Parks

Looking for something fun to do? St. Joseph offers 17 parks encompassing more than 200 acres, with a variety of recreational opportunities. Whether you prefer an afternoon of fishing, relaxing on one of our beaches, taking a stroll along picturesque trails, or hitting the skateboard park, you're sure to find it here. Current Beach Conditions

 2021-2025 Parks & Recreation Master Plan

Draft 5-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

2016 - 2020 Parks & Recreation Master Plan

The purpose of the 5-year Parks & Recreation Master Plan is to provide a guide for future park planning in the community for the next five years. In addition, the plan allows for potential funding from the State of Michigan for citizen desired
park improvements. 

To view the most recent plans for the following parks, click on it:

Dickinson Park (2/2018)
Whirlpool Centennial Park (2/2018)
Riverview Park (2/2018) 

Berrien County Parks

Silver Beach, although located on Lake Street in the City of St. Joseph, this popular bathing beach is operated by Berrien County Parks and Recreation. Click here for information about County-owned parks and beaches.

Park Facility Rental

The City of St. Joseph recognizes the uniquely attractive setting of its parks and welcomes the use of its park facilities for various family activities, including weddings on both Lions and Tiscornia beaches. If you would like more information such as hours, fees, dates, rules, and regulations, or to speak with someone directly about availability for your event, please contact Public Works by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 983-6341. 

• Fee schedule
• Book Facility
• Facility rental information

Park Passes

City residents can receive their annual passes by bringing their ID and license plate numbers (if you have more than 2 vehicles registered to your city address please bring all vehicle registrations at one time so that we can record all of your vehicles) to City Hall.  You can register your vehicles yearly starting in February.  Records are not kept from year to year. 
These passes are good for Tiscornia Beach, Lions Park Beach, 2nd Street Lot, Elm Street Lot (at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain) and Kiwanis Park.  At which time Riverview Park becomes a pay to park facility, this pass will include that as well.
Non-residents may purchase either hourly, daily or season passes from the parking meter located at the parks by entering their license plate number and paying by credit card or cash (the machines do not give change).