Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting to the point in summer where I’m running out of ideas on how to spend these beautiful days.

I’ve been a baseball game, gone fruit picking, built a sand castle. I’ve done a lot of the summer things already, and summer is only half over.

Lucky for me, Rosa Parks Circle just gave me a slew of new ideas on how to enjoy the second half of summer. Read about that and more in today’s newsletter.

~Jenny F.

Rosa Parks Circle is home to all sorts of Grand Rapids fun—swing dancing, festivals, lunchtime listen parties. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

New programming has been added to almost every night of the week at Rosa Parks Circle. Monday is for Zumba. Wednesday is for roller skating. Move your body all weekend long with Latin Dance on Saturday and Soul Line Dancing on Sunday.

And the best part—all of these events are free.

See more details.

A briefing of local news that matters

Traffic

Two intersections on Kalamazoo Ave have serious safety concerns, but there’s only enough money in the city budget for one traffic light. If the city can’t find the money for a second traffic light, it’ll have to choose which intersection it can make safer. Read more here.

Development

Plans have been in the works for Union Apartments on Coit for the last five years, but the developers will finally start building this affordable housing project on September 1st. See more details.

Education

Careers in technology keep growing, and GVSU wants to meet the demand. They plan on updating and expanding their Pew Campus Eberhard Center to become a hub for technology education and innovation. Check it out.

Government

The former Kent Community Hospital, a 100-year-old facility that has been empty for two years, will be demolished to make way for Kent County’s new administrative offices. The bright side? It’ll have a parking lot for quick in-and-outs. Read more here.

Have news to report? Click here.

A new sign went up at the former Kale Korner bar on Bridge Street, now called Farah’s Pub. It’s unclear if it bears any relation to the former Farah’s which was on Michigan Street. But judging from the playing card icon on the sign, it’s likely.

After 25 years, Bosna Express on 28th Street is closing because its owners are ready to retire.

One Bourbon is closing its doors after nine years in business. To experience their food, dine with them until Saturday, but they’ll open for booze the rest of the month.

Note Coffee opened their shop inside 2rst, a boutique clothing store on Plainfield. Fun fact: you can buy a card, write a note to yourself, and they’ll send it to you a year later.

🌳 Help Plan Parks for 2027

Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation is working on its 2027 master plan and wants your help. Fill out their survey and help shape the future parks and pedestrian areas near you.

✋ River Festival Looks for Volunteers

The Return to the River Music Festival, happening August 22nd and 23rd, put out a call for volunteers. Fill out an application here.

🚲 Griffins Want You To Put a Lid On It

Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team is encouraging kids to wear their helmets when they bike, scoot, or skateboard. If they pledge to do so at the upcoming “Put A Lid On It” events, kids receive free hockey tickets and get entered into a drawing for a free bike.

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

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