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Central Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Portage, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Central Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Compact, kid-friendly park featuring a playground, picnic tables, and an amphitheater.
What runners say about Central Park
“Beautiful and well-maintained park located in Kalamazoo.”
“Beautiful and well-maintained park located in Kalamazoo.”
“Would be good for a quiet outdoor gathering since there's so much space.”
This little park is tucked right behind the police station. It was very clean. The climbing equipment was great, but my kiddo (5yo boy) was upset that there weren’t swings or a slide. I liked the pavilion and we both enjoyed the walk alongside the creek!
A nice clean park. The trail was beautiful. I do wish the playground was a little more friendly for younger kids.
Great hidden little park. Pavilion with shelter and tables under. Park has mulch around all equipment and trees overhead to shade the grounds. Open sight lines from the pavilion to the equipment so parents can set while kids play! Flush toilets and running water when in season, bathrooms open during park hours.
It's a very small compact, cozy, nice, intimate park where u can take ur lil ones to and enjoy watching them play on the playground without a big crowd. Being an even bigger plus is that it's behind the police station so ur a lil bit more on safety grounds from any possible predators.
Trail conditions & character
“Young kids will also appreciate the view of fire trucks and police cars.”
“The park is kind of hidden behind the police department, therefore it is rarely busy.”
“Flush toilets and running water when in season, bathrooms open during park hours.”
“For those who have barking dogs, it's also a more secluded area for less distractions with walking them and getting some fresh air.”
Plan your run at Central Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteportagemi.gov
- Phone(269) 329-4522
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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