10/08/2026
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Here’s what’s happening in Ottawa Hills and our surrounding neighborhoods.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Thank you to all those that volunteer their time and energy in making Ottawa Hills a special place to live. The Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association is still actively seeking various positions that are currently vacant. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the association and help provide the many services and events we’ve come to enjoy throughout the year. If interested in volunteering, please contact Mike Hanson or another board member.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
President
Duties include:
Serve as the general executive officer.
Preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the membership of the Association.
Create the monthly newsletter and forward to the secretary for distribution.
Send text alerts to the neighborhood.
Make an annual report to the membership of the Association.
Vote (as President) only in the case of a tie.
BLOCK CAPTAINS
You may want to consider joining the team by serving as a Block Captain. Block captains attend monthly board meetings when they can, welcome and introduce themselves to new neighbors, help spread neighborhood news, and encourage participation in activities. We need captains for blocks 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11. If interested, please contact Mike Hanson. If you are unsure of what block you are in click here.
ANNUAL NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR
The Newsletter Coordinator is responsible for the annual printed newsletter. It is published in the Spring and includes a wide range of neighborhood related news, locally relevant social media, event listings, and advertising. As coordinator, you would be able to share your creativity. The process has been documented, and the coordinator would facilitate the ads and work with the printer on the layout of the annual newsletter.
SPRING GARAGE SALE COORDINATOR
The coordinator organizes the garage sale weekend, which takes place in the Spring. Duties include obtaining the names of those interested, publishing a map of the participating homes, and placing signage around the neighborhood advertising the event.
PONTIAC FIELD LEASH LAW PROTECTS KIDS
The Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association has continued to receive complaints about dogs being off-leash at Pontiac Field. Pontiac Field is NOT a dog park. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
People from within and outside Ottawa Hills continue to disregard the leash law. Dogs and people have been threatened and/or attacked by off-leash dogs. Most recently, a dog running free in Pontiac Field bit another dog. The OHNA Board wants to make everyone aware that Captain Williams from GRPD has assigned several officers to perform surveillance on the park and cite violators for unleashed dogs.
We are aware, too, that some families refrain from entering Pontiac Field when they see dogs off-leash. Children and parents opt to NOT enter the park at all out of fear and discomfort. This should not be the case.
Leash laws protect kids, adults, and other dogs from attack by unleashed dogs. Please remember that Pontiac Field is not a dog park. By law, dogs must be leashed. Under GR City Ordinance 9.209, owners must prevent their dog from running at large. Owners must restrain their dog with a leash no greater than six (6) feet in length whenever the dog is off the owner's property. If you see an unleashed dog at Pontiac Field, you may call Kent County Animal Control (non-emergency) at 616-632-6100, or the GR Police East Service Area (non-emergency) at 616-456-3400.
Please respect the school and other neighbors by always having your dog leashed.
RECYCLING
Grand Rapids 2026 Fall Recycling Guide offers simple tips for recycling and disposing of common seasonal items, from cardboard, metal cans and rigid plastics to costumes, scrap metal, batteries and household hazardous waste. It also includes information about free SafeChem drop-off locations for items that shouldn’t go in the trash or recycling.
Before you toss it, check the recycling guide to find the right way to recycle or dispose of it and help keep useful materials out of landfills.
FALL COLOR TOUR & INTERACTIVE MAP
The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) and Kent County Parks Department are inviting residents and visitors to slow down, take the long way home, and experience the changing colors of the season with the 2026 Fall Color Tour. The tour features 18 suggested routes organized into four regions — northern, southern, eastern and western Kent County — covering more than 350 miles of roads and highlighting scenic spots worth exploring along the way. New this year, motorists can use an interactive Fall Color Tour Guide synced with Google Maps to follow along or download and print a PDF version for the trip. Since the timing and intensity of fall color can vary from year to year and across the state, be sure to check out the Pure Michigan Fall Color Map
MAIN LIBRARY INTERIOR DESIGN / PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
The Grand Rapids Public Library is working with global design experts to reimagine the public library. The project will focus on transforming the youth areas, lower-level common spaces and lobby. As part of this design effort, they would like to hear from members of the community. Below is additional information if you’re interested in participating.
Thursday, November 5 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Location: Main Library at 111 Library St. NE
UPCOMING OHNA EVENTS
October
20 OHNA Board Meeting, GRCES library, 7:00 p.m.
November
17 OHNA Annual Board Meeting, GRCES library, 7:00 p.m.
December
No Board Meeting
ABOUT TOWN
Happenings at Calvin Church
VERSITI BLOOD DRIVE
Oct 21 from 2:30-7:30 p.m.
Help a stranger in need by donating your life-saving blood. If you’d like to be proactive: fill out the required forms and reserve your spot online with the QR code. Walk-ins are also welcomed.
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SOUP SUPPER
Oct 21 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
COME EARLY TO DONATE BLOOD - STAY FOR SOUP
We’re stirring up comfort, warmth, and good cheer! Get ready to sample a multitude of delectable soups! Last year congregants made 20 different varieties - no competition involved, just our way of sharing warm hugs on a crisp fall day.
PUMPKINS & PANCAKES
October 24 from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Please come to our most popular, multi-generational, neighborhood event. We’re offering a warm breakfast of pancakes and sausages and hope you’ll bring your whole family for pumpkin decorating. Plenty of pumpkins for all!
FREE YMCA FITNESS CLASSES
FITNESS FOR LIFE
Tuesdays from1:00-2:00 p.m. thru December 8
Designed for those seeking a gentle workout, this session combines light cardio, stretching, and strength training. It offers a wonderful opportunity to enhance joint mobility, overall strength, balance, and coordination. Enjoy a variety of activities including walking, low-impact exercise, and gentle range-of-motion work.
PROCLAIM DANCE FITNESS
Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m. thru December 9
Energize your routine with this vibrant, upbeat, high-intensity dance workout set to inspiring Christian music! These sessions integrate dynamic movement, joyful praise, and fellowship for a fun, faith-centered exercise session. Everyone is welcome regardless of dance background—simply show up ready to dance and enjoy yourself! Expect a warm, supportive environment featuring routine routines crafted to boost stamina, muscle tone, and assurance, motivating you to stay active, give praise, and celebrate!
Send a message to learn more
