New check-in process

To ensure that our morning at John Ball Zoo goes as smoothly as possible, the WESTSIDE OUTSIDE team has streamlined check-in. Those who "pre-register" will be able to circumvent morning registration (and lines) on Saturday April 13th! The 7-10 minute survey will serve several of our planning organization with some information about your West Grand Rapids Experience (as a neighbor, employee, or friend). Thank you in advance for completing the survey and PRE-REGISTERING as SOON as possible! We want to estimate the right amount of food, drinks, gloves, games, give-a-ways, etc. 


Take the time NOW to SAVE TIME LATER!

how it came to be

Brian and Erica Curry VanEe sparked a  movement that led to a tradition that has grown exponentially!  


Westside neighbors can do ANYTHING when they work together. 


Initially focused on Union Square (where the VanEe's live), the cleanup grew in energy and scope adding more and more each year. Eventually as a board member, Erica Curry VanEe expanded their robust spring event to encompass the entire geography of West Grand Neighborhood Organization. Soon thereafter it was attracting triple-digit participation and ending with a community party complete with live music and food. 


Eventually it outgrew the West Grand Neighborhood and added efforts in the John Ball Area Neighborhood's streets and sidewalks.


By 2018, the event was attracting more than 600 people and was forced to move to John Ball Zoo, where there would be enough room to fit everyone!


Now going into year 11, the Westside Cleanup lives on as the core participant activity of WESTSIDE OUTSIDE. The cleanup efforts now expand from Richmond Park down to Roosevelt Park and include sidewalks, streets, and alleys.