LIFE IN THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON
No matter what the season, there’s always something to do in the North Muskegon Area. The City offers a variety of services to its residents and activities and events throughout the year. Several descriptions below will help introduce you to life within the City of North Muskegon.
Annual Community Picnic
The City Council has approved a request from a North Muskegon resident to provide free fireworks on Bear Lake Beach. This was a perfect opportunity to compliment the fireworks with a Community Picnic. Staff has been working to make this an annual event. We provide free hotdogs with all the fixins to all that attend. If you prefer to bring your own picnic basket, that is fine too. Live music and entertainment before the spectacular fireworks show. Click HERE for more details.
City sponsored family events
►Circle of Trees and Dog Parade – the first Sunday in December
The day begins at 12:00 p.m. when residents, friends, business owners and families gather in Walker Park to begin decorating their Christmas tree. By 4:00 the trees are decorated and its time to go home, warm up and get ready for the dog parade that begins at 5:30. As the parade reaches Walker Park, there is a tree lighting ceremony and Santa greets the children. The day ends in the Community Center with coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Join the fun!
►Northside Family Fun Fest – the 2nd Saturday in August
- Northside 5K Run/Walk on Friday at 6:30 p.m. This event is hosted by North Muskegon Public Schools and begins at the North Muskegon Athletic Complex.
- Parade on Thursday begins at City Hall (Ruddiman/Fleming) at 7:30 p.m. Download the application and information HERE
- Taste of the Northside on Friday. Taste of the Northside’s inception was in 2008. This event is host to local food vendors showcasing their specialty, a beverage tent, music and car show. This event takes place in Custer and Walker Park (Ruddiman Dr is closed during this time) beginning at 6:00 p.m. and continues until the sun goes down. In 2009, we added wine tasting featuring Clay Avenue Cellars and wines from around the world supplied by Kent Beverage.
- Art Fair on Saturday. The art fair is from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Walker Park. Join us for the day and shop original crafters, art and homemade items, etc. If you are interested in being a vendor click: Art Fair Application and send it in.
Community Calendar and City Newsletter
The City typically sends out a Spring and Fall newsletter highlighting upcoming events, seasonal information, election information and miscellaneous City news. Click Here to view the current City Newsletter. Be sure to view important upcoming dates on our Community Calendar.
Solicitation Policy and Application at the “Four Corners”
City Council updated their Solicitation Policy at the “Four Corners”. You can view the amended policy by clicking on the following: Solicitation Policy 2014. The policy refers to an application that can be downloaded here: Solicitation Application. Once the application is completed, submit it at City Hall and see if your preferred weekend is available. Questions? Call (231) 744-1621.
Community Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The City owns and operates ten community park and recreation facilities. The objective of the plan is to identify areas of need and prioritize improvements. It also allows the City to apply for State and Federal grants to assist the City with upgrading it’s park facilities. Review the Parks and Recreation Plan here.
City Sign
The sign located on Lake Street as you enter the City of North Muskegon has City and School information and is updated weekly. Looking for information on an upcoming event? Check to see if the sign has contact numbers or the information you are looking for. Of course, you can always call City Hall if it is a City sponsored event to get the information at (231) 744-1621.
Elections/Voter Registration
Are you registered to vote? You can register to vote at city hall or at the Secretary of State’s office. The City of North Muskegon has two voting precincts. One is located at the Walker Community Building (Precinct 1) and the second one is located at North Muskegon Fire Station (Precinct 2). If you are unsure if you are registered please contact at 231-744-1621.
Lawn and Leaf Information
In the City of North Muskegon, residents pay a millage to have their leaves, brush, limbs and grass clippings disposed of. In March or April, bagged leaves and limb pickup begins and loose leaf pickup begins shortly thereafter. Dates and disposal is dependent on the weather. The City’s newsletter which is mailed to each homeowner and business in the spring and fall will have this information.
City Water and Sewer Information
Residents who use a substantial amount of water outdoors during the summer (sprinkling, vehicle washing, etc.) can reduce their sewer charges by installing a separate yard meter. Homeowners who decide to add an extra meter will be responsible for securing a plumbing permit, and making the plumbing changes necessary to allow manifolding of the meters.
Both the water and sewer rate structures are subject to periodic review to insure that revenues are sufficient to meet operational costs. Future adjustments to the rates will be made after thorough analysis.
Other Information
Do you need 10 great reasons to retire in Muskegon? Visit www.retireinmuskegon.com to learn important information about retirement before you make a decision.
Dump Permits and Recycling
Permits are available at City Hall that will allow each residential household two trips to the Muskegon County Landfill (724-6001), 9366 Apple Avenue. Permits are effective from 6/1 to 5/31 each year. NO TIRES, APPLIANCES, YARD WASTE, LIQUID WASTE, PROPANE TANKS, REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT CONTAINERS OR HAZARDOUS WASTES ARE ACCEPTED. Visit Public Health in Muskegon County for more information on recycling items such as batteries, car batteries, cell phones, etc. You may recycle your household batteries at City Hall where you will find a recycling bucket.
The County of Muskegon also has its own drop-off site for recycling items such as paper, metal, glass and plastic. This site is available to the public during normal operating hours, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at 1970 Port City Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49442. If you have questions, call 231-773-8551.
Household Hazardous Waste such as:
- mercury
- oil
- gasoline
- diesel
- petroleum products
- antifreeze
- pesticides
- insecticides
- herbicides
- aerosol cans
- acids
- bases
- and other products with prior approval
may be disposed of by Muskegon County residents at 1300 East Keating Avenue. The hours of operation are the second and fourth Friday of each month, May through October from 1 – 2:30 p.m. The site is located in the rear parking lot of Muskegon County Vector Control. Home Depot recycles compact florescent bulbs.