Calendar

Bike Expeditions

Celebrate the 12th annual Kalamazoo Area Bike Week from May 13 - 20, 2023. Enjoy the many benefits of cycling during National Bike Month by participating in NEW self-guided bike tours in the beautiful City of Portage. Choose one or all adventures and explore at your leisure. This program launches on Saturday, May 13, and continues until October 1, 2023.

Geo Mystery Tours: SECRET LIFE OF BOGS

Experience the secret side of bogs and wetlands. Set out on a quest this summer; every other month, a different mystery will be revealed and it’s up to you to uncover the secrets of Portage. Join the story at any time, but all adventures must be completed by the end of the month. An Apple or Garmin device is highly recommended for this program. Beginning GPS coordinates and secret instructions will be emailed to registered participants at the start of each month or within a week of registration. For additional information, please contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522.

City Hall Exhibitions: Wild Wetlands: The Secret Life of Bogs

Rotating exhibitions that focus on local arts, nature, and history are displayed in the lobby at Portage City Hall (7900 South Westnedge Avenue) throughout the year. These exhibitions are FREE to the public and are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Experience the secret life of wetlands. Discover how wetlands, like fens and bogs, help the City of Portage combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Explore the relationship between wetlands and climate change and find out how you can help protect these natural resources for generations to come.

School of Fish Day Camp: Little Lunkers

Day campers will experience all the joys and benefits associated with fishing and environmental conservation. During this unique adventure, youth will have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and learn skills needed to make their own fishing memories. Park staff instruction and guidance are provided as youth participate in hands-on activities, and of course, GO FISHING! Maximum of 12 participants per camp. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses will all cover the basics of fishing, including topics such as fish identification & habitat, knot tying & rod rigging, casting skills & safety, catching & rigging live bait, and aquatic conservation. Each session offers different topics based on skill sets and participant ages. This session is for ages 7 - 8.

Kids Try It! Playground Sports

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Intermediate

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

IdeaWorx - Business Incubator: Launch Your Business

Transform your idea into reality by participating in business development programs and services at Portage IdeaWorx. IdeaWorx classes focus on food, arts, and science ideas and help turn your dream into a new business venture. Classrooms and a rentable commercial kitchen (coming soon) will offer a variety of programs in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Michigan University and MSU Extension. IdeaWorx offers a variety of topics to help launch your new business or grow an existing small business. Ready to start your own business, but not sure where to start? The SBDC is here to help. Learn how to write and develop a successful business plan, evaluate market potential, finance your business, and research strategies. This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking to write a business plan for the first time, or already have a plan they would like to improve.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga

Combine your love for nature, adventure, and yoga with Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga. Whether you are a first-time paddleboarder or an experienced yoga practitioner, this class is for you. Classes will be taught by Kristin Fiore, a certified and experienced SUP Yoga instructor from Down Dog Yoga Center. Each class will begin on land with an introduction to SUP equipment and safety before taking a short paddle and dropping anchor for the yoga session. At the end of the class, students will be given time to relax and soak up some sun before paddling back to shore. Space is limited, so register now to save your spot. The registration fee includes one class, plus the use of a paddleboard, paddle, life jacket, and anchor. Ages 16 and up.