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Today in Saugatuck

Oval Beach season starts Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 29, 2027.

Aerial view of the Kalamazoo River in fall, docks and white boathouses along the near bank and hills of orange and yellow trees beyond.
Kalamazoo River Fall color

The next three weeks

Further out

  • November general election

    7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

    May, August & November 2026 election polling place will be at the Woman's Club located at 303 Butler St. Saugatuck, MI 49453.

  • Brush and leaf pickup

    Public Works

    East of the river Tuesday, west Wednesday. Out no sooner than Friday, October 30.

  • Brush and leaf pickup, last of the year

    Public Works

    East of the river Tuesday, west Wednesday. Out no sooner than Friday, November 13.

Every meeting

Services

Pay, Apply, Request, or Find

Pay

Apply

Request

Find

Every City service

City Hall

Upcoming Meetings

Public meetings will be hybrid; held in-person at City Hall and hosted virtually over Zoom for all who are interested to attend.

Every board and meeting

A group of people in fall jackets cut a yellow ribbon together at the trailhead kiosk of the Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve.
Saugatuck Wilds Opening the trailhead

On the October 13 Council agenda

  1. 9A Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes, September 28, 2026 4 pages
  2. 9B Brand Guidelines Prepared by Concept A Creative Studio 32 pages
  3. 9C Special Event, Saugatuck Schools Homecoming Parade 6 pages
  4. 10A Accounts payable in the amount of $168,743.09 8 pages
  5. 12A Ordinance No. 261013-A Short Term Rental Licensing Ordinance Amendment and Resolution No. 261013-A Updating Penalty Fee for Late Renewal Applications 10 pages
  6. 12B Proposal to Provide Architectural & Engineering Design, Bidding & Construction Administration Services for Wicks Park Restroom Replacement & Village Square Restroom Renovations 6 pages
  7. 13A Staff Report: City Manager, Treasurer, Clerk, Planning & Zoning, Department of Public Works, Engineer, Police, Assessing 20 pages

Beach and Parks

Getting to Oval Beach

If you're looking for the ultimate in small town charm, take a ride on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry. From there you can walk to Mt. Baldhead Park to climb the 303 stairs to the top of the tallest sand dune in town, then follow the beautiful winding paths to the beach. If stairs aren't your speed, take a stroll down the John Woollam Trail to the beach.

Oval Beach season
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Beach parking
$15 a day at the beach; $75 for the season at City Hall or the beach
Dogs
Not on the beach from Memorial Day weekend through September 30
Chain ferry
$3.00 for passengers 11 and older, $1.00 for children 10 and under

Every park and place

A band plays in the white gazebo at Wicks Park while a crowd in lawn chairs listens, with boats on the river behind.
Wicks Park A summer concert at the gazebo
The white Saugatuck Chain Ferry at its landing with passengers aboard, under the red Saugatuck Chain Ferry sign.
Chain ferry Riders at the landing
Two children run along the sand at Oval Beach as gulls take off around them, with Lake Michigan waves and the wooded dunes behind.
Oval Beach Running with the gulls
Children climb and run across the new playground at Village Square Park, with tall pines behind.
Village Square Park The new playground, June 2024

News

Projects and Notices

  • Business town hall on October 20

    The town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

    City Manager Report, October 13, 2026

  • Maple Street: final restoration this week

    Construction work signs will begin to be removed, and permanent road signs will begin to be installed.

    City Manager Report, October 13, 2026

  • Parking study recommendations return to Council

    The City Manager expects the recommendations to return to a City Council workshop in December 2026 or January 2027 for Council to discuss the findings and confirm its policy direction.

    City Manager Report, October 13, 2026

  • Water Valve Work on Water Street, October 19 and 20

    Water service will be temporarily interrupted for approximately two to four hours each day while the system switch is completed.

    Community Report, September 16, 2026

  • Trail and habitat work at the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area

    City Council approved a conservation services proposal from ODC Network for improvements at the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, with costs reimbursed from the SHNA Endowment Fund.

    Community Report, September 16, 2026

  • Mt. Baldhead upper platform

    Bidding is anticipated in late 2026 with construction in spring 2027, depending on the timeframe for final design and permitting.

    Community Report, September 16, 2026