It may be getting dark earlier, but the holidays are always bright with Illuminate MI. The Island’s signature seasonal event returns with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Firehouse Munch on Friday, December 1.

Take in the lights with the Island’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:45pm at Mercerdale Park for a festive time, and the Firehouse Munch from 6:25pm - 8:00pm for a celebratory dinner. Learn more about both events on the City Website.

After many months of planning, community engagement, and construction, the new Bike Skills Area at Deane's Children's Park opened last week to incredible fanfare. Islanders of all ages joined the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, staff, and fellow community members for a ribbon cutting event before riders tested out the new course.

While riders have been enjoying the Bike Skills Area since last week’s opening, and the course remains open for the Thanksgiving weekend, certain ramps and areas are closed to allow for necessary tweaks and adjustments. A new post with reminders and updates about facility operations is live on Let’s Talk, including details about the temporary closures. Information will be updated on the City’s Bike Skills Area webpage.

Ride safely, and have fun!

At yesterday's City Council meeting, the Council adopted the Town Center Parking Plan. This plan is the result of a year's worth of data collection, public engagement, and analysis conducted with Walker Consultants, a global transportation and mobility firm.

This plan includes three strategies and several recommendations designed to make parking more functionally available, usable, and supportive of other options for non-car travel. 

In 2024, City staff will be working on Plan actions related to parking signage, regulations, and enforcement. You can learn more about this plan and what it means for the Island on Let's Talk.