Activities/Facilities of Portage

Biking. Hiking. Running. Sitting. Observing. Contemplating. Dunking. Dribbling. Swimming. Boating. Barbequeing. Sunning. Skating. What do you like to do? And where can you do it? The complete Map and Activity Reference Guide to the parks, trails, facilities and amenities of the Portage park system is now available as a pdf file. This unique guide to the park system of Portage allows you to click on any park for a more thorough description of its unique traits and recreational offerings.

South Westnedge Skatepark

South Westnedge Skatepark opened in June 2005 to rave reviews as one of the finest street plazas in Michigan.  This 10,000 square foot concrete park was designed by Grindline Skateparks of Seattle, Washington.  Located just west of the softball diamonds at 9070 South Westnedge Avenue, this complex also includes an in-line hockey rink, soccer field, restroom building and parking.  Safety features include posted rules and regulations,  emergency phones, security cameras and regular Park Ranger patrols.  Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to sunset.

Ramona Beach

Lifeguard monitored swimming and beach activities are available Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Come out and enjoy the only public swimming area in Kalamazoo County staffed by professionally trained lifeguards.  Vehicle permits are required for entry into Ramona Park.  Vehicle permits may be purchased at the contact station located near the park entrance during regular park hours.  Vehicle permit fees are listed below but are subject to change each year:  City Resident Daily Permit  $5.00                                    Non-Resident Daily Permit  $10.00  City Resident Annual Permit  $25.00  Non-Resident Annual Permit  $45.00  Group Bus Permit  $50.00 Ramona Park is located at 8600 South Sprinkle Road, one-half mile south of Centre Avenue.

Millennium Park Ice Rink

The Ice Rink at Millennium Park will open for the ninth season on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  This large outdoor ice rink features an excellent skating surface, warming house, restrooms, skate rental, skate sharpening and food concessions. Location:  280 Romence Road - just west of South Westnedge Avenue Phone Number:  Call 269-324-9200 during the season for current ice rink information.   Ice Rink Schedule:    December 7, 2008 - March 8, 2009  Sunday  12:00pm - 9:00pm  Monday     3:00pm - 9:00pm (open Monday thru December 29)  Tuesday-Thursday  3:00pm - 9:00pm  Friday  3:00pm - 10:00pm  Saturday  11:00am - 10:00pm  Holiday Hours:  December 20 - January 4 (except as noted below)  11:00am - 10:00pm December 24, 31 & January 1  11:00am - 5:00pm  December 25 (Christmas Day)  Closed January 23 (Portage School Holiday)  1:00pm - 10:00pm February 27 (Portage School Holiday)  1:00pm - 10:00pm Fees: (Cash or check only)  $4.00 per day for open skating Discount Card: $25.00 for 10 visits $3.00 per day for skate rental $3.00 for skate sharpening $.50 per use for locker rental Group Discounts - Groups of 10 or more can save by purchasing the 10-skate discount card at the rink during regular hours. Group Ice Rental - $80.00 fee for 1-hour session at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings.  Call 269-329-4522 weekdays to reserve ice times.  Please Note - Hockey is prohibited at all times and ice resurfacing occurs from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on weekends and during the holiday period.

Celery Flats Interpretive Center Tours

A visit to the Celery Flats offers activities for everyone.  The area is equipped with playground facilities, a picnic area and walking trails.  Visitors may also enjoy a guided tour through the interpretive center museum and the historical area, where several local historic structures including an 1856 one-room schoolhouse, a 1931 grain elevator, Stuart Manor and the Hayloft Theatre have been relocated and renovated for all to experience.  For more information or to book a tour, please call 269-329-4518 during interpretive center hours or 269-329-4522.    Interpretive Center Hours:  Open June 5, 2009 through August 30, 2009; May and September tours can be scheduled by pre-arrangement with the Parks Department at 269-329-4522.    June - August  Friday  12:00pm - 5:00pm    Saturday  10:00am - 3:00pm    Sunday  12:00pm - 5:00pm         Adults -   $3.00 Children - $2.00 Groups -  $2.50/Person (10+)               $2.00 (Portage Public Schools)

Celery Flats Livery

The Celery Flats Livery will be open for the season on May 2, 2009 and is staffed entirely by Parks Department staff.  The Livery rents canoes, kayaks and bicycle surreys at very reasonable rates for the enjoyable 1/2 hour to 45 minute trip from the Celery Flats Historical Area to Bicentennial Park on Milham Avenue.  The Livery is located just north of the Celery Flats Interpretive Center on Garden Lane. Try a surrey in 2009!  These attractive, four-wheel bikes hold 4-6 people, can be rented by the 1/2 hour or hour and can be used on the 2-mile trail running from the Livery north to Milham Avenue.   Rental Fees for Kayaks:  $13.00 for one person; $16.00 for 2 person Rental Fees for Canoes:  $16.00 for two person - $4.00 for additional passenger Rental Fees for Surreys: $15.00 per hour, $10.00 per 1/2 hour Celery Flats Drop-In Livery Hours  May 2 through Labor Day  Thursday  4:00pm to 8:00pm    Saturday  Noon to 7:00pm    Sunday  Noon to 7:00pm  Holidays  (5/25, 7/4 & 9/7)  Noon to 7:00pm Call 269-324-9204 during drop-in hours for more information. Call 269-329-4522 weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm to schedule group outings requiring 5 or more canoes (minimum 2 week notice required).