Parks & Recreation

Social Distancing while Enjoying the Outdoors

Due to Executive Order No. 2020-9 by the Governor of Michigan, all hands-on equipment in our parks are closed including playground equipment, exercise equipment, and picnic pavilions that have tables. However, all Portage city parks and green spaces remain open for use.

No matter how or where you decide to spend your time outdoors, we urge you to follow CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep you and others safe:

Only go outside if you are feeling healthy
Keep a minimum 6 feet of distance between you and others
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and consider carrying an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and disinfecting wipes with you
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough or sneeze

Something to keep in mind – maintaining an effective social distance may be easier at larger or less frequently visited parks. If the park you normally visit is often busy, consider taking this opportunity to explore a new park.

Responsibilities

The Parks & Recreation Division oversees 18 park sites located throughout the City of Portage; manages the protection of natural and physical city assets and provides recreation, cultural and leisure programs for resident enjoyment. The department manages the popular Celery Flats Historical Area, Ramona Park beach and the Millennium Park Ice Rink. Numerous rental facilities are available to residents, schools and groups for a variety of events including weddings, banquets, graduations and meetings. If you are interested in rental facilities or need more information on the many park and recreation opportunities Portage has to offer, please contact us.