Eastown Community Association

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Grand Rapids, MI
Eastown Community Association

The ECA is an eclectic, inclusion-focused neighborhood association in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This page is not regularly monitored.

Our mission is to foster a safe, diverse, and walkable neighborhood by creating opportunities for neighbors and friends to engage and connect. Please email us at [email protected] or call 616-451-3025. Useful phone numbers -
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency Police:
456-3400
City of GR Customer Service: 311
Silent Observer (anonymous):
774-2345
Capt. John Bylsma (Cmty police contact):
456-4485
GRPD Hom

eless Outreach Team (HOT):
456-4240
2nd Ward Commissioner Milinda Ysasi:
456-3859
2nd Ward Commissioner Joseph Jones:
456-3858
3rd Ward Commissioner Senita Lenear:
456-3860
3rd Ward Commissioner Nathaniel Moody:
456-3857
Calvin College Dean of Students:
526-6548
Aquinas College Community Engagement:
632-2112
Grand Rapids Public Schools:
819-2000
City of GR Code Compliance:
456-3053
City of GR Parks and Recreation:
456-3696
Kent County Animal Control/Animal Shelter:
632-7300
Kent County Health Department:
632-7100
Volunteers in Service:
459-7500
Dispute Resolution Center of W. MI:
774-0121

It takes a collaborative effort to keep a community safe and vibrant. The Eastown Community Association is devoted to recruiting volunteers and coordinating activities to maintain the vitality in Eastown. Each year we organize dozens of activities, facilitate public dialogues on key issues and are responsible for thousands of volunteer hours toward neighborhood clean-ups, beautification projects, family-friendly activities, and numerous other projects to improve the quality of life for Eastown residents, business owners, and visitors.

05/23/2026

Last week, the Kids Bazaar entrepreneurs gathered to decorate their posters and prepare for the big day in June. This was made possible by some amazing community supporters.
Thanks to Calvin Church for graciously hosting us.
Sincere thanks to Cottage Inn Pizza for giving us a great deal on dinner for the group.
Huge thanks to the Eastown Business Association for sponsoring the event overall.
Shout out to Lindsay Bruce for being our guest speaker and talking to the kids about sales and presentation.
Much much gratitude goes out to all who volunteered and lent a hand, and last but not least thanks to AJ Julcher for setting us up for success and being the brains behind it all.

Next year we will remember to take pictures but if you were there and feel like sharing any photos, send them our way and we'll drop them in the comments.

05/22/2026

Eastown Walking Tours are Back! Learn how the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians developed communities here starting in 300 BCE, and the impact of the first Europeans in the 19th century with local historian, Steve Staggs.

When: Saturday, June 6th | 10:00 AM
Where: Meet at Robinson Road & Woodmere Ave SE (Wilcox Park sign)

Tickets are $25/person and can be purchased at this link: https://www.eastown.org/shop/p/wine-cheese-fundraiser-ktned

05/17/2026

Who else is excited for our first Community Bike Ride this week? 🚲 Meet us this coming Thursday, May 21 for a relaxed loop through Eastown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Where: The first ride will begin and end at the ECA office (415 Ethel Ave SE)
When: Ride goes from 6pm - 7pm (arrive by 5:45pm)

Every ride features fun giveaways, a chance to win gift cards, and the perfect excuse to meet your neighbors! Afterward, stick around and join us for an optional post-ride dinner and drinks at Harmony Brewing Company. We can’t wait to see you there 🚲

Save the dates:
May 21 | June 18 | July 16 | Aug 20 | Sept 17

Route Info:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54451559
https://strava.app.link/x8GpwEdQa3b

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for helping to bring these rides together:

Neighborhood Association Partners

05/01/2026

Dumpster Day is Saturday, May 9th from 8:00AM to 12:00PM! Here's what you need to know:

- You must be an Eastown resident to participate. We will be verifying by checking ID.
- A $10 donation is suggested.
- You are responsible for bringing and unloading your trash. Volunteers will be present to assist with unloading.
- Ensure any major appliances (refridgerators, dishwashers, stoves, air conditioners, dehumidifiers) are freon free.
- We DO NOT accept yard waste, sod, concrete, wood, asphalt, hazardous materials (tires, oil, gas, paint, hot ashes, or household/garden chemicals), or electronics (computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, etc).
- There will be a recycling dumpster on site. Feel free to bring and empty, clean plastic, metal, or glass containers as well as any clean paper, cardboard, or cartons.

04/30/2026

Our first Community Bike Ride of the year is almost here! 🚲 Meet us on Thursday, May 21 for a relaxed loop through Eastown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Every ride includes a chance to win gift card prizes, giveaways, and even meet a new friend! Join us for an optional dinner at Harmony Brewing Company afterward.

We can’t wait to see you there!
Save the dates: May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug 20, & Sept 17.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for helping to bring these rides together: Meijer, Grand Rapids Bicycle Company, Johnny D’s Bike Bags LLC, Uptown, and Neighborhood Association Partners

04/28/2026

Ready for spring cleaning? Come down to the Ethel lot on May 9th from 8AM-12PM and drop off your junk. Suggested donation of $10. Must show proof of Eastown residency.

Want to volunteer? Sign up: https://forms.gle/vrFoBUEm1d1ePMiz6

04/21/2026

Mark your calendars! One month from today is our first ECA Community Bike Ride of the year. 🚲
Come join us for a relaxed loop through Eastown and our surrounding neighborhoods. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer and connect with the community.

Schedule
• Kickoff Ride: Thursday, May 21 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Upcoming Dates: June 18, July 16, August 20, and September 17

Details
• Route: A casual 4–5 mile cruise (about 45 minutes) at a social, relaxed pace.
• Perks: We’ll have free bike accessory giveaways, plus a chance to win gift cards, bike bags, and more!

Grab a neighbor and let’s hit the road. We can’t wait to see everyone there! Stay tuned for more updates soon.

Big thanks to our sponsors: Meijer, Grand Rapids Bicycle Company, Johnny D’s Bike Bags, LLC, Uptown

04/16/2026

☕ Introducing Coffee with the ECA Board!
We're launching a new way to connect — join your ECA Board for a casual morning conversation. Share what's on your mind and hear what's happening in the Eastown community.
📅 Sunday mornings: April 19th, August 16th & November 15th
⏰ 9–9:45am
📍 That Early Bird
No agenda, no formality — just good coffee and good community. We'd love to see you there!

04/06/2026

Join cheesemonger & historian Steve Staggs for an exclusive cheese & wine tasting on Thursday, April 23rd at Chef Shack from 6:30-8:00PM. Tickets are $125/person and all proceeds go toward the ECA!

To buy tickets, scan the QR code or navigate to https://www.eastown.org/cheese

Address

415 Ethel Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI
49506

Website

http://www.eastown.org/

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