Calendar

Pre-Council Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

Pre-Council Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

Christmas Eve - City Hall Closed

Christmas Day (Observed) - City Hall Closd

New Year's Day (Observed) - City Hall Closed

Historic District Commission Meeting

Human Services Board Meeting

Park Board Meeting

Planning Commission Meeting (1st week)

Environmental Board Meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

December Board of Review

Planning Commission Meeting (3rd week)

Photo Contest Begins

Along with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Portage Parks & Recreation is seeking submissions of photos from all seasons. Winning photos will be selected from four categories: Seasonal Changes; Outdoor Recreation; Flora, Fauna & Wildlife; and Youth (14 years and under). Photos must be taken in a City of Portage park by June 14, 2022. Limit three entries per category, per person. Photos will be judged by a panel of area photography professionals with prizes awarded for first, second and third place in each category. Entry costs are $10 for up to three entries per category, except Youth, which are $5 for up to three entries (i.e., maximum $30 for nine entries). Prizes: 1st - $75; 2nd -$35 and 3rd -$25 for each of the four categories. Visit the Parks & Recreation “Events” page at mypark.portagemi.gov for full category descriptions and complete contest rules.

Ping Pong League - Session 1

Ping pong is a great low impact sport suitable for any athlete! Meet new friends in our recreational ping pong league. Two 10-week sessions are offered. All games for both sessions will start at 6 and 7 PM. Registration for the first session will begin on August 2 and close October 1.

The Ice Rink At Millennium Park Opens

The Ice Rink at Millennium Park will open for its 22nd season on Thursday, December 2, 2021 and remain open through Sunday, March 6, 2022, weather permitting. This large outdoor refrigerated rink features skate rentals, skate sharpening, snack concessions, restrooms, lockers and an excellent skating surface! Call 324-9200 for more information and current ice rink conditions. Ice resurfacing occurs from 3:30 - 4:30 PM on weekends and daily from December 18 - January 2.

City Hall Exhibition: Winter Holidays

There are many winter holidays celebrated around the world. Find out how different cultures and countries celebrate to bring families together, honor and create traditions. December 3 - 30.

Gingerbread House Workshop

Enjoy gingerbread house making for the whole family! Two types of decorating experiences are offered. You can choose to take your house and all the decorating supplies home or you can join the decorating party inside at the Schrier Park building. Time slots will have limited spaces available. The fee includes all of the supplies and candy decorations you need to decorate your gingerbread house. Registration is required for this event. Remember to choose which time slot you would like to attend. The registration deadline is November 21.

Traditional Holiday & Tree Lighting Celebration

Experience the spirit of the holiday season. Festivities begin at the City Centre Mayor’s Tree with caroling and a tree lighting ceremony. Sing carols as you stroll down Bicentennial Trail behind a horse-drawn wagon with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Stuart Manor or mail their letters to Santa inside the Schoolhouse. Meet Santa’s reindeer, watch ice sculpture demonstrations and enjoy local musical talent performing traditional holiday favorites. Complimentary desserts will be available in the Grain Elevator and the Portage Community Center will offer seasonal beverages. Bring non-perishable food and clothing donations to benefit the Portage Community Center. Parking is available at the Celery Flats Historical Area, the Portage Senior Center and Portage City Hall.

Portage Holiday Market

Stop by the Portage Holiday Market to see what unique items are waiting for you, made special by local farmers, artisans and crafters. The market will include traditional holiday favorites like baked goods, hand-crafted items, gourmet products, and art crafted by local artisans. These items make the perfect one-of-a-kind gift or stocking stuffers for your friends and loved ones. Please contact Portage Parks & Recreation at 329-4522 to register as a vendor.

WMU Skating Club Holiday Program

Come enjoy the Western Michigan University (WMU) Skating Club at the Ice Rink at Millennium Park for a holiday-themed group program that is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit! The WMU Skating Club is a nationally competitive club, made-up of student-athletes from all over the country.

Ranger Hike: Winter Solstice & Candlelight Vigil

Prepare for the Winter Solstice by letting the silent winter night take over your senses. Give thanks and reflect on the year’s memories with a candlelight vigil at the end of the hike.

Junior Earn-A-Badge: History

Be a Junior Ranger and get some help earning your badges. During these programs, a Junior Ranger may bring an adult to work on specific badge activities. These FREE programs include supplies and are led by Portage Parks & Recreation staff. The registration deadline is two days before each workshop. For more information about the Junior Ranger Club visit portagemi.gov/725.

Ice Rink At Millennium Park: Ugly Sweater Party

Come dressed in your ugliest holiday sweater and skate along to your favorite holiday tunes at the ice rink.

The Ice Rink At Millennium Park: Santa Skate

Join us for an afternoon of fun on the ice with Jolly Old Saint Nick! Enjoy holiday music and skating with the Big Man himself. Bring your cameras for this fantastic holiday photo op with family and friends!

Kid's Night Out Party

This one is just for kids! Join Portage Parks & Recreation for this holly jolly night where kids can make holiday decorations, decorate cookies, play games and watch a family-friendly movie! All activities, a pizza dinner and snacks are included in the fee. The three-hour program will take place indoors and is for children ages 5 - 12. Space is limited and will require a minimum of four kids for the program to run. The registration deadline is December 19.

The Ice Rink At Millennium Park: New Year's Eve Skate

Get ready to ring in 2022 with an exciting night at the rink! Spend New Year’s Eve with upbeat music by a local DJ, party lighting after dark and a special countdown at 7 PM to coincide with New Year’s at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, U.K. This is a great opportunity for teens and families to celebrate the New Year in a safe and fun environment.

Brush and Leaf Drop

The City of Portage Compost Facility will be open on Saturday, December 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Portage residents to drop off brush and leaves. Brush and leaves must be separated or they will not be collected. Public Works staff will be on site to direct residents to the appropriate location for these items. The compost facility is located at 10905 Oakland Drive, just south of West Osterhout Avenue.

Brush and Leaf Drop

The City of Portage Compost Facility will be open on Monday through Friday December 6 through 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Portage residents to drop off loose leaves, leaves bagged in biodegradable paper bags, and brush. Brush and leaves must be separated or they will not be accepted. Public Works staff will be on-site to direct residents to the appropriate location to deposit materials. The compost facility is located on Oakland Drive, just south of West Osterhout Avenue.

Brush and Leaf Drop

The City of Portage Compost Facility will be open on Saturday, December 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Portage residents to drop off loose leaves, leaves bagged in biodegradable paper bags, and brush. Brush and leaves must be separated or they will not be accepted. Public Works staff will be on-site to direct residents to the appropriate location to deposit materials. The compost facility is located on Oakland Drive, just south of West Osterhout Avenue.