Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Gazelle Sports will close its downtown store at 52 Monroe Center NW on Oct.

24 as it shifts to mobile services and bolsters its other Grand Rapids locations. The store, opened in May 2022, faced slow foot traffic and limited inventory — factors that prompted the change.

Kent and Ottawa County districts are starting school at varied times this year.

Jenison Public Schools opens with a half day on Aug. 19 — most, including Grand Rapids Public Schools, welcome students on Aug. 24 or later following approved waivers for early terms instead of waiting until Labor Day.

Grand Rapids is piloting a food scrap compost program for residents dropping off scraps at seven city bins across three wards; Public Works will return finished compost and showcase the initiative today at 10 a.m. at the MLK Community Center (900 Fuller Ave. SE) to cut waste and greenhouse gases.

Veterans Memorial Garden in Wyoming is set for a $400K+ redevelopment as the city accepts bids for upgrades.

Coast Guard veteran Keith Wakefield hopes new signage, parking, and service flags will better honor veterans and encourage closer ties with local organizations.

Earlier this summer, Hope Network opened an inclusive playground at its Holland Center for Autism at 11172 Adams St to serve about 30 to 40 local children in developing play, social, and motor skills—adding a safe area for therapy and fun.

Construction has begun on a $12.3M development called Knapp Hills Townhomes at 2070 Dean Lake Ave. NE in Creston.

The 38-unit project will feature two- and three-bedroom townhomes with garages, fenced yards and private patios, and income-eligible households can get reduced rents, with completion set in spring 2027.

The new pro soccer stadium is taking shape in Grand Rapids as completed steel framing and a gold exterior cladding add character to the Westside site along highway 131 — a developing landmark near the Grand River.

The venue will hold 8500 fans and will open in spring 2027.