked the two-year anniversary of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC), celebrating a community partnership that is changing how people in Kent County access behavioral health care.
Made possible through the collaboration and advocacy of public, business, and civic leaders, including our Board of Commissioners, the BHCC provides a welcoming place for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis to receive timely, compassionate support. As Michigan’s first crisis stabilization unit of its kind, the center offers an important alternative to traditional emergency response, helping connect people with the care they need when they need it most.
Pictured: Beverly Ryskamp, Chief Operating Officer of Network180
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Cancer Screening Support for Kent County Residents
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of early detection. Did you know that when breast cancer is detected at a localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is nearly 99%?
Our Health Department is partnering with the State to offer the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP), which helps eligible residents access screenings, follow-up care, and financial assistance for diagnostic services and treatment.
Uninsured and underinsured residents may qualify for free services or financial assistance. To learn more or enroll, call 616-632-7283 or email BC3NP@kentcountymi.gov.
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Quality Service Recognition Awards
Congratulations to Austin Schian, Health Department and Deputy Steve Ophoff, Sheriff’s Office on receiving County Quality Service Recognition Awards at our Board of Commissioner's meeting on October 22.
Their hard work and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of Kent County residents every day. Whether providing essential health services or protecting and serving our community through law enforcement, these employees help residents navigate challenging situations, access critical resources and build a safer, healthier community for all.
We’re proud to recognize Austin and Steve for consistently going above and beyond. We thank them for their outstanding contributions and for embodying the spirit of public service.
October Is Energy Awareness Month
October is National Energy Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of energy efficiency and its impact on our communities, household budgets and the environment. Making homes more energy-efficient can help residents reduce utility costs, improve indoor comfort and create healthier living spaces.
Our Community Action department supports residents through a variety of home repair programs designed to make homes safer, healthier and more energy-efficient. These improvements can help address home maintenance needs, improve energy efficiency and support long-term housing stability.
By helping residents maintain safe and efficient homes, we’re working toward stronger communities where everyone has the opportunity to live comfortably and sustainably.
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Pet Spotlight: Lucy
Looking for a K9 friend to add a little extra love to your life? Meet Lucy!
This sweet 6-year-old, 68-pound Terrier/American Staffordshire and Beagle mix is currently in foster care through our Animal Shelter, waiting to find her forever home.
Could Lucy be the perfect addition to your family? Learn more about adopting her or another deserving animal and giving them a loving home - and a chance to become your new best friend! Visit our website or contact us by email.
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"A to Z: Discovering Kent County" Series Highlights Van Andel Arena for the Letter V
As part of our “A to Z: Discovering Kent County” series, we are happy to highlight the Van Andel Arena for the letter V.
It’s hard to imagine downtown Grand Rapids without the Van Andel Arena. Today, it’s a familiar destination for hockey games, concerts, family shows and major events. But 30 years ago, the Heartside neighborhood looked very different. In the early 1990s much of the land where the arena now stands was simply parking lots, and local leaders were looking for ways to bring new life to the city center.
Local leaders believed that changing downtown would require thinking big. In 1991, more than 50 community leaders came together as the Grand Vision Committee to explore major projects, including a new arena and improvements to the city's convention facilities.
To read our full article, visit here.
A Fall Tradition for Families at John Ball Zoo
There’s still time to enjoy John Ball Zoo’s annual Zoo Goes Boo annual celebration! The final weekend, October 30–November 1, offers families a fun, seasonal opportunity to connect, learn, and enjoy the Zoo together.
The event features trick-or-treat stations throughout the Zoo, festive decorations, and entertainment for guests of all ages. Families can also learn about creating a more inclusive experience through designated allergy-friendly treat stations. With costumes encouraged for all ages, Zoo Goes Boo brings the community together for a fun fall tradition that celebrates family connection and shared experiences.
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Build Your Financial Knowledge with MSU Extension
Looking to strengthen your money management skills or learn more about homeownership? Michigan State University Extension is offering a series of financial education resources and events focused on financial stability and wellness this November.
Topics include: creating a spending plan, protecting your identity, understanding property taxes and foreclosure, building credit, preparing to buy a home, managing expenses on a fixed income and more. There are also resources for renters, small business owners and those looking to save money during the holidays.
Explore upcoming events, learn more and register through the MSU Extension Financial and Homeownership Education website. You can also follow the MSU Extension District 7 Facebook page for event updates and helpful financial tips.
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Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
A career with Kent County offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through a wide range of roles in public service, including health, public safety, parks, courts, administration, and many other areas that support residents every day. To view our open positions and apply, visit kentcountymi.gov/jobs.
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