Parks Descriptions

Download a copy of the Map and Recreation Activity Reference Guide for locations and available activities throughout Portage parks.

The heart and pride of the Parks program in Portage is Portage Creek Bicentennial Park. Initiated in 1976 in honor of the nation’s 200th birthday, it now represents a unique marriage between environmental stewardship and community enrichment. This unique park is known as a “linear” park and features over 4 miles of biking/hiking trail along Portage Creek. The Parkway runs south from the northern entrance at 424 Kilgore Road, west of Lovers Lane, to the Milham entrance at 910 East Milham Road, west of Lovers Lane, continuing south to Celery Flats Interpretive Center at 7335 Garden Lane, between South Westnedge and Lovers Lane.

The popular park protects the sensitive environment of the Portage Creek basin and offers residents many opportunities to enjoy the creek and surrounding environment – from walking, hiking, and bike riding to canoe and bicycle surrey rentals. Featured attractions include over eight miles of hiking and biking trails, the Milham Avenue activity area, and the Celery Flats Interpretive Center and Historical Area. 

During the winter, the trail is kept open to provide year-round access for walking and fitness.  Cross-country skiers can enjoy the gentle terrain and natural environment as well.

Guided tours of the Celery Flats Interpretive Center and Historical Area highlight the celery heritage of Portage and Kalamazoo County. From 1890 to 1930, Kalamazoo County was the Celery Capital of the world. The Interpretive Center celebrates this history through artifacts, photos, narratives, and video presentations.

The Celery Flats Historical Area is home to four relocated structures of historic significance to the community. Come visit the 1856 schoolhouse and the 1931 grain elevator, the oldest remaining commercial building in Portage. Stuart Manor, an 1846 “Four Square ” Greek Revival house, was relocated in 1994. The house, which is the oldest remaining residential structure in Portage, was built by William Welch and was once the summer home of the second Michigan U.S. Senator, Charles Stuart. By restoring these buildings, the city not only saved important structures, but unique parts of the area's past.

West Lake Nature Preserve is a 110-acre park preserve along West Lake boasting a variety of upland, woodland and sensitive wetland areas with unique plant species and animal habitats. Two miles of hiking trails are available, including a boardwalk leading across a picturesque bog environment to West Lake.  The preserve is located at 9001 South Westnedge Avenue.

Bishop's Bog is a unique 152-acre "relict" bog nature preserve that has been registered with the Nature Conservancy. It is unusual for this type of bog, which harbors numerous rare plants, to be found in Southern Michigan. A "floating" dock trail is a unique way to connect Bishop's Bog Preserve and Schrier Park, allowing for passive nature study without disturbing this truly unique environment. Take a walk on the dock trail, but be sure you make time for this natural treasure to reveal its secrets. Located in the northwest and north portions of Schrier Park at 850 West Osterhout Road.

Schrier Park is a great place to escape. The wooded hiking trails at Schrier Park offer a chance to get away and enjoy a peaceful walk or winter cross-country skiing. Schrier Park is also the location for the popular Apple Festival and Haunted Forest each fall.  Come visit the park at 850 West Osterhout Road, located between South Westnedge and Oakland Drive.

Liberty Park is located at 7585 South Westnedge Avenue, just north of the Portage Police Department.  This 1.64-acre park features a cascading waterfall, lighted pedestrian bridges and a self-supporting space-frame pavilion.

Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated on November 11, 2005.  The park is located near the Portage District Library and Portage Central Cemetery.  The memorial is 40 feet and consists of five separate stones, four flagpoles, lighting and landscaping features.  The center stone, at a height of seven feet, is in the shape of a "V".  Emblems for the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard are engraved on the face of the "V".  Engraved on stones placed on either side of the "V" is various quotes honoring those who served in the United States Military.  The memorial includes brick walkways in front of each stone.  Individuals and businesses who donate have the option of having a brick engraved in honor of a veteran or with the name of the sponsor.  It is estimated that over 1,100 bricks have been used in constructing the walkways.

Ramona Park is the best place to cool off on a hot summer day. With a long, sandy beach on Long Lake, sunning and swimming a day away is a great time for the family. The park also features a fishing pier, large play structure, beach house, volleyball courts, and picnic shelters to encourage an entire day of fun. Ramona Park is also the site of several soccer fields, softball facilities, and tennis and basketball courts. The park is located at 8600 South Sprinkle Road, near the corner of Zylman and South Sprinkle Roads.

Lakeview Park is located along the shore of Austin Lake at 9345 Portage Road, approximately one mile south of Centre Avenue. This beautiful 24-acre park could easily become your favorite family picnic spot. Try your hand at fishing one of the two piers or enjoy the playground equipment, ballfield and courts for volleyball, tennis, and basketball. Lakeview Park also offers a large rolling open area with walkways and a wildflower meadow for passive enjoyment.

Central Park is nestled in a bend of Portage Creek and is the location of the Overlander Bandshell. The park is an ideal place to spend a warm, summer evening listening to starlighted concerts offered throughout the summer season. Bring your blanket, snacks, lawn chairs, and children and settle in for an evening of entertainment. If your little ones aren't big on Bach, play equipment and a picnic shelter offer a happy distraction for them while the night is filled with music. The park is located at 7800 Shaver Road behind the Police/Court complex.

South Westnedge Park is where you will hear the "crack of the bat" and "grind of the skates".  Six softball fields provide facilities for over 200 city softball teams in the city's many leagues. A 10,000 square foot street plaza skatepark provides chills and thrills for hundreds of southwest Michigan skaters.  This complex also includes an in-line hockey rink, soccer practice field, restroom building and parking. Located at 9010 South Westnedge, approximately one mile south of Centre Avenue.

Millennium Park is a one-acre park located in the heart of the shopping district. This unique park is a pleasant reflecting pond and fountain for three seasons, with an amphitheatre that hosts cultural entertainment June through August. In the winter, it is magically transformed into the first refrigerated outdoor ice skating rink in Southwest Michigan. Strap on your old skates or rent some here, but don't miss this winter escape. Located at 280 Romence Road, west of south Westnedge Avenue.

Harbors West Park is the most recently completed park in Portage and is located in the Harbors West neighborhood. The six-acre site features play equipment, volleyball and basketball courts, a restroom and picnic shelter, and a youth in-line hockey rink. Harbors West Park is located 3458 Summersong Path, approximately 1/2 mile north of Milham/Angling intersection.

Haverhill Park is a four-acre park nestled in the beautiful, tree-lined Haverhill neighborhood. This wonderful facility has an elaborate play structure, basketball and tennis courts, open play areas with picnic tables, youth in-line hockey rink and restroom facilities. Located at 6577 Hampton, Haverhill Road off Oakland Drive adjacent to Haverhill School.

Lexington-Green Park is located in the Lexington-Green neighborhood of northeast Portage and contains a ballfield, basketball and tennis courts, play equipment, as well as trails, picnic shelters and restroom facilities. Located at 1750 Pittsford Street, north of Milham off Meredith on Pittsford.

Oakland Drive Park is an active recreation space that provides softball and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, play equipment and a restroom/picnic shelter.  Meadows and wooded lots offer passive enjoyment and nature study.  In the winter, Oakland Drive Park has a wonderful sledding hill for enjoying Michigan snow. Located at 7650 Oakland Drive just north of Quincy Avenue.

Westfield Park is situated in northwest Portage and is a popular site for all ages. Basketball, tennis, ballfields, and a soccer field are all available. The park also features a picnic shelter, play equipment and restrooms. Located at 4500 West Milham, west of highway 131.