Made In Walker

City of Walker MI

The Made In Walker Podcast connects you to the people, stories, and ideas shaping our community. From local innovators to everyday change makers, we are diving deep into what makes Walker Michigan a great place to live, work, and grow.
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To contact us about this podcast please send an email to Podcast@Walker.City.

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S2 · E18
Monday · 17 min
Saving Walker Engine 117
A 1954 GMC fire engine doesn’t just show up every day, and it definitely doesn’t come with a paper trail that stretches back to the original purchase. We sit down with Ben Willcome, the City of Walker fleet supervisor, to tell the story of Walker Engine 117, one of the city’s earliest fire trucks, in service from 1954 until 1986 and now getting a second life outside the station. We talk through what “preservation” really means when your goal is to share history with the public. Ben walks us through the barn-find reality, why seized brakes became the biggest challenge, and how he made the call to prioritize safety and long-term serviceability over a museum-only build. The most surprising fix is also the most practical: a donated 2010 school bus provided axles and a modern hydraulic brake system that can be repaired with parts that should stay available for decades. Then we get into the details restoration fans love, from hunting down a hard-to-find water pump to converting the truck from six volt to twelve volt, swapping in electronic ignition, and making sure this classic starts and runs confidently. We also dig into the artifacts that bring the story to life: historic photos, original titles, spec sheets, pump brochures, and drawings that guide the cosmetic details and prove where this apparatus came from. Ben’s end goal is simple and big at the same time: bring Engine 117 back to city events, put kids in the seat, and help Walker residents see how the department and the community evolved. Subscribe for more local stories, share this with a history or restoration friend, and leave a review so more people can find the Made in Walker Podcast. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E17
August 31 · 16 min
How Walker Built A Swift Water Rescue Team
A river can look perfectly calm from the bank and still put someone underwater in seconds. We sit down with Chief Keith Mankel and Scott Kiernicki to share how Walker, Michigan builds a swift water rescue program designed for the Grand River, local lakes, and the flooding that can hit low-lying areas when storms roll through. We talk about what changed for the Walker Fire Department and Walker Police Department: moving from waiting on outside agencies to building a more self-sufficient response with a dedicated rescue boat, shared standards, and a joint team that can deploy quickly. You will hear why equipment compatibility matters, what goes into spec’ing a Zodiac rescue boat, and how real training goes far beyond “driving” a boat. Swift water certification, self-rescue skills, and precision maneuvers are all part of getting to a victim through debris, current, and tight river paths without wasting time. We also get practical about what responders carry and why: life vests, helmets, whistles, lights, knives, ropes, carabiners, webbing, and patient-extraction options for tough recoveries. The conversation does not dodge the hard truth either: some calls become recovery missions, and speed still matters for families waiting on answers. We end with the simplest takeaway for every paddler, tuber, angler, and ice-season explorer: wear a certified personal flotation device (PFD). If this story makes you think differently about water safety and emergency preparedness, subscribe, share the episode with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people in Walker and beyond can find it. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E16
August 17 · 15 min
From Patrol To Public Voice
A career change can be a fresh start, but it can also be a new way to serve the same neighbors. I’m joined by Mitch Harkema, the City of Walker’s new communications manager, and he brings a perspective you rarely hear in municipal public relations: more than a decade working inside the City of Walker, including years as a Walker police officer and hands-on community engagement work that already had him communicating with residents every day. We dig into what makes city communications work when trust is the goal. Mitch talks about building real relationships, showing up consistently, and translating city operations into plain language people can actually use. With Walker growing and shifting, that steady approach matters, especially when residents want transparency, quick answers, and fewer surprises from local government. We also spend time on the proposed public safety millage coming before Walker voters and how the city plans to educate the public. Mitch walks through the outreach plan, including updates on walker.city, dedicated information at walker.city/public-safety-millage, and the City of Walker, Walker Police, and Walker Fire Facebook pages. He explains why in-person conversations still matter, from community events to open house opportunities at all three fire stations and the police department, where people can see facilities firsthand and ask direct questions. If you care about public safety, local government, and how a city communicates through change, this conversation is for you. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, share this with a neighbor in Walker, and leave a review so more people can find the show. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E15
August 3 · 11 min
National Night Out Brings Neighbors Together In Walker
You usually meet a police officer or firefighter on one of your worst days. National Night Out in Walker is built around the opposite idea: come out on a good day, bring your kids, meet your neighbors, and talk with first responders in a relaxed setting where questions are welcome and the goal is simple trust. We sit down with Officer Tyler Glass from the Walker Police Department and Kylie Lopo from FZ (Feyen Zylstra) to explain how National Night Out works, why it matters for neighborhood safety, and what it looks like when a local business and a city team up to serve the community. We talk about how the event helps residents connect with police, fire, commissioners, and the mayor, and why that “more human” contact can make a difference long before anyone needs to call 911. You’ll also get the practical details you need to plan your night: National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at FZ headquarters, 2396 Hillside Drive at the corner of Alpine and Hillside. Expect a free, family-friendly community event with bounce houses, face painting, balloon twisting, kid prizes, and free food. We also cover how Walker has three National Night Out gatherings, including more traditional neighborhood block parties, and how the event has evolved over the years while keeping its core purpose: safer neighborhoods through stronger relationships. If you care about community policing, local government access, and practical crime prevention tips, this conversation will point you in the right direction. Subscribe for more stories from Walker, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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July 20 · 17 min
Public Safety Millage Preview
If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E13
July 6 · 16 min
How Walker’s Ice And Fitness Center Became A True Community Hub
A goalie with a record that still hasn’t been touched walks into a community rink and stays for 15 years. That’s the path of Mike Fountain, former professional NHL hockey player and longtime ice manager at the Walker Ice and Fitness Center, and it says a lot about what makes Walker, Michigan feel like home. We talk about Mike’s journey from North York, Ontario to the Grand Rapids Griffins, to hockey stops around the world, and then back to West Michigan when it was time to settle down. From there, the conversation turns into a behind-the-scenes look at what many people miss when they drive by: a city-owned ice rink that functions like a full community center, welcoming everyone from three-year-olds in learn to skate to seniors still skating in their 80s. We also get practical about access and growth. Mike explains how municipal ownership helps keep beginner programs like learn to skate and cross-ice hockey more affordable, why the facility draws families from across the region, and how girls hockey and figure skating are booming alongside traditional youth and men’s leagues. You’ll hear what’s available right now, including open skate, stick and puck, drop-in hockey, freestyle skating, rental skates included, and a pro shop to help you get started without overthinking it. If you like local stories with real utility, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a new way to stay active, and leave a review so more people can find the show. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E12
June 22 · 17 min
Inside The New Walker Library And What It Unlocks
A new public library can be just another building, or it can become the place where a city’s identity comes alive. That’s the question we dig into with Walker Mayor Gary Carey as the new Walker Library rises in full view and creates buzz everywhere from breakfast spots to the grocery store. You can feel the pride as we talk through the “why” behind the project: Walker had the smallest physical library in the Kent District Library system, and a growing community needed a space that finally matches how people live, learn, and work today. We walk through what a modern library in Walker, Michigan is being built to do. Think reservable rooms for quiet work, study space for students, strong Wi-Fi capacity, and a podcast room for creators. Add indoor-outdoor spaces that invite you to stay, including a fireplace area and a patio overlooking City Central Park. We also get into the intentional design choices that make it welcoming for every age, from toddlers who need room to play and make noise to adults who want a calm spot to read or decompress. Then we tackle one of the most surprising features: an e-gaming space designed with skill-building and career pathways in mind, not just entertainment. We also talk candidly about stewardship and logistics, from competing city priorities to the rare win of construction staying on track and on budget, plus what the opening timeline looks like as finishing touches move inside. If you care about community spaces, public investment, and what libraries are becoming in the digital age, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find the show. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E11
June 8 · 11 min
Walker’s New City Manager
Walker is growing quickly, and growth has a way of turning “city hall” into something personal. We’re joined by Shay Gallagher, the new City Manager for the City of Walker, Michigan, to talk about what the job actually demands and why Walker’s stability and momentum made the opportunity impossible to pass up. Shay shares where he’s from, how his career path led through other communities, and what he learned before stepping into this role. We also break down the city manager role in plain English: the mayor and city commission set the direction, and the city manager leads the staff that delivers the work. That includes the unglamorous but essential parts of local government like roads, finance, water and sewer, labor issues, and the daily coordination that keeps services running. Shay explains why strong department leaders matter and how he balances staying informed with letting experts do their jobs. Public safety becomes the heart of the conversation as we talk about the city’s push to modernize fire services toward a 24/7 fire department, building on Fire Chief Rusty Shoultz's vision after a heartbreaking loss. We dig into what it takes to fund and sustain that shift, what station upgrades might be needed, and how improved fire protection can influence an ISO rating that may lower insurance costs for both residents and businesses. We also look ahead to strategic planning, trail connectivity, the new library opening, and the opportunities and challenges tied to future road funding. If you care about how Walker makes decisions as it grows, this is a must-listen. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave us a review with the topic you want us to tackle next. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E10
May 7 · 15 min
How Peppinos Built A 50-Year Family Legacy In West Michigan
Peppinos is a name most West Michigan locals recognize, but the origin is pure Standale: one shop, a family hustle, and a neighborhood that has transformed around it. We’re joined by Joe DiLeonardo as Peppinos celebrates 50 years in business in 2026, and he takes us back to the earliest days, when the drive felt long, the back lot still had trees, and a kid could grow up learning the rhythms of a pizza kitchen. Along the way, we swap memories of Walker landmarks and how a local restaurant becomes part of a community’s personal timeline. We dig into the real reasons long-running restaurants survive when so many don’t. Joe shares how Peppinos stays consistent by investing in people and refusing to let quality slide, from grinding their own cheese to keeping core ingredients made from scratch. We also talk about adapting to modern realities like volume demands and post-COVID challenges without abandoning what made the pizza special in the first place, including the operational shift from old-school deck ovens to equipment that can keep up. The conversation widens into the next generation and what growth looks like when it’s driven by family passion: catering, the Peppino's Hospitality Group, an event center, and West Side Social. Joe also lays out blunt, practical entrepreneurship advice for anyone starting a business in Walker, Michigan or anywhere else: the first 5 to 10 years take real sacrifice and being all in. We wrap with details on the 50th anniversary celebration, including half-off 14-inch pizzas and free pizzas for the first families at the Standale location. If you enjoy local business stories, family business leadership, and the craft behind great pizza, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find Made in Walker. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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May 4 · 11 min
Safety Town Comes To Walker
Your child might know the rules, but would they remember the steps when their heart is racing? Safety Town is finally coming to Walker, Michigan, and we sat down with Jenna Wilmers to explain why this hands-on kids safety program can make a real difference for families. A late-night 911 call from her little brother became the spark, and it turned into a community effort to give local kids practical skills they can actually use. We break down what Safety Town in Walker looks like: a half-day summer program at Zinser Elementary with a life-size street-style setup where kids can ride bikes and practice road safety in a safe environment. From there, children rotate through age-appropriate lessons that cover bike safety, fire safety, weather safety, water safety, vehicle safety, and home safety. One of the most memorable features is a smoke-filled trailer experience supported by the fire department, helping kids learn how to move and think clearly in a simulated emergency without the risk. You’ll also hear how city teams like police, fire, and DPW partner with local businesses to make the program possible, what ages the sessions are designed for, and where organizers want to take Safety Town next as it grows year after year. We also share what the Walker Community Engagement Committee does and how volunteer residents help bridge the gap between the community and city services. Listen now, share this with a parent in Walker, and subscribe for more local stories. If you have questions or ideas for future topics, leave a review and send us a note. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E9
April 27 · 16 min
Inside Walker’s New All-Star Cheer Gym
A new all-star cheer gym has landed in Walker, Michigan, and it’s built on a simple idea with big consequences: Family Over Everything. I’m joined by FOE All-Stars owner Tank Johnson and head coach and co-director Brayden to talk about why they opened the doors, what they want athletes to feel the moment they walk in, and how a sports facility can become a real community hub. We break down what all-star cheer actually is for anyone who only knows sideline cheer: high-level tumbling, stunting that involves real strength and precision, and routines where trust is non-negotiable because the music doesn’t stop when something goes wrong. Braden shares the story of how a middle school dare turned into a scholarship journey and a coaching career, plus what it’s like helping athletes find the role that fits them, whether they love flips, lifting, flying, or simply being the steady teammate everyone counts on. We also get practical about programs families are searching for right now, including spring training sessions, upcoming tryouts, and the opportunities around stunt, now an NCAA championship sport with growing scholarship potential. Tank explains why FOE designed the building for the reality of busy families, with a parent room, cameras, homework space, kitchen access, and even a spot to take a private meeting. If you care about youth sports in West Michigan, cheerleading training, tumbling classes, stunting fundamentals, or college cheer pathways, this conversation offers a clear look at what FOE is trying to build in Walker and beyond. Subscribe for more local stories, share this with a family who’s exploring cheer or tumbling, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What would make a gym feel like home to you? If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E8
April 13 · 15 min
Passing The Torch At Sobies
A local butcher shop can feel like a utility until you realize it’s also a meeting place, a fundraiser engine, and a thread that holds a neighborhood together. That’s why the ownership transition at Sobie Meats in Walker, Michigan matters, and why we wanted to talk about it while it’s still fresh and real. Host Nicole DiDonato is joined by original owner Tim Sobie and new owner Amy Jones for an honest look at what changes, what stays, and what it takes to protect a community institution. Tim shares the personal turning point that made retirement urgent, how he and his family thought through selling versus closing, and why Amy felt like the right person almost instantly. Amy opens up about stepping into the meat industry from a different background, learning quickly, and leading with humility while the existing team keeps the day-to-day running strong. One of the biggest takeaways: continuity is built on people, and this handoff works because the staff stays, the culture stays, and the trust stays. We also talk about community giving as part of the Sobie's identity, from supporting first responders and veterans to Amy’s passion for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan and Beautiful You by Profile. Looking forward, Amy wants to keep the hometown feel while exploring careful modernization, including potential online ordering that doesn’t erase the in-store experience. If you care about small business succession planning, local food, and what keeps Walker’s local businesses thriving, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe to Maiden Walker, share this with a neighbor who loves local businesses, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the local shop you’d fight to keep in your community? If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E7
March 30 · 10 min
How Walker Michigan Prepares For Flash Floods And Grand River Flooding
Flooding in Walker, Michigan isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that misunderstanding can lead to costly surprises. We sit down with City Engineer Scott Conners to break down the two flood problems residents actually see: sudden flash flooding that overwhelms streets and catch basins during high-intensity rain, and slower Grand River flooding that can be forecast days in advance as water moves through the watershed. We get specific about what the City of Walker does for flood mitigation and stormwater management, from spring inspections of the Turner Avenue flood wall to real-time decision-making when storms are on the way. Scott explains why a “100-year storm” isn’t a perfect 24-hour rain event in real life, and how bursts like two inches in two hours can push storm sewers past capacity. You’ll also hear how Public Works crews prepare by clearing catch basin grates, removing debris, and opening clogged pipes, plus how National Weather Service river forecasts guide warnings to businesses that may need to lift equipment before water reaches the road. We also cover what you can do at home to reduce localized flooding risk: keep ditches and drainage paths clear, avoid blowing leaves into streets, and don’t pile sticks where runoff can carry them into pipes. We talk about how new development is required to use detention ponds and infiltration to control runoff, and why flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program can still matter even outside a mapped floodplain. If this helped you, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, share it with a neighbor, and leave a review so more residents can find it. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E6
March 16 · 13 min
Toolbox To Community: Inside Grand River Makerspace
A city feels different when there’s a place you can walk into with a half-formed idea and walk out with something real in your hands. We sit down with Josh and Chris from Grand River Makerspace to unpack how a shared workshop in Walker, Michigan, is giving people the tools, confidence, and community to make things that matter—from five-foot 3D-printed dragons to a toddler mobility trainer built from open-source plans. We talk through what a makerspace is in plain terms: imagine a gym membership, but for tools and training. The space blends a full woodshop with a 3D print farm, laser cutters, and CNC machines, creating a creative hub where beginners learn the ropes and experienced builders prototype, iterate, and launch small product lines. Josh and Chris share smart, low-pressure onramps—open houses, intro classes, and punch cards—plus clear membership options for individuals and families. Along the way, they show how access lowers barriers for side hustles, Etsy sellers, architects-turned-artists, and anyone who wants to test an idea without buying expensive gear. The human stories shine. From Scouts shaping Pinewood Derby cars and racing them on-site, to Sunday Craft Noons with tea, cookies, and painters sharing tables with sewists, the makerspace revives the “third place” many of us have missed. The highlight is a powerful account of volunteers who sourced materials, printed parts, and invited a family to assemble a custom mobility trainer for their daughter—proof that when machines meet neighbors, impact scales fast. If you’re curious about 3D printing, laser engraving, CNC carving, or simply finding a welcoming place to learn, this episode offers practical steps to get started and a dose of inspiration to keep going. Subscribe for more stories from the people shaping Walker. If this conversation sparked an idea, share it with a friend, leave a review, and tell us what you’d build first. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E5
March 2 · 13 min
A Conversation About Social Security
Ready to lock in a Social Security strategy you won’t regret later? We sit down with Hillary Hatch from the Social Security Administration to demystify the rules that decide how much lands in your bank account each month. From understanding your full retirement age to weighing early versus delayed filing, we unpack the choices that shape lifetime income, using clear examples and practical decision points for people born in 1960 or later. We walk through the math behind claiming at 62, 67, or 70, why benefits don’t “reset” to the full amount once you hit your full retirement age, and how delayed retirement credits can boost your check until 70. If you plan to keep working, you’ll learn how the earnings test can reduce benefits before full retirement age and why that matters for near-term cash flow. We also address the most common myths around spousal benefits, including when the 50 percent rule applies, what happens if your own benefit is higher, and why filing early can limit future spousal amounts. Planning starts with good data, so we highlight the My Social Security account at ssa.gov as your personal hub for estimates, earnings records, and easy self-service options. For those in the Walker area who prefer in-person help, we share how to schedule appointments and where to find the Grand Rapids office on Knapp Street NE. By the end, you’ll know the key levers—timing, work income, spousal coordination, and verified earnings—that turn Social Security from a confusing acronym into a dependable pillar of your retirement plan. If this helped clarify your next steps, follow the show, share it with someone who’s planning to retire, and leave us a quick review so others can find it too. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E4
February 16 · 17 min
A Small Business Moves, Grows, And Welcomes A New Generation
The heartbeat of a great neighborhood is often a single place where curiosity turns into connection—and for Walker, that place might be Siciliano’s. We sit with owners Dan and Tiffany to unpack how a family-owned specialty market evolved into a community hub for homebrewing, wine kits, cigars, and curated pairings, all while honoring the legacy that started it in the 90s. From the first “build your own six-pack” to a modern mix of local coffee, artisan cheese, and zero-proof options, their story shows what happens when service and education come first. We talk candidly about growth: moving from the West Side to Walker, adding space and parking, and scaling up with new walk-in coolers, a three-times-larger humidor, and hundreds more wines and spirits. That expansion unlocked bigger tastings, better events, and room for a thousand-plus beers. The secret isn’t just selection; it’s curation. Partnerships with Magnum Coffee, The Cheese Lady, Grand Ice, and Semifreddo turn a simple stop into a full experience you can taste, share, and bring home. Education drives everything. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned brewer, the team helps you start with approachable wine kits, connects you with local homebrew clubs, and invites you to free events like the annual homebrew competition and Big Brew Day at Trail Point. It’s no surprise that several local breweries began in these aisles. Along the way, Dan and Tiffany open up about running a growing shop, raising a young family, and serving Walker on the downtown authority—proof that small business can shape a city’s culture. Ready to explore, learn, or brew your first batch? Hit play, subscribe for more stories from Walker, and share this episode with a friend who loves craft, flavor, and community. Your review helps more neighbors find the show—what should we taste or brew together next? If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E3
February 4 · 16 min
From Typewriters To AI: Noordyk’s Third Generation Journey
A lot can happen between a basement repair bench and a statewide service team. We invited Kara and Will, third-generation owners of Nordyk Business Equipment, to share how a company that started by fixing typewriters now helps organizations manage secure, AI-enabled document workflows without losing the personal touch that built their name. Their story blends legacy and leap: faith-driven values shape daily decisions while smart adoption of software, security, and automation keeps customers moving faster with fewer headaches. We dig into what has actually changed in the copier and printer world—less the box itself and more the brains behind it. From authentication and scan-to-cloud to OCR and routing, the modern “printer” is really a document infrastructure hub. Kara and Will explain how their team evaluates real workflows before quoting, why paperless still depends on great scanning, and how AI can trim manual steps without creating new complexity. They also talk about the moment COVID forced a rethink on hiring, shifting from process-based checklists to culture-first recruiting that finds people who care, learn, and stay. Growth brings tests, and their 2023 acquisition in Lansing became a masterclass in integration. They walk through maintaining service standards, aligning tools and policies, and keeping customers protected while expanding coverage. Throughout, a theme stays steady: human trust matters. When a deadline looms, someone picks up the phone—and sometimes a box of toner—and gets it done. That’s how a local team can out-serve big competitors with 800 numbers and long approval chains. If you’re curious how a multigenerational business stays relevant, builds a culture that lasts, and uses technology to solve real problems, you’ll find practical takeaways and candid lessons here. Subscribe, share this episode with a business owner who values service, and leave a review to tell us what legacy and innovation look like in your world. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E2
January 19 · 18 min
Why Mayor Gary Carey Says Community Beats Personal Legacy
A clear plan, a steady hand, and a community-first mindset—Mayor Gary Carey opens up about how Walker stayed focused through change and turned long-term planning into everyday wins. We talk about the five pillars that guide our decisions, why public safety sits at the top, and how a once-sparse industrial park became the tax base that funds more officers, a full-time fire department, better parks, and stronger infrastructure. We share the backstory behind those big moves: partnerships that made shovel-ready land possible, the FedEx facility that sparked momentum, and a pro-business stance that still screens for the right fit. Then we get into the hard parts—trade-offs of a full-time fire service, from staffing to facilities and long-term funding, and how shifting medical calls from police to fire unlocks capacity where it matters most. On housing, we break down the master plan’s push for balance, the financial realities of rental versus single-family in a city like ours, and why every approval must be weighed against ten-year consequences. Looking ahead, we lay out the leadership transition in City Hall, from the city manager’s retirement to commission seats that need steady, policy-minded people. If you’ve served on a committee or want to learn, now is the time to step up. We also highlight regional wins—dedicated Rapid bus routes in Walker for the first time and Metro Council support that helped us build smarter. Through it all, we come back to civility: disagree without breaking trust, and keep the city pointed forward. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a review to help others find the show. Ready to get involved or have a topic we should tackle next? Email us at podcast at walker.city and tell us what you want to hear. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S2 · E1
January 5 · 15 min
Trails That Connect A Region
Imagine rolling from your neighborhood straight onto fresh singletrack without loading a car. That’s the promise at Johnson Park, where we’re building a new regional trailhead on the Grand River Greenway with six to eight miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails, a four-season restroom, expanded parking, and welcoming gathering spaces. We’re joined by Kent County Parks and the West Michigan Mountain Bike Association to unpack how smart design, committed partners, and an energized community are turning dirt into access, connection, and measurable economic lift. We dig into the design choices that make these trails work for everyone: an inner green loop with wider tread for adaptive riders, beginners, and families, plus optional progressive lines for riders who want to build skills. With Spectrum Trail Design leading construction, the system balances flow, challenge, and sustainability so new riders feel safe and experts stay engaged. Best of all, the layout connects directly to the Greenway, letting riders pedal from Grand Rapids, Walker, or Granville, ride the park, and head home—no car required. Trails also mean business. We look at national case studies and local forecasts that show visiting riders spend hundreds per trip on food, lodging, and gear. By placing high-quality, inclusive singletrack next to urban amenities, Johnson Park is poised to become a destination that supports small businesses and strengthens the talent story for employers. We outline the funding stack—per-foot build costs, a DNR grant for amenities, and an active campaign with the Kent County Parks Foundation to extend from six to eight miles—along with a summer 2026 target to bring the full experience online. Want to track progress, volunteer, or donate? We share exactly where to go for updates and trail days so you can be part of the build. If this kind of connected, inclusive outdoor access matters to you, follow along, share the episode with a friend who rides, and leave a quick review so more neighbors discover the project. Your support helps us grow the miles—and the community that will ride them. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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S1 · E26
Dec 22, 2025 · 11 min
The Grandville Walker Foundation: Neighbors Who Fund Change
Want to see how small grants make big things happen? We sit down with Teresa from the Grandville Walker Foundation to unpack a simple, powerful model for local impact in Walker and Grandville. From funding a refrigerator that expands Senior Neighbors’ capacity at the Walker Center to backing a music garden near the library and exploring support for a Johnson Park-connected bike trail, these $500–$2,500 grants deliver real results you can visit, use, and feel. We walk through exactly how the foundation works: two grant cycles per year, a clear focus on projects that directly benefit residents in Walker or Grandville, and a practical approach that helps nonprofits close funding gaps and get to “done.” Teresa shares what the board looks for—impact on a larger number of people, readiness to execute, and alignment with improving quality of life—and why early applications help the board collaborate with applicants and strengthen proposals. If you’re leading a local nonprofit or community initiative, you’ll get concrete guidance on preparing to apply and timing your request for the spring window. We also talk funding and growth: how small donations, legacy gifts, and community fundraisers like a new 50/50 raffle fuel the foundation’s work, and why no gift is too small. Teresa opens up about her motivation to serve, the board’s low time commitment, and the skills that can make a difference right now—marketing, legal, outreach, and simple willingness to show up. Along the way, we highlight the power of placemaking: trails, parks, and gathering spaces that knit neighborhoods together and make daily life better. If you care about local change, this conversation offers a roadmap. Learn where your project fits, how to give in a way that matters, and what it feels like to hand a check to neighbors doing vital work. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves community, and email us your thoughts or project ideas at podcast@walker.city. If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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