In 2026, WMSRDC began working with the City of Muskegon Heights to update the City’s recreation plan. Thanks to a SPARK grant from the State of Michigan, WMSRDC is able to provide this service at no cost to the City.
Recreation plans, once locally adopted and approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, allow communities to apply for certain types of recreation grants from the State. Recreation plans must be updated every five years to maintain this grant eligibility.
The current Muskegon Heights Parks & Recreation Plan was completed in 2022 in coordination with the “Reaching New Muskegon Heights” visioning process. Go to https://www.reachingnewmuskegonheights.org/ to learn more about this ongoing effort which is supported by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and Greater Muskegon Economic Development.
Public Input
Public engagement is an essential component of a recreation plan, used by the local planning team to help form Goals & Objectives that are in-line with the community’s needs and desires.
A survey is available to community residents and stakeholders through September 18, 2026. There are many ways to take the survey:
- Paper copies are available at the Muskegon Heights City Hall in the lobby.
- The survey may be taken online: https://app.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?B296FAE5B5F5EEE5B9
- Download the survey to print at home. Paper copies may be filled out and returned to the tray in the City Hall lobby.
Timeline
The Muskegon Heights Recreation Plan Update is scheduled for completion by February 1, 2027. The public will have 30 days to review the proposed document prior to approval by the City Council. Comments will be accepted via email and at a public meeting to be scheduled after the review period. The public review period and public meeting will be advertised on the City of Muskegon Heights’ website.
