For many years, our community track has been a central hub for residents, students, and athletes in East Grand Rapids. It's not just a place to run or exercise; it's a gathering spot that fosters community spirit and promotes healthy living.

For more information about the Potential Property Acquisition that we are against, Click Here. These slides were presented at the school board meeting on April 15th, 2024. A letter from Dr. Kattula, the Superintendent went out to households that currently have students in the EGR school system. Households that do not currently have students in EGR schools have not been notified that the school board is planning to remove our community track.

Brochures for the original proposal can be found here​, here, and here. The brochures demonstrate a plan to keep the track in it's current location. The proposal promised to be "student centered," and "promote health, safety, and sustainability." The bond was approved by voters in November 2023.

The proposal to build a new track on the other side of the Beltline is more than an inconvenience; it puts student safety at risk and creates a barrier for middle school and lower SES students to get to practice. It threatens to disrupt the fabric of our community. While we have many concerns, they are mainly twofold:

1. The entire student body of EGRPS Relies on the track for many events. Moving the track will limit access for students from Kindergarten through High School. Students use the track for physical education classes, the elementary LBW race, the parks and recreation track and field programs, and obviously for cross country and track practice at both the middle school and high school level. Taking away the track from the heart of the city isolates these students, discourages participation, and disrupts the future of East continuing their tradition of excellence on the field. We pride ourselves on being a walking community, and moving the track outside of city limits will reduce out ability to walk, run, or bike to the track, and increase our reliance on cars. 
2. The community of East Grand Rapids and its surrounding neighborhoods rely on this track. It brings together people of all ages. Senior citizens who choose the track for exercise as it is a smooth, safe surface to walk on. Parents walk laps with their children as it is a safe place to run free without the fear of running into the street. Social running clubs gather at the track on a daily basis while individuals of any ability enjoy the track at all hours of the day. It is conveniently located to multiple amenities that the city prides itself on including the library, Gaslight Village, the city offices, and the police and fire department. The loss of a such an integral community asset would threaten the appeal of EGR being "a better place to live" and, arguably, become a less-than-ideal place to learn.

We understand there are good reasons behind this proposed move but we urge decision-makers to consider alternatives that will not permanently deprive us of such an essential part of our lives in East Grand Rapids.

Please join us in preserving what makes our community unique and vibrant. Sign this petition today!