Portage, MI is a small city located on the southeastern side of Michigan state and is a part of Kalamazoo County in Michigan. The land mass of the city is approximately 35 square miles with nearly 3 square miles of this being water. The population in the city of Portage is just over 46,000 residents as of 2008 US Census reports. Portage is surrounded by one main highway, highway 331, which is west of the city and runs north to south. The closest state route is 131, also west of the city and running north to south. The closest interstate is Interstate 94, which is north of the city and runs east to west. The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is the closest airport with air transportation to the city and it sits just north of town. Surrounding airports include Newman's Airport and Almena Airport, both of which are west of town.The government of the city functions on a city council and manager status, in which there are 7 council members including the mayor and a Mayor Pro-Tempore. These council members serve four year terms as the Mayor serves two years. The responsibilities of the council members consist of regulating the city budget, implementing and defining city laws, appropriating city laws, and also regulating taxes and city rates pertaining to things such as utilities.
The city manager takes direct instructions under the city council as well and serves as a mediate between council and city residents on particular issues.The city of Portage offers several parks and recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike. The Parks, Recreation, and Property Management is an entity designed to oversee these facilities and keep up with maintenance of the 16 park properties throughout the city, including Haverhill Park, Liberty Park, Ramona Park, Central Park, and many others. Some of these parks feature nature and preservation themes, lake front parks, and ice skating facilities within parks areas as well as parks for nature trails and hiking. There are many activities designed for those of all ages through the use of these facilities year-round. The management system appoints park rangers that are directly associated with upholding the good nature of the parks and to also protect visitors. One looking for a complete listing of the recreational facilities and its amenities, as well as a complete listings of other activities that the city has to offer can search through the Portage, MI business directory or the Portage, MI yellow pages for further details.
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
