🌱 All-Inclusive Playground Coming This Fall + Lansing Ride Of Silence

Hey, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Lansing-East Lansing Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Hazy sun. High: 71 Low: 50.
• Friday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 73 Low: 46.

Business owners and marketers in Lansing-East Lansing: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Lansing-East Lansing today:

1. Construction has finally begun on mid-Michigan's first universally-accessible playground, PlayMichigan!, after facing permitting issues and a two-year pandemic delay. The 10,000-square-foot park, located on the Grand River in downtown Lansing, aims to be a safe and inclusive space for all children, regardless of their abilities. Equipped with wheelchair-accessible play equipment, specialty swings, ramps, and sensory play areas, the playground is expected to be completed by September, providing an enjoyable experience for children with or without disabilities. (WLNS)
2. In honor of National Bicycle Safety Month, hundreds of cyclists participated in the 16th Greater Lansing Ride of Silence, organized by the Tri-County Bicycle Association Advocacy Committee and MSU Bikes. The event aimed to promote safe roadways and pay tribute to those who were injured or killed by drivers. Participants, including regular cyclists and individuals remembering loved ones, rode from East Lansing to Lansing, emphasizing the importance of sharing the roads and advocating for bicycle safety. (WKAR)
3. Michigan lawmakers held a committee hearing on bills that would make housing discrimination based on income source illegal. Currently, landlords in the state can reject tenants who rely on housing vouchers or subsidies. The proposed legislation aims to change state laws to prohibit this practice, with the goal of providing more housing opportunities for vulnerable individuals. Some concerns were raised about the potential impact on landlords and the treatment of vouchers as income. The bills are still being reviewed by the committee. (Interlochen)

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Today and tomorrow in Lansing-East Lansing:

Thursday, May 18

• Beggars Can't Be Choosers Comedy Show At Beggar's Banquet (7:00 PM)

Friday, May 19

• Indoor Community Game Night At Woodview Church Of The Nazarene (6:00 PM)
• Mom's Night Out: Barre Class & Social At The Barre Code (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The initial lineup for Grewal Hall at 224 has been officially released and downtown Lansing cannot wait for it to kick off the summer. The Verve Pipe will open the season on Jul. 15! (Lansing Downtown via Facebook)
• Early registration opened earlier this week for East Lansing Public Library's summer reading program. Track your reading and be entered for an opportunity to win the grand prize at the end of the program. Tracking officially begins on Jun. 5; you can register for the program here. (ELPL - East Lansing Public Library via Facebook)
• The newest book from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! The Imagination Library program is meant for children aged 5 and younger to receive high-quality books for early learning. (Lansing Housing Commission via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you soon for your next update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.