Preview of the new City of Plainwell website, built by Plainwell Web. Not live yet.

City Hall: 269-685-6821

Open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM

Home / News and announcements

News and announcements

Announcements from the City of Plainwell, newest first.

In this list

Volunteers needed for tree planting, Saturday, October 10, 2026

Plainwell awarded 40 new trees from ReLeaf Michigan; volunteers needed Saturday, October 10, 2026

ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide non-profit tree organization, in partnership with the City of Plainwell and the Consumers Energy Foundation, is looking for volunteers to help plant 40 trees in downtown Plainwell and the New Orchard neighborhood in Plainwell on Saturday, October 10, starting at 8:45 AM. The trees are being planted to bring shade and beauty to the downtown area and to add needed trees to the neighborhood.

Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing and bring a shovel, hard rake, and work gloves if they have them. The group will meet at Plainwell City Hall, 211 N. Main St., Plainwell, MI 49080 at 8:45 AM to sign in, enjoy refreshments, and watch a planting demonstration with ReLeaf Michigan's tree experts.

Families are welcome! The event occurs rain or shine. No planting experience is necessary. Join us for the morning and leave an environmental legacy that will add to the beauty of your community for generations. We hope to see you there!

Trees provide incredible benefits to the communities in which they are planted. Trees improve air and water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, improve mental wellness, reduce childhood asthma rates, cool our neighborhoods, and enhance commercial and economic vitality.

ReLeaf Michigan, a 38-year-old non-profit tree organization, partners with communities statewide to replenish community tree canopies through volunteer tree planting events. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider. The Consumers Energy Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what's most important to Michigan: its people, our planet and Michigan's prosperity.

  • Where: Plainwell City Hall, 211 N. Main St., Plainwell, MI 49080
  • When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:45 AM to noon

Questions? Contact Matthew Bradley at (616) 304-8490 or by email at mcbrad61@gmail.com.

2025 statement of municipal drinking water safety

City of Plainwell reaffirms safety of municipal drinking water amid PFAS findings on former Plainwell Mill site

In response to recent reports from the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) regarding PFAS contamination at the former Plainwell Mill site, the City of Plainwell would like to assure residents and businesses that our municipal drinking water system is free of PFAS contamination. While groundwater contamination has been identified at the former Plainwell Mill site, it is important to note that this contamination is separate from the City's drinking water system.

The City of Plainwell's water supply is sourced from two municipal wells, #4 and #7, located in the south-eastern corner of the City. Routine testing of these wells, conducted in accordance with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regulations, has not detected PFAS in wells #4 and #7. All test results can be viewed on the City's website on the water quality reports page, where you will find our annual Consumer Confidence Report, as well as reports on additional testing that has been done in the past.

The health and safety of our community remain our top priority. The Plainwell Department of Public Works takes the stewardship of our municipal drinking water system very seriously and operates and maintains the drinking water system with the utmost professionalism. We understand that news of PFAS contamination in the area can be concerning, but be assured that your municipally supplied water meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water safety standards.

The City of Plainwell will continue working closely with EGLE, MPART, and other agencies to monitor environmental conditions and keep the public informed. Any private well owners concerned about their water quality are encouraged to contact EGLE or MPART for testing resources.

City-wide fiber internet installation

The City of Plainwell would like to inform residents that over the next year, Surfnet and 123.net will be installing fiber internet lines within the City's public right-of-ways. Once completed, the majority of homes in Plainwell will have access to high-speed fiber internet.

Project details

  • Installation will involve underground boring and related construction activities.
  • The State of Michigan's METRO Act program requires the City to provide access to right-of-ways for communication infrastructure.
  • During this process, all utilities must be marked and flagged to protect existing infrastructure.

Important reminders

  • Do not remove utility flags. It is illegal to prematurely remove or tamper with flags or markings placed by utility companies or their contractors. These markings are essential to protect underground infrastructure and ensure safe installation.
  • Residents are encouraged to be cautious when mowing lawns, landscaping, or performing outdoor work near flagged areas.

Reporting issues

If you believe that a utility servicing your home (such as gas, electric, water, sewer, or internet) has been damaged or disrupted due to the boring process, please contact the City of Plainwell Department of Public Works at 269-685-9363.

Overnight parking

Can I park on the street overnight? Parking a motor vehicle or trailer overnight, within the right-of-way of any public street in the City, is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM of any day during the entire months of November, December, January, February, and March. This enables us to sweep streets and plow snow, identify abandoned vehicles and provide emergency response to your home or business. You may park on the street overnight beginning April 1 until October 31.

If you must park in the street while you repair a driveway, have overnight guests, etc., contact Public Safety at 269-685-9858.

Overnight parking in downtown lots is by permit in designated areas only, year round.

Ordinance violations

The City will do its best to ensure the happiness, well-being and safety of our residents by enforcing the ordinances of the City of Plainwell. Here is a list of the most common ordinance violations.

The full Code of Ordinances is online.

Looking for something else?

Yard waste rules are on Trash and recycling, and the annual drinking water reports are on Water quality reports. Upcoming meetings and events are on the calendar.

Call City Hall: 269-685-6821