Calendar

Parks & Recreation Photo Contest Open

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.

City Hall Exhibition: History Of Portage Pioneer Families

These rotating exhibitions are featured in the lobby at Portage City Hall (7900 South Westnedge Avenue) throughout the year and focus on local arts and history. The exhibitions are FREE to the public and are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM. Immerse yourself in Portage’s history and discover what life was like for pioneer families during the 1800s. Learn about the founding families who settled the north west corner of Portage. Explore the family trees of the Brooks and Howard families and find out what compelled them to hang their hats in Portage. Examine the previously unpublicized historical map of the north west corner of Portage and compare it to life today. For a deeper look into the fascinating history of Portage, please join the Historic District Commission for their May 21 Preservation Month Presentation. This event will be located at the Grain Elevator in Celery Flats Historical Area.

Senior Citizen Services Advisory Board Meeting

Brooks Archery Class For Adults

Let your arrows fly! Brooks Archery will teach basic bow and arrow skills for adults ages 18 and up. Bows and arrows will be provided for those who do not have their own. Space is limited, so don’t wait to sign up. The registration deadline for this camp is May 13. Maximum of 12 participants. Class dates include: May 18 & May 25.

Junior Ranger Earn-A-Badge: Arts

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.

Planning Commission Meeting (3rd week)

Garlic Mustard Pull

Garlic mustard is the most destructive invasive plant in Portage, with its rapid growth impeding native plants. Volunteer with the City of Portage Environmental Board to learn how to identify garlic mustard, remove it and properly dispose of it. All ages are welcome to participate. All garlic mustard pulls take place from 9 AM - 12 PM. Subscribe to Environmental Board updates, including weather cancellations and additional volunteer opportunities. Visit portagemi.gov and select "NotifyMe" from the home page.

Mayor's Ride

On Saturday, May 21, the Mayors of the City of Portage and the City of Kalamazoo will lead an 8-mile bike tour to commemorate Kalamazoo Bike Week, which runs from May 7 – 14. The event will start at Bicentennial Park on Milham. Refreshments will be served after the bike tour. Register by May 19.

Lanterns on the Lake

Light up the lake with a lantern that honors loved ones or float words of hope and encouragement. Feel hope and happiness with your community as you remember those you loved, together. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy while you decorate your lantern. Live music will play until launch time at 9:30 PM. Participation is limited. Registration is required by May 18 for each person wishing to attend. Lantern kits include a floating lantern to launch on the water and a marker to decorate your lantern with your family. Kits will be distributed to each registered participant beginning at 8 PM. To avoid impacting the environment, Portage Parks & Recreation will retrieve all of the lanterns from the lake after the festival.

Portage Farmers Market

The Portage Farmers Market opens May 1 and runs through October 16, every Sunday from 9 AM – 1 PM. Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, meat, eggs, fruits, baked goods, flowers, crafts, gifts, and more! Vendors interested in participating may contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522. For more information or to check vendor offerings, go to farmersmarket.portagemi.gov or visit us on Facebook @PortageMarketMI and Instagram @PortageMarket.

The Disc Golf Experience

Don’t miss your shot! Portage Parks & Recreation brings you the Disc Golf Experience. Learn how to throw a variety of discs, the art of putting and everything you need to know to get started as a disc golfer. Registration closes May 16.

Board & Commission Interview Session of May 24, 2022

City Council Meeting

Adult Pickleball Beginner Clinic

If you ever wondered what pickleball was all about, this clinic is for you! National Champions, Jim & Yvonne Hackenberg teach players how to play the game, with a few basic game strategies and drills. Participants must bring their own paddle, but balls will be provided. Registration begins April 25 and ends May 20.

Friday at the Flats

We are bringing the taste of Portage to you! Friday at the Flats returns to the Celery Flats Pavilion in 2022. Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for dinner and experience a wide range of food trucks and live music. Seating is limited, but lawn space is plentiful, so bring a blanket or chair. Connect with your loved ones at Celery Flats through food and fun.

Friday At The Flats Craft Market

Friday at the Flats returns on May 27 at the Celery Flats Pavilion To help kick off the season, Portage Parks & Recreation will host a special craft market during the event from 4:30 - 8:30 PM Grab a bite to eat, listen to live music and shop from a wide variety of local crafters, artisans, artists, and more! Admission is FREE and open to the public If you are interested in being a vendor, email mypark@portagemi.gov or call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522.

Portage Farmers Market

The Portage Farmers Market opens May 1 and runs through October 16, every Sunday from 9 AM – 1 PM. Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, meat, eggs, fruits, baked goods, flowers, crafts, gifts, and more! Vendors interested in participating may contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522. For more information or to check vendor offerings, go to farmersmarket.portagemi.gov or visit us on Facebook @PortageMarketMI and Instagram @PortageMarket.

Memorial Day - City Hall Closed

Session 1: Adult Pickleball Leagues - Competitive League

Join the pickleball craze! Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road) and Lakeview Park (9345 Portage Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. There is a league for every skill level. Registration opens April 25 & closes May 23