Citywide No-Fee Brush Chipping Scheduled for Week of April 13

Due to significant interest this spring, the City of Mt. Pleasant will conduct a citywide no-fee brush chipping program during the week of April 13–17, 2026. This expanded service replaces the previously announced limited program to better accommodate the high volume of brush resulting from winter weather events.

All residential properties within city limits will be included in the pickup. No reservations or registration will be required.

Residents who have already scheduled and paid for fee-based brush chipping services this week will automatically receive a refund. No further action is required.

The same guidelines used for fee-based brush chipping apply to this program. Only branches are accepted. Twigs, thorn bushes, grass clippings, leaves, stumps, roots, weeds, vines, flowers, wire, landscape timbers, fencing, or other wood materials will not be chipped.

Branches must be no more than 9 inches in diameter and at least 2 feet long. Anything shorter than 2 feet cannot be chipped.

Brush should be placed at the curb (not in the street) no earlier than the week before the scheduled chipping week and no later than Sunday evening prior to service. Piles should be stacked as neatly as possible, with cut ends facing the street when space allows. Materials should not obstruct sidewalks, streets, alleys, or traffic sightlines.

Important Note: While the City will make every effort to chip brush citywide during the week of April 13–17, crews may not be able to reach every location by the end of Friday, April 17. Residents are still required to have their brush at the curb no later than Sunday evening, April 12, 2026.

For questions or additional information, residents may contact the Division of Public Works at 989-779-5401 or publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.

City of Mt. Pleasant Offers Free Right-of-Way Tree Planting for Residents

As part of the City of Mt. Pleasant’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a healthy and sustainable urban forest, residents are invited to participate in the free tree planting program. Under the Urban Forestry Plan, property owners may request to have a tree planted in the public right-of-way in front of their home or business.

Each parcel or property owner is eligible to receive one free tree per year. Following submission of a request, members of the City’s Street Department will evaluate the site and determine the most suitable planting location within the right-of-way. After the tree is installed, property owners will receive watering instructions and are asked to support the tree’s establishment by following the recommended care guidelines.

Residents wishing to receive a tree this spring must complete the online Tree Application by March 13, 2026. Printed applications are also available at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Property owners who prefer to plant their own tree in the right-of-way must obtain a no-cost permit from the Public Works office prior to planting. Approved tree species and size requirements help ensure longevity, safety, and compatibility with the surrounding environment. For permit details or assistance, residents may contact Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

To learn more about tree species, care, and planting guidelines, residents are encouraged to review the Tree Planting Brochure available on the City’s website.

City of Mt. Pleasant Free Tree Planting Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential property owners within the city limits, are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right-of-way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or extended periods without rainfall.

To view the tree brochure as well as complete a tree application, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/streets.
Applications are due by March 13, 2026.

Residents who wish to plant their own tree in the right-of-way must obtain a permit from DPW. There is no charge for the permit, but there are a few tree species that are prohibited by city ordinance. For more information, please contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401.

City of Mt. Pleasant Now Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Academy

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens’ Academy, a free seven-week program designed to help community members learn how local government and city services work.

The academy begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and includes weekly evening sessions that provide an inside look at various city departments and services. Topics include city administration and budgeting, public works and utilities, parks and recreation, public safety, community development, elections, and the basics of local government.

The program is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property within the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close-up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis. Participants can meet other residents and learn directly from staff about the wide range of topics that we work on every day to ensure good quality of life for our current and future residents.”

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., on the following dates: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Participants who complete the program may be eligible for CMU learning credits and will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online and will be accepted through February 3, 2026. Space is limited.

Find more details and the application at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Free Tree Planting Program

To view the tree brochure as well as complete a tree application, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/streets. Applications are due by March 14, 2025.

Free Tree Planting Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential property owners are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right-of-way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or long periods without rainfall.

To view the tree brochure as well as complete a tree application, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/streets. Applications are due by March 15, 2024. PLEASE NOTE: Autumn Flame and Redpointe Maples are no longer available.

Free Tree Planting Program (UPDATE 2/28/23: There are a few trees still available.)

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential and commercial property owners are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right of way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or long periods without rainfall.

To receive a free tree and have it planted in the Spring, fill out a Tree Application and return it to the Division of Public Works at 320 W. Broadway Street, by March 1, 2023. View the Tree Brochure below.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The new Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily during the months of January and February from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department.

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice.

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm conditions permitting.

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
1. Food and beverage items;
2. Tobacco products;
3. Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets;
4. Street shoes; and
5. Animals.
Skaters under the age of 5 shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111. In case of emergency call 911.

Family-friendly event “Under the Big Top” is Jan. 20

Local families are invited to Finch Fieldhouse on Jan. 20 for “Under the Big Top,” a free circus-themed event presented by Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation, the Chippewa River District Library, MY1043 and AM 830 WMMI. From 12 to 1:30 p.m., enjoy exciting performances, midway activities, games and refreshments. Special guests include Ringmaster Big Top Joel Tacey who will display amazing juggling acts on stilts, as well as the Central Michigan University Cheer team!

Free goodie-bags will be provided to first 400 families.

For more information, click here or call (989) 779-5331.