Parks and Recreation
2013 Summer Programs
7719 South Westnedge Avenue • Portage, Michigan 49002 • 329-4522 • www.portagemi.gov
Youth Recreation Scholarship Program
Portage youth, ages 18 and under, living in a household meeting the established income guidelines may be eligible
for financial assistance through the Youth Recreation Scholarship Program established by a partnership between the
Portage Community Center and City of Portage. Eligible youth may receive financial assistance with the following
recreation programs:
u
u School of Fish Day Camp (page 4)
Youth Sport Camps (page 4 - 5)
u Ramona Park Beach Annual Pass (page 3)
Contact the Portage Community Center at 323-1942 to apply.
Mother’s Day Outdoor Adventure
at Ramona Park
Family Fishing Fair
at Ramona Park
Free Community Event!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Free Community Event!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Honor your mom and
celebrate Mother’s Day
weekend at this unique
Outdoor Adventure! Share time together learning to fish,
kayak and do yoga with your beloved mother or wife. Each
mom will bring home her own special gift of hand crafted
spinner earrings which she will learn to make. All supplies,
equipment and instructors for this adventure are provided,
just bring your mom!
Bring out the entire family
to celebrate the onset of
summer at this exciting day
Featuring Jonathon
on the shoreline! Families
VanDam, 2012 Bassmaster
of all ages and abilities can
Elite Series Champion
experience fishing, boating
and conservation activities, education and instruction.
Local fishing guides and professional organizations will
share their expertise to help your family start a lifetime of
fishing memories. Learn how to tie knots, rig your fishing
rod, make your own fishing lures, paddle a kayak and
much more. Fishing equipment will be on hand for those
hoping to reel in their first (or next) catch of the day.
k 100
k
k
These events are co-sponsored by the City of Portage Parks
Department, Take Me Fishing Initiative and National Recreation
and Park Association.
*MI law requires a fishing license for anyone fishing age 17 years
and older. A season license or day pass can be purchased at a
local sporting goods retailer.
kids will go home
with their own fishing rod
courtesy of United Water!
Free trees for planting in
your yard courtesy of the
National Wildlife Federation!
Plus many more prizes and
gifts!
For more information or to volunteer
for this event, contact the Portage
Parks Department at 329-4522.
Trees for giveaway are young trees
16-24” tall, Northern Red Oak, Sugar
Maple and Shagbark Hickory.
Portage Park Discovery Programs
Mondays at 7:00 pm *except where noted
Free to the public. See description for location.
Explore nature in your own backyard with the help of Naturalist Dan Keto. These programs are a cooperative effort
between the Kalamazoo Nature Center and the Portage Parks and Recreation Department. Generous support
provided by the Portage District Library.
Lunch and Learn:
While You Dream, Who Is Up, In the Sky?
*June 13, 2013 at 11 am - 12 pm
Celery Flats Amphitheatre
One of the most common dreams that people have is of them flying. Would you fly into space and visit the moon
or the Big Dipper? Imagine if at night instead of dreaming, you were a hunting bat or owl. Explore the nocturnal
world of these animals and constellations as we have more fun than your wildest dreams. Movement, music and
fun-filled props make this program a dream come true.
Exploring Celery Flats with a Naturalist
June 17, 2013 at 7 - 8:30 pm
Celery Flats Interpretive Center
Join Naturalist Dan Keto to explore the rich natural world encountered along the trail and around the historic
buildings of Celery Flats. You and your family will be amazed at all the living things that can be found close to
home. Discover ways you can explore nature around your own backyard.
Dig into a World, Below your Feet
June 24, 2013 at 7 - 8:30 pm
Portage Public Library
Explore the strange world below your feet. Discover the life that lives out of sight of our own experiences. Connect
yourself to the importance of this amazing ecosystem and see how your life is affected. Program will be indoors
and then move outdoors.
Having a Great Time Outside at Haverhill Park
July 1, 2013 at 7 - 8:30 pm
Haverhill Park
This park alongside Haverhill School and on the bicycle trail of the Portage Park System is a great example of how
Portage Parks brings nature to our neighborhoods. Observe local nearby nature around the park and adjacent
bike trail. Come see what you can find with the help of Dan Keto, the Kalamazoo Nature Center Naturalist.
From Black Oaks to Bogs
July 15 2013 at 7 - 8:30 pm
Westlake Nature Preserve
At Westlake Nature Preserve beyond the pavilion is a path that leads through the forest towards a gem of a bog.
Join Naturalist Dan Keto on a walk to the bog, with other nature discoveries along the way. Discover seasonal
highlights as we move from forest to bog. Observe the plants and animals that call this unique place home.
2
Get Active Portage! 2013
Ramona Park Beach
Youth Triathlon / Health Fair
Saturday, August 10 at Ramona Park
8600 S. Sprinkle Rd., 1/2 mile south of Centre Ave.
YOUTH TRIATHLON - 9:00 AM / CHECK IN BEGINS AT 7:30 AM
Spirit Racing LLC, based in Kalamazoo, is staging this
exciting event www.kidsgetactive.us. While the young
triathletes will be timed and awards presented for
top finishers in each age group of 6-9 years and 10-13
years, participation is the primary goal. All courses are
within Ramona Park and closed to vehicle traffic for
the race duration enabling a very safe and controlled
environment. Complete course maps are posted at the
event web site. Take time with your kids this summer to
do the courses in advance. All athletes must be preregistered using the online system linked at the event
web site.
Ramona Park beach offers a sandy swim area with
lifeguards, picnic areas, fishing dock, beach volleyball,
concessions, playground, changing rooms and much
more!
Beach hours:
Open Daily:
RAMONA PARK HEALTH
FAIR - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mon. - Fri. 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat., Sun., Holidays 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
May 24 - 27
June 1, 2
June 6 - September 2
Vehicle permits, for entry into Ramona Park, can be
purchased on site near the park entrance during regular
beach hours.
City Resident Daily Permit Non-Resident Daily Permit City Resident Annual Permit Non-Resident Annual Permit Group Bus Daily Permit (for 15 or more people)
Now is the time to learn
about a healthier lifestyle.
Take out a kayak, visit
booths and participate
in activities provided by
local health and wellness
vendors. Interested
vendors who wish to be
involved should contact
Karistalynn@yahoo.com.
$5
$10
$25
$45
$50
National Free Fishing & Boating Weekend
Celebrate with us! Free fishing
days, (no fishing license
required) during the National
Free Fishing & Boating Week
of June 1-9, is a great time to
get outdoors and try fishing
at one of our waterfront parks.
Rangers will be on-site, during
the times listed, to provide all
the fishing equipment and
casting technique instruction
that you will need to attempt
at reeling in that big catch.
Bring the whole family and
enjoy the beauty that the
Portage Parks have to offer.
Saturday, June 8
Sunday, June 9
10 am - 1 pm
10 am - 1 pm
Ramona Park
Lakeview Park
3
Youth Summer Camps
Youth Recreation Scholarship Funds Available!
For scholarship details, see page 1
School of FISH Day Camp at Ramona Park
Day campers will experience all the joys associated with fishing
and environmental conservation. They will have the opportunity
to meet a Michigan DNR Conservation officer and explore the
outdoors during this unique adventure. Park Rangers provide
instruction and guidance as youth participate in many hands on
activities, and of course...GO FISHING! Space is limited.
Camp dates (one session for both age groups):
June 24 - 27 Mon - Thurs
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
$80*
Little Lunkers (Ages 7 - 12)
Fish Identification & Habitat k Knot Tying & Rod Rigging k Casting Skills & Safety k Tackle Crafting k Aquatic
Conservation k Catching and Rigging Live Bait k Shoreline Fishing
* Registration fee includes a spincasting rod to use and take home!
Advanced Anglers (Ages 9 - 14)
Fishing techniques such as Jigging k Advanced Knots k Artificial Lures k Intro to Fly Fishing k Boater Safety k
Fishing from a Canoe k Lure Making k Fish Filleting k Wilderness Survival`
* Registration fee includes a spinning rod to use and take home!
Register at Portage Parks Dept., 7719 S. Westnedge , 329-4522 or www.portagemi.gov
th Westnedge Park
Kingdom Skateboarding Camps at Sou
educational camps.
ding experience, will instruct these fun and
Jon Zomer, with over 10 years skateboar
g the skateboard, pushing, tic
and maintenance, stepping on and ridin
BEGINNER CURRICULUM: Skateboard parts
, and kick turns.
tacs, dropping in, ollies, riding off a curb
and under obstacles, grinds
(kickflip, shove it, heelflip), 180’s, ollies over
INTERMEDIATE CURRICULUM: Flip tricks
fakie, axel stall).
and slides, and quarter pipe stalls (rock to
$89
9:00 am -11:00 am
Mon - Thurs
June 24 - 27
Beginner
$89
am
0
Session 1
-11:0
am
9:00
s
Mon - Thur
August 5 - 8
iate
med
Inter
2
on
Sessi
2000 or www.kicsports.net
Register at Kingdom Indoor Center, 226-
YMCA Youth Tennis Camps at Oakland Drive
Park
Participants will acquire basic knowledge of all
strokes with an emphasis on playing points by
scaling down court
size and utilizing developmental balls. Match situat
ions will be introduced. Bring a snack/beverage
each day.
Session 1
June 3 - 6
Mon - Thurs
9:00 - 11:00 am
$62*
Session 2
June 10 - 13
Mon - Thurs
9:00 - 11:00 am
$62*
*Includes camp gift. Please note: Friday is make
up day in case of inclement weather.
Register at Portage YMCA, 324-9622 or www.kzoo
ymca.org
4
Youth Summer Camps
Youth Recreation Scholarship Funds Available!
For scholarship details, see page 1
Northern High School Volleyball Camps at NHS Dog House
Co-ed
Grades K - 5
June 17 - July 31
Mon - Fri
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Middle School
Grades 6 - 8
June 17 - July 31
Mon - Fri
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
High School
Grades 9 - 12
June 17 - July 31
Mon - Fri
7:45 am - 11:15 am
Central High School Volleyball Camps at CHS Stable
Mini Mustangs
Middle School
Freshman
Grades 3 - 5
Grades 6 - 8
Grade 9
June 10 - 14
June 10 - 14
July 15 - 19
Mon - Fri
Mon - Fri
Mon - Fri
9:00 am - 10:30 am
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
9:00 am - 11:00 am
$60
$80
$80
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
$100
Mon - Thurs
Mon - Thurs
9:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
$64
$64
Mon - Fri
Mon - Fri
9:00 am - 10:30 am
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
$60
$60
Northern High School Basketball Camps at NHS Dog House
Huskie Co-ed
Grades 1 - 8
June 10 - 13
Mon - Thurs
Central High School Boy’s Basketball Camps at CHS Stable
L’ll Stangs Boy’s
L’ll Stangs Boy’s
Grades K - 4
Grades 5 - 8
June 17 - 20
June 17 - 20
Central High School Girl’s Basketball Camps at CHS Gym
Jr. Mustangs Girl’s
Jr. Mustangs Girl’s
Grades 3 - 5
Grades 6 - 8
June 17 - 21
June 17 - 21
$60 / 6 weeks
$48 / 4 weeks
$32 / 2 weeks
$199 / 6 weeks
$199 / 6 weeks
Register for basketball and volleyball camps at Portage Community Education Center,
8107 Mustang Dr. (new location), 323-6700 or www.ppscommed.org
Kalamazoo Kids on Stage
at 12th Street Elementary School
Directed by David Ortega and experienced staff, camps are designed for youngsters interested in musical theater
and drama. Learn skills such as voice projection, theater makeup, stage movement, pantomime and improvisation.
Primary Camp Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Kids
Full Day Session
Half Day Session
Grades K - 2
Grades K - 2
Elementary Camp
Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.
Full Day Session
Grades 2 - 5
Middle School Camp
Grease
Full Day Session
Grades 5 - 10
July 8 - 26
July 8 - 26
Mon - Fri
Mon - Fri
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
8:30 am - 11:30 am
$385 $205
July 8 - 26
Mon - Fri
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
$410
July 8 - 26
Mon - Fri
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
$410
Register at Portage Parks Dept., 7719 S. Westnedge, 329-4522 or www.portagemi.gov
5
The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club’s Bike Camp 2013
Bike Camp is a training and informational program targeted toward bicyclists who desire to improve their biking skills,
fitness and knowledge of the sport in a friendly group environment. Learn how to ride a bike properly, efficiently and
safely on public roads. Bike fitting, fitness goals, nutrition and maintenance are all covered. Families, adults new to road
cycling, and those renewing their interest in the sport would all benefit from Bike Camp.
May 14
Tuesday
6:30 pm
KVCC room 151
no equipment needed
May 18 - Jun 8
Saturday’s
8:30 am
Portage YMCA
training and information
June 30 (Sunday) - Concludes with participation in KBC’s KalTour, the Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour,
starts at Bronson Athletic Club.
$60.00 for individuals / $70.00 for families
For additional information or to register, go to www.kalamazoobicycleclub.org.
Please email questions to bikecamp@kalamazoobicycleclub.org.
Lee’s Adventure Sports Kayak Lessons and Demo’s
at Ramona Park
Stand Up Paddle Demo
Intro to Kayaking Lesson
Advanced Kayaking Lesson
June 15
June 22, July 13, August 24
August 17
For additional information or to sign up for lessons and demo’s please visit:
Lee’s Adventure Sports at 311 W. Kilgore or call 381-7700.
Program Accessibility
e leisure activities. Reasonable
individuals to become involved in thes
The City of Portage encourages all
nity to participate in Parks and
iduals with special needs the opportu
indiv
allow
to
e
mad
be
will
ions
accommodat
4522 for more information.
Recreation activities. Please call 329-
Walk/Run Events
Portagers are encouraged to participate and support these community fundraisers held at
Celery Flats and Bicentennial Trail
Date
Event
Website
May 4
March for Babies
www.marchofdimes.com/michigan
May 11
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Walk
www.cff.org
May 18
CureSearch Walk www.curesearchwalk.org/southwestmi
May 19
SW Michigan Kidney Walk
www.kidneywalk.org
June 1
Summer Stroll for Epilepsy
www.epilepsymichigan.org
Sept. 14
Peacock Strut
Sept. 22
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
6
www.portagecommunitycenter.org http://act.alz.org/kalamazoo
May 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
= Ramona Park Beach open
Mon. - Fri. 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat., Sun., Holidays 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
Friday
2
Saturday
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
21
22
23
24
Bike Camp
19
20
4
March for Babies
11
Cystic Fibrosis Walk
Mother’s Day
Outdoor Adventure
18
Family Fishing Fair
CureSearch Walk
Bike Camp
25
Bike Camp
SW MI Kidney Walk
26
27
28
29
30
31
June 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
= Ramona Park Beach open
Mon. - Fri. 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat., Sun., Holidays 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
2
3
YMCA Tennis Camp
9
YMCA Tennis Camp
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
16 Park Discovery Park Discovery 30 Program
School of FISH
Skateboarding Camp
Volleyball Camp
4
YMCA Tennis Camp
10
YMCA Tennis Camp
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
17
Program
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
23
Summer Stroll for Epilepsy
Bike Camp
YMCA Tennis Camp
11
YMCA Tennis Camp
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
18
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
24
5
School of FISH
Skateboarding Camp
Volleyball Camp
12 Lunch & Learn
13
14
20
School of FISH
Skateboarding Camp
Volleyball Camp
15
Stand Up Paddle Demo
Volleyball Camp
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
26
8
Bike Camp
YMCA Tennis Camp
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
19
School of FISH
Skateboarding Camp
Volleyball Camp
7
YMCA Tennis Camp
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
25
6
1
21
Volleyball Camp
Basketball Camp
27
22
Intro to Kayaking
28
29
Volleyball Camp
Bike Camp
7
July 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
Park Discovery Program
Volleyball Camp
2
Volleyball Camp
7
Program
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
9
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
21
28
23
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
30
Volleyball Camp
18
24
5
6
12
13
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
29
Volleyball Camp
11
17
Saturday
Volleyball Camp
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
22
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
4
10
16
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
Friday
Volleyball Camp
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
15
Thursday
3
Volleyball Camp
8
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
14 Park Discovery
Wednesday
Intro to Kayaking
19
20
26
27
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
25
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
Volleyball Camp
Kids on Stage
31
Volleyball Camp
August 2013
Sunday
Monday
4
Tuesday
5
Skateboarding Camp
11
Wednesday
6
Skateboarding Camp
12
7
Skateboarding Camp
13
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
8
9
10
Skateboarding Camp
14
Get Active Portage!
15
16
17
Advanced Kayaking
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Intro to Kayaking
25
8
26
27
28
29
30
31