Major Creek Restoration Project Transforms Kalamazoo's Historic Milham Park

Crews have launched the second phase of a major stream restoration effort at Milham Park, continuing a transformative project that began with dam removal in 2021.

The current work focuses on restoring natural flow patterns in Portage Creek by removing accumulated sediment and organic debris from the southern section of the waterway.

This intensive habitat restoration represents years of careful planning to return the creek to conditions that existed before decades of human interference.

The original dam removal in 2021 has already shown promising results, with clearer water temperatures and improved conditions for fish habitat development.

State fisheries officials plan to stock the restored creek with trout as part of a broader effort to create sustainable fishing opportunities within the city limits.

The current restoration phase involves careful removal of sediment buildup that has accumulated over decades, creating deeper channels and more consistent water flow patterns.

Excavated material will be strategically reused to narrow and stabilize stream banks, mimicking natural creek conditions that support diverse aquatic life.

Native plantings scheduled for spring 2026 will complete the ecological transformation, establishing root systems that prevent erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.

The three-week construction period has temporarily closed the southern section of the 49-acre park, though visitors can still access trails and facilities from the Lovers Lane and east Kilgore Road entrances.

This $576,000 creek restoration project received partial funding through a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat Grant, reflecting state-level commitment to urban waterway restoration.

The Milham Park improvements extend far beyond creek restoration, with a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade planned for 2026.

Kalamazoo has secured a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to support the next phase of park enhancements.

Planned improvements include complete parking lot renovation on Kilgore Road, new accessible walkways, and observation decks along the north side of Portage Creek.

The project will also relocate the small Lovers Lane parking area into the park itself, addressing longstanding safety concerns about roadside parking.

Additional accessibility improvements will include new ADA-compliant picnic tables, ramps, and pathways that make the park more welcoming to visitors with mobility challenges.

A new restroom facility near the southern pavilion was completed in fall 2025, replacing infrastructure damaged by severe weather in 2024.

Milham Park serves as one of Kalamazoo's premier recreational destinations, encompassing 49 acres of mature forest, open space, and waterfront access.

The park features four separate playground areas connected by bridges that span Portage Creek, creating unique recreational opportunities for families.

These improvements represent the first major upgrades in over two decades, addressing infrastructure needs that have accumulated as the park's popularity has grown.

Historical records show that Portage Creek supported fishing activities in the park during the 1950s and 1960s, making the current restoration efforts a return to the park's recreational roots.

The comprehensive restoration project positions Milham Park as a model for urban waterway management and demonstrates how strategic investment can revitalize aging recreational infrastructure while supporting environmental goals.