Snow-covered wooden stairs climbing Mt. Baldhead through winter trees

City of Saugatuck

Parks & Recreation

Beaches, dunes, river parks, gardens, trails and nature preserves — and the plan that guides them.

Parks

Explore Saugatuck's parks

Tri-Community Five-Year Master Plan

A guide for every future park project

The City of Saugatuck's Five-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan is intended to be used as a guide for City of Saugatuck officials on all future recreational and parks projects within the City as an advisory document. It is a starting point for engineering studies, cost analysis, and to help engage public involvement to determine financial feasibility (tax payer capacity) of projects.

Specifically, this plan is developed in accordance with the guidelines for Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). A five-year, MDNR-approved recreation plan is necessary for government entities to pursue MDNR-administered grants.

2024 Plan
A young girl smelling red roses in the Saugatuck Rose Garden

Master plans

Parks & recreation plans

PDF

2024 Plan

Tri-Community Parks & Recreation Master Plan

PDF

2019 Plan

Parks and Rec Master Plan 2019-2023

PDF

2014 Plan

Parks and Rec Master Plan 2014-2019

Policy

General Park Rules

Rules governing the use of City of Saugatuck parks and public recreation areas.

Purpose and authority

The purpose of this policy is to establish rules governing the use of City of Saugatuck parks and public recreation areas to ensure the safety, enjoyment, and preservation of public property for residents and visitors.

Pursuant to § 95.06 of the City Code, the City Manager may establish additional park rules and regulations, subject to City Council approval, as necessary to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the public and the proper management of City park properties.

General Park Rules
  • No overnight sleeping or camping in any park, natural area, beach, or associated public parking area.
  • The City Manager may restrict access or close any park or portion thereof when necessary for maintenance, habitat preservation, construction, safety, or public welfare. Entry into restricted or closed areas is prohibited.
Mt. Baldhead Park
  • Park closes at 10:00 p.m.
  • Stay on stairs and trails
  • No dogs
Oval Beach and Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
  • Open 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • No dogs

From Memorial Day Weekend – September 30:

  • No fires
  • No personal grilling
  • No smoking
  • No nudity
  • Stay off dune grass
  • Stay on trails
Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve
  • Stay on trails
  • No horses, bicycles, or motorized traffic
  • Do not pick plants without permission
  • No hunting or trapping
  • Do not remove, collect, or harass wildlife
  • Leashed dogs welcome
Village Square
  • Playground closes at 10:00 p.m.
Additional park regulation, enforcement and waivers

These rules do not encompass all park related regulations. For example, other regulations such as possession or consumption of alcohol, skateboarding, injury to park property, noise, fireworks, trash deposits in waste containers, ball game restrictions, hawking/peddling, hunting, Oval Beach parking passes, and motorized vehicle location and operation are currently established in the City Code of Ordinances.

Violation of this policy or any applicable City ordinance may result in removal from the park or public grounds; and/or additional penalties as provided under City ordinance or State law.

The City Council may, by motion or resolution, temporarily waive park rules for a designated period or special event.

Oval Beach

Planning a beach day?

Season passes are available at City Hall. Oval Beach is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm.

Visit Oval Beach Contact City Hall