From Playgrounds to Pavilions, Kalamazoo Parks Are Summer-Ready

Published on May 20, 2025

Kalamazoo city parks are ready for another great summer season. Restrooms are open, water fountains have been turned on, and pickleball and tennis court nets are back up and ready for play. Gates at parking areas and vehicle drives at Spring Valley Park, Milham Park, Woods Lake Park, Fairmount Dog Park, and Versluis Dickinson Park have also been reopened for additional parking and access. All Kalamazoo city parks are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Park pavilions are also now available to rent for parties, events, and weddings. Facilities are available in four-hour blocks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Park rentals range in price from $105 to $175 depending on the pavilion size and amenities like electricity, with a $50 refundable deposit. Crane Park also has a garden wedding area that is available to rent for $200 for four hours.

A new playground is ready for play at Emerald Drive Park (3200 Emerald Dr). The playground features play equipment for ages 5 – 12 and is located at the south end of the park near the entrance by Banbury Rd. Residents can also look forward to a new bathroom building at Milham Park and improvements at Princeton Park coming later this year.

The Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market is open for the season offering the area’s freshest foods and handmade goods from over 150 local growers and makers. The Market will be open as construction continues on the new Multipurpose Building located on site. While construction is underway, there will be some impacts to Bank Street and the Market’s parking areas. More information on the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market can be found at www.pfcmarkets.com.

“The weather is warming up and we’re excited for everyone to be able to get outside and have some fun this summer,” said Ashton Anthony, Deputy Director for Kzoo Parks. “Whether it’s taking the kids to the new playground at Emerald Drive Park, playing pickleball with friends at Crane Park, visiting the farmers’ market for some fresh produce, or hosting a family picnic in a park pavilion, our parks have something fun for everyone. We can’t wait to see you out there!”

Splash pads and the Kik Pool will also be opening soon. Splash pads will open on Saturday, May 24 and be available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at LaCrone Park (535 W Paterson St) and the Florence Street Splash Pad (534 Florence St). The Kik Pool will open on Wednesday, June 4. Season pool passes are currently available for purchase at the Kzoo Parks office (251 Mills St) and will also be available at the pool once it opens along with day passes.

City parks are open year-round, but gates to some parking areas and vehicle drives are closed during the winter months because of reduced staffing. Restrooms and water fountains are winterized each year and reopen for the season once freezing temperatures pass and seasonal staff are available for cleaning and maintenance.

While park amenities are open, some parks have been impacted by fallen trees and branches from last week’s storms. Cleanup efforts are currently underway throughout the city, and crews will begin clearing the affected parks as soon as possible.

Residents can learn more about Kalamazoo’s city parks including park locations and amenities at www.kzooparks.org/parks