Milwood Commons

10/11/2026

Fall color is starting its show and leaves will soon be falling. Stay up to date on Kalamazoo’s fall leaf collection at the link below.

The City of Kalamazoo collects leaves at every household each fall.

10/08/2026

NEW! Help keep our neighborhood streets clear by adopting your closest storm drain. You even get naming rights!

Leaves are falling, and that means it’s especially important to keep storm drains clear.

City crews regularly maintain storm drains throughout Kalamazoo, but leaves and other debris can build up quickly between maintenance visits. Kalamazoo Drain Keepers can lend an extra hand by adopting a drain near their home and periodically keeping it clear.

It’s a simple way to help stormwater flow where it should, reduce localized flooding, and protect our local waterways.

Find a drain to adopt at protectyourwater.net/adopt-a-drain-program

10/06/2026

Wednesday, October 7th recognizes National Walk and Roll to School Day! We hope to see our community members enjoying their safer walking and biking trips thru the neighborhood thanks to the Safer Streets for All changes recently implemented on Portage Rd. Feel free to share your walking and biking selfies!

09/19/2026

Update from the City of Kalamazoo regarding the water advisory.

08/10/2026

Thanks for attending our National Night Out celebration neighbors! We enjoyed seeing and connecting with you. Special thanks to our neighborhood businesses, Blue Hare Flower Farm and Urban Holler, for joining us for the event. Additional thanks to the Kalamazoo Public Safety officers, the Kalamazoo Public Library mobile branch staff, City Commissioner Slaby, Vice Mayor Duncan, Mayor Anderson, the The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan employees and volunteers, and the Milwood Commons board members and team for their support and attendance.

Have an idea or event you'd like to see offered to the community? Want to get involved or offer support? Please visit our website at www.milwoodcommons.org

We look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood or at our next event!

08/04/2026

It’s a beautiful day to build community! We hope to see you at National Night Out at 5:30p!

08/03/2026

It's almost time for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year! Kalamazoo Public Schools has announced the dates for the back to school kickoff celebrations for our local elementary schools, Greenwood Elementary and Milwood Elementary. Good luck to all our neighborhood and community students on a great school year!

✏️It’s almost time to launch the 2026-27 school year! 📚✨

Check out the schedule below to find the date and time for your elementary school’s kick-off celebration:
**Note: the location of Woodward's gathering has been updated!

Tuesday, Aug. 25
- Milwood Elementary: 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26
- Northglade: 4:30–6 p.m. (at 3333 S. Westnedge)
- Winchell: 4–5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27
- Arcadia: 4–5 p.m.
- Edison: 3–4 p.m.
- El Sol: 4–5:30 p.m.
- Greenwood: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Indian Prairie: 4–5 p.m.
- King-Westwood: 4–5 p.m.
- Lincoln: 4–5 p.m.
- Northeastern: 4–5:30 p.m.
- Parkwood-Upjohn: 4–6:30 p.m.
- Prairie Ridge: 4:30–6 p.m.
- Spring Valley: 4–5 p.m.
- Washington: 4–5:30 p.m.
- Woods Lake: 4–5:30 p.m.
- Woodward: 4–5:30 p.m. (at 3410 Laird Ave.)

We can't wait to see all of our students and families there! 🍎🎉

07/31/2026

Join your neighbors and those connected to Milwood for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th! Connect with local leaders, meet local public safety personnel, and enjoy food, drinks, games, and community!

07/16/2026

Air quality is poor across Michigan today. It’s recommended those sensitive to air quality limit time outdoors/wear and N95 mask to limit exposure.

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲; 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲

Extreme heat continues across the Kalamazoo area today, and the National Weather Service Heat Advisory remains in effect. High temperatures are forecast to reach the mid to upper 90s, with heat index values exceeding 100°F.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, and spending time in air-conditioned locations when possible. Please also check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to the heat. Anyone in need of resources to stay cool is encouraged to take advantage of the cooling resources previously shared by the City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management.

The National Weather Service expects tomorrow to remain hot, but temperatures should be slightly lower than today, marking the beginning of a gradual cooling trend.

As the heat begins to ease, another weather-related concern is expected to affect the Kalamazoo area. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is forecasted to move into the Kalamazoo area by Thursday morning, resulting in visible haze and reduced air quality.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for the Kalamazoo area through Thursday evening. Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. Sensitive individuals—including older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with heart disease or respiratory conditions should limit time outdoors and avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities while the smoke is present.

According to the National Weather Service, some level of wildfire smoke may persist through Saturday.

The City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with the National Weather Service and Michigan EGLE. Additional updates will be provided if conditions change.

07/14/2026

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬
Reposted from the Kalamazoo Department of Emergency Management:

The National Weather Service predicts that the Kalamazoo area will experience another period of extreme heat this week, Monday, July 13 through Thursday, July 16, 2026. It could possibly extend into Friday, July 17. The most current forecast calls for the actual temperatures to reach the low to mid 90’s during these days. In combination with these high actual temperatures, the humidity is also predicted to be high, causing the heat index to reach 100 to 105 degrees each day. Temperatures are expected to drop during the evening hours, but remain in the 70’s.

Extreme heat can become dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.
When temperatures and humidity are high, remember to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity, wear lightweight light-colored clothing, spend time in air-conditioned environments when possible, and check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

For individuals who do not have access to a cool location, the following cooling shelters and cooling centers will be available during their listed hours of operation.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. A valid state-issued ID or Kalamazoo County identification showing residency within the Kalamazoo metropolitan area is required for shelter utilization. For additional information, call (269) 345-2974.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 4 PM.
No identification or residency requirements for cooling center use. Guests may remain and transition directly into dinner service.

Ministry with Community
500 N. Edwards St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcomed between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is no identification or residency requirement for cooling center use. Pets are permitted if they remain under their owner’s immediate control and are not aggressive.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Central Library
315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sunday

Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch
1244 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Eastwood Branch
1112 Gayle Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 1 PM – 8 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Alma Powell Branch
308 W. North St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Tuesdays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch
7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Open 10 AM – 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

The Salvation Army Kalamazoo
1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 9 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday (closed from 12 PM – 1 PM each day)
Service animals permitted; no other pets allowed.

Portage District Library
300 Library Ln., Portage, MI 49002
Open 9 AM – 9 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sundays.

Portage Zhang Senior Center
203 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002
Open 8 AM – 5 PM Mondays and Fridays, 7 AM – 7:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 2 PM – 5 PM on Sundays. Closed on Saturdays.
*Service dogs permitted; no other pets allowed.

Comstock Community Center
6330 King Hwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Thursday. Open 8 AM – 12 PM on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
May close during severe weather if staff safety becomes a concern.

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Residents can access free drinking water at the following public hydration stations:
Dr. Martin Luther King Park
507 N Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Bronson Park
200 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Southside Park
2156 Race St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
When the heat index reaches 100 degrees, the City of Kalamazoo strategically opens twelve designated fire hydrants to provide additional relief for residents. For safety reasons, residents should never attempt to open a fire hydrant themselves. Unauthorized operation can negatively affect water pressure throughout the system, potentially compromising firefighting efforts and public safety during an emergency. As conditions warrant, the following hydrants will be open this week from 1 PM - 9 PM:

• Fox Ridge Apartments
• Interfaith Apartments
• Norway Ave. at Princeton Ave.
• Burrell Ave. at Lawrence St.
• Krom St. at E Clay St.
• N Church St. at Norway Ave.
• Fairbanks Ave. at Center St.
• Charlotte Ave. at Sherwood Ave.
• Clarence St. at Jackson St.
• Washington Ave. at March St.
• Hays Park Ave. at James St.
• Hays Park Ave. at March St.

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀
Residents may also cool off at these public water recreation facilities:

Kik Pool
1018 Walter St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1:30 PM – 6 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 PM – 8 PM, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:30 PM – 7 PM.

La Crone Park Splash Pad
535 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Florence Street Splash Pad
534 Florence St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, stay cool, stay hydrated, and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness throughout the day.