Lakes,
Parks,
& Arts
Lakes
Our lakes are one of Muskegon’s most valuable resources. With Pere Marquette Beach and the Muskegon Lake shoreline, we offer beautiful natural spaces that attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide recreation for our community. Muskegon’s beaches, deepwater port, and cross-lake ferry to Wisconsin set us apart from other shoreline cities.
However, we haven’t always fully utilized these resources. Restoring Muskegon Lake took a tremendous effort from public, private, and nonprofit organizations, along with dedicated government leadership.
As mayor, I’ll continue to support partnerships that protect the lake’s future. I’ll work to connect downtown to the waterfront, ensure public access, and encourage new housing and recreation along both Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.
Parks
Muskegon’s parks are another key asset for our community. Pere Marquette is a beautiful and well-known park, but our neighborhood parks are just as important. In 2009, I was a volunteer with Community enCompass when we partnered with Herman Miller to install the first new playground equipment in McLaughlin Park in years. Now, thanks to that partnership, the park features murals, a gazebo, a ga-ga ball court, and hosts the “CATCH Camp” kids every summer—making it a vital part of the neighborhood.
As mayor, I’ll continue to foster partnerships between neighborhoods, local businesses, and the City to ensure that all of our parks are beautiful, safe places for people to gather and enjoy.
Arts
Muskegon’s arts scene has always been a source of pride, and today it’s more vibrant and accessible than ever. The expansion of the Muskegon Museum of Art and the public art and colorful murals that celebrate our local culture are great examples that I’ve been proud to support. I’ve also served on the West Michigan Symphony’s board, with my company sponsoring the Community Lunch & Learn Series. The symphony’s efforts to support music education in local schools have strengthened the bond between the symphony and our community.
The arts, alongside our lakes and parks, are key to why people Choose Muskegon. As mayor, I’ll continue to support these efforts and help grow the role that arts, culture, and creativity play in making Muskegon a place we all want to live and work.