Purpose

As part of the City of Muskegon's Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the Parks & Recreation Department is conducting a community recreation survey to better understand the programs, activities, events, and amenities residents want to see in the future. The survey will help identify recreation priorities, service gaps, barriers to participation, and opportunities for future investment.

Community input gathered through this survey will directly inform recommendations in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and help guide future recreation programming, facility improvements, and funding decisions.

Project Goals

The survey is open from August 3 through October 31, 2026, with a goal of collecting at least 1,000 responses from residents throughout the community.

The project seeks to:

• Gather feedback from residents of all ages, abilities, and neighborhoods.
• Understand current recreation interests and participation.
• Identify programs, events, and activities residents would like to see offered.
• Learn what barriers prevent participation, such as cost, transportation, scheduling, or awareness.
• Better understand where residents currently participate in recreation, including programs offered outside the City of Muskegon.
• Ensure future recreation investments reflect community needs and priorities.

Community Outreach

Members of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC), city staff, and community partners will help promote the survey throughout the community. Outreach will take place at events, parks, community gatherings, and through online and printed materials.

Residents can complete the survey NOW.

Expected Outcome

The recreation survey will provide valuable data to support the Parks & Recreation Master Plan by helping the city make informed decisions about future recreation programs, events, facilities, and investments. The goal is to create a recreation system that better serves current residents while planning for the needs of future generations.