Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Zoo & Museum Millage Renewal on the November 3 ballot
A ten-year, .4086-mill renewal for John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum goes countywide on November 3 — about $5.11 a month for a $150,000-SEV home. It funds education programs, exhibits, collections care and zoo animal care, generating an estimated $15.5 million in year one.
Adaptive recreation program recognition
Former mayor Rev. Jerry DeRuiter was honored for helping launch Kentwood's adaptive recreation program, one of only a handful in the country, serving residents with disabilities.
Kent District Library community report
The library reported record circulation of 1.9 million items, 30,000 free summer meals with Feeding America, a 2025 Library of the Year honor, and a 10,000-person author event at Van Andel.
Honoring Peter Lamberts, Kentwood's founding father
Lee Lamberts asked the city to keep his father Peter Lamberts' legacy alive — the township supervisor who fought off annexation and led Kentwood to cityhood in 1967 — by naming City Hall or another feature in his honor.
New community center branding
The new community center still doesn't have an official name, so the city is spending up to $38,775 with Well Design Studio to pick a name, build the brand, and launch marketing ahead of the June 6 membership launch and September grand opening.
Veterans Park Phase IV state grant application
The city is asking the state for $850,000 to upgrade Veterans Park — new basketball courts, a picnic shelter, pickleball conversion, and new paths. If the grant comes through, the city's share is $450,000.
Rondo Station Park improvements
CarboSix Construction will rebuild the aging park with accessible parking, a new playground, lighting, a shade shelter, and a repaired Goethe Street entrance, using a $300,000 state grant the city won in 2024.
Community Center furnishings and equipment
The commission approved the final $742,809 chunk of spending on furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the new Community Center, including live plants and design work. This gets the building ready for opening day purchases, deliveries, and training.
Community Parks and Recreation Plan 2026-2031
The five-year parks plan is the ticket to state DNR grant money, and it sets priorities residents asked for — pickleball courts, Community Center development, and Covenant Park improvements. Adopting it keeps those projects fundable for the next six years.