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Beach Safety in Muskegon Public Safety Investing in Our Parks AN N UAL PAR K EVE N TS
WHAT YO U S H O U L D K N OW R E M I N D E RS & AN N UAL EVE N T 2026 PAR K P R OJ ECTS Walking Club
May - Sep | 11 AM
Beach Parking Reminder Join us every Tuesday for a walk with rotating
Conditions Can Change Quickly Exciting upgrades are coming to Muskegon’s outdoor
locations at Hackley Park, Marsh Field, or
Our city’s shoreline is a beautiful place to spend a summer day, but Lake Michigan can be unpredictable. Before you Paid Parking is in effect May 15 – Sept 15! spaces over the next year. These investments ensure our Beachwood Park depending on date.
head into the water, please take a moment to check the current conditions. Waves and currents can change quickly, Residents can visit mkgcity.com/parkingpass to parks remain accessible and vibrant for all residents to enjoy.
even on a sunny day. Staying informed helps residents and visitors stay prepared while enjoying our beaches. register two free passes per household with our Lakeshore Art Festival
new license plate reader system, eliminating the Richards Park Jun 27-28 | 9 AM - 5 PM | Downtown
New ADA-accessible kayak launch, pathway and parking. Browse fine art, handcrafted goods, and
need for stickers.
enjoy live music and street performers.
Know Before You Go
HIGH HAZARD You can check the Great Lakes weather
conditions on the National Weather Service’s
National Night Out
Aug 4 | 6-8 PM | Marsh Field
Kruse Park
Replacement of the beach access ramp that was lost
4th of July: 250th Celebration + Fireworks
Jul 4 | 8-10 PM | Heritage Landing
HIGH WAVES AND/OR STRONG CURRENTS during 2020 high water and planting roughly 700 yards Live DJ and food vendors, followed by
ROJO - Peligro Alto • Olas Altas Y/O Corrientes Fuertes website at: weather.gov/grr/BeachWeather Mark your calendars for National Night Out! After last
of native dune grass. fireworks at 10:20 PM.
year’s record turnout of over 1,000 neighbors, we are
At Pere Marquette Beach
MEDIUM HAZARD
excited to bring the community together again. Join McGraft Park Concert Series
Warning lights and rooftop beacons are located us for food and family fun while building a stronger relationship Hartshorn Park & Marina Jul 7 - Aug 18 | 7 PM | McGraft Park
MODERATE WAVES AND/OR CURRENTS at the Kite Shack and Pere Marquette restrooms, 2025 Annual Report with our local police and firefighters. Check out all our upcoming New ADA-accessible fishing area with new toe-railing Free concerts on select weekday evenings.
AMARILLO - Peligro Medio • Olas Moderadas Y/O Corrientes more warning lights will be installed in 2026. The MA J O R M I L ESTO N ES events at mkgcity.com/events. and seating. Bring your own lawn chair.
light beacons flash during hazardous conditions. Touch the Trucks
LOW HAZARD See the guide to the left for color meanings. The 2025 City of Muskegon Annual Report McGraft Park
Aug 21 | 6 PM-8 PM | Hackley Park
is available for residents to review our city’s Transformation of the former tennis courts into eight
CALM CONDITIONS - EXERCISE CAUTION
Explore fire trucks, construction vehicles,
recent progress. Key milestones include the historic pickleball courts, two updated tennis courts and and more. There will be a sensory-friendly
VERDE - Peligro Bajo • Condiciones Calmas, Tenga Precaución
delisting of Muskegon Lake from the Area of Concern and additional parking. half hour from 6-6:30 PM.
a major financial turnaround for utilities. From the new
Absence of lights does not indicate safe waters. Make sure to follow Muskegon City Parks &
La ausencia de luces no indica aguas seguras. Beach Shuttle to record-low crime rates, read the report See the city’s calendar for
to learn how our city is investing in your future. Explore Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for
project updates and other parks news! full details & more events:
the full report and project updates online at mkgcity. mkgcity.com/events
com/annualreport.
Beware of Rip Currents How to Escape a Rip Current Experience Our Local Markets Trash Talk
A rip current is a fast-moving stream of water that flows away from D O S & D O N ’ TS O F GAR BAG E & R ECYCL I N G
the shore, often through gaps in sandbars or near structures like
1. Stay calm. Do not panic. Float to S U M M E R S E AS O N STARTS I N MAY
conserve your energy.
piers and jetties. These currents can be narrow or wide, shallow or Residents play a vital role in keeping our neighborhoods clean and ensuring reliable service for everyone. Following
deep, and are strong enough to carry even experienced swimmers
2. Do not fight the current. Let it carry you Farmers & Flea Markets
until it weakens. a few simple sanitation guidelines helps maintain beautiful streets across our city. For full details on the topics
Visit the market grounds in Downtown Muskegon for
out past the waves. below and more visit mkgcity.com/sanitation.
3. Swim parallel. Swim along the shoreline fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items.
to escape the pull of the current. The Farmers Market is open May through November
It is important to remember that rip currents do not pull you under; Trash Day Basics
4. Swim to shore. Once you are free, swim on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2
they pull you away from the beach. The common myth of an Place carts out the night before your neighborhood’s scheduled pickup day with the handle facing your home. Keep carts 2ft
“undertow” usually comes from the sensation of the
back to the beach at an angle. Save on Your Utility Bill PM. In the same location, the Flea Market returns May from the curb, 3ft from posts, and 5ft from parked vehicles. Extra bags or bulk items that don’t fit in your cart must have a bulk
through September, offering antiques, crafts, and secondhand
current sweeping your feet out from under you as the If you cannot swim out, keep floating and SWI TCH TO PAP E R L ES S & item sticker attached to be collected; stickers can be purchased at the City Treasurer’s Office or Department of Public Works.
wave for assistance. goods every Wednesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 2 PM.
water retreats. AU TO PAY TO SAVE Learn more about offered programs and sign up for the Harvest Yard Waste Pickup Recycling & Large Item Disposal
Happenings e-Newsletter at muskegonfarmersmarket.com. From April through November, yard waste is collected All city residents are able to recycle at no
There are two easy ways to manage your
utility bills and save money. Paperless billing delivers curbside on your regular garbage day, weather permitting. additional cost by requesting a blue bin
your statement via email instead of through the mail. Western Market Chalets Please use paper yard waste bags, cardboard boxes, or rigid provided by Republic Services. If you have not
Auto pay automatically deducts your payment on the The Western Market opens for its 2026 season cans of 35 gallons or less. signed up for recycling, you can request a bin,
due date. Residents receive a $0.75 monthly credit on May 23. These unique shops offer handmade • Brush: Must be under 4 feet long and 4 inches or view the collection schedule, and see a list of acceptable
Muskegon Public Schools for paperless billing and another $0.75 credit for auto gifts, treats, and specialty items. With so many less thick.
• Bundling: Please bundle brush if it is not in a container.
items at mkgcity.com/recycle.
pay. Using both services totals a $1.50 credit on your local entrepreneurs in one place, it is the perfect
ST R O N G S CH O O LS, ST R O N G E R CO M M U N I TY way to find your new favorite shop. Please • Placement: Keep yard waste at least 3ft from your For larger or many items, our city and local
monthly water and sewer bill. These options help you
avoid transaction fees and ensure your account stays see their website for specific chalet garbage can. neighborhood associations host annual
Muskegon Public Schools nurtures productive thinkers for a changing world. Through Innovation Academies current. Please note that credit or debit cards will no hours, as they vary each month: • Bagging: You must use yard waste paper bags or a Dumpster Days for free disposal. You can find
of Muskegon (I AM), every student graduates with a diploma and a plan for their future. Important Updates: longer be an option for automatic recurring payments muskegonwesternmarket.com. designated plastic yard waste bin. Plastic bags are the full schedule, list of accepted items, and
Please vote by May 5 on a $37.1 million proposal for district improvements. No tax increase over the current rate after April 30. To continue receiving your monthly not accepted. locations at mkgcity.com/dumpsterdays.
is expected. If your child turns five by September 1, attend a Kindergarten Roundup or visit any MPS school to credit and maintain uninterrupted service, residents
enroll. We’re expanding the county’s only public dual-language program at Glenside Elementary - enroll your must use a checking account (ACH) for auto pay.
child to grow in global citizenship. More at muskegonpublicschools.org. Go Big Reds! Learn more at mkgcity.com/utilitybill.
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