Parks and Recreation

Daily Maintenance

Crews pick up litter and recyclables at North Beach, Zoo Beach, Kids Cove Playground, and adjacent greenspaces every day. During weekends, holidays, and special events, extra staff are scheduled to keep high-traffic areas clean and safe.

Seasonal Setup & Equipment

Before Memorial Day, staff remove snow fencing, install guard stands and accessibility mats at the beaches, and prepare playgrounds and picnic areas. Piers along the shoreline are also placed back into the water for summer use. After Labor Day, all equipment is removed, stored, and winterized.

Greenspace & Pathway Care

The surrounding park greenspaces and the Lake Michigan Pathway receive regular mowing, brush clearing, and fence-line maintenance to provide safe and scenic areas for walking, biking, and picnicking.

Playground & Safety Inspections

Kids Cove Playground is inspected daily during summer months for cleanliness, safety hazards, and equipment maintenance. Picnic areas and pathways are also checked regularly.

Spring

• Beach & Playground Preparation: Remove snow fencing and plow markers from park grounds.
• Turf & Trail Restoration: Repair sod and turf damaged by snow and salt; clear trails, brush, and fence lines after winter storms.
• Equipment Inspection: Inspect and service playground equipment for safety; check surfacing materials for wear and tear.
• Pathway Readiness: Clear debris and inspect the Lake Michigan Pathway for winter damage; prepare for seasonal use.

Summer

• Daily Maintenance: Conduct daily litter pickup in all parks, beaches, and medians; perform extra litter pickup on weekends and during special events.
• Routine Mowing & Trimming: Regular mowing of turf, fields, and boulevards; brush and weed tree removal along fence lines and paths.
• Safety Checks: Perform regular safety checks of playgrounds, picnic areas, and trails; ensure all equipment is in good working condition.
• Visitor Services: Maintain clean restrooms and facilities; ensure adequate signage and visitor information is available.
• Pathway Upkeep: Regularly sweep and maintain the Lake Michigan Pathway; address any erosion or damage promptly.

Fall

• Leaf & Debris Removal: Mulch and remove leaves from parks and boulevards; clear sand and debris from pathways.
• Turf & Equipment Maintenance: Seed and repair turf areas; apply a fresh coat of paint to playground structures, including Kids Cove.
• Winter Preparation: Continue mowing until the end of the growing season; prepare trails and beach walkways for winter; install snow fencing where needed.
• Pathway Inspection: Inspect the Lake Michigan Pathway for any damage or wear; make necessary repairs before winter.

Winter

• Limited Maintenance: Conduct limited litter pickup in open areas; perform snow fence installation where needed.
• Tree & Brush Management: Trim trees and brush in accessible areas to maintain safety and visibility.
• Equipment Servicing: Perform maintenance and servicing of winter equipment for pathways and park grounds.
• Visitor Safety: Monitor for icy conditions and address promptly; ensure all signage is visible and clear of snow