The City of St. Joseph is seeking community feedback as it begins updating its 2026-2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

The update, required every five years by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for grant funding eligibility, will guide how the city maintains and improves its parks, beaches, and recreation programs. The current plan, adopted for 2020–25, was last updated in 2019.

Public Works Director Greg Grothous said the process will help the city identify priorities and focus areas. “Not only does the plan enable us to apply for the funding that is critical to how we maintain and improve our City-owned parks and beaches, but it also directs all of our enhancement projects and helps us focus our recreation programming,” he said.

The city is offering multiple opportunities for residents and visitors to provide input. A public input session will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at City Hall, 700 Broad St. A digital survey is available on the city’s website and social media through Sept. 15, and paper copies are available at City Hall, the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, and St. Joseph Today.

Kayla Griffith, the city’s director of special projects and communications, said outreach will include senior groups, young professionals, and local service organizations to ensure broad participation.

Following the public input period, a draft updated plan will be posted for 30 days of public review in November before going to the Parks and Recreation Board and then the City Commission for consideration.

More information and the online survey link can be found at www.sjcity.com.