City of Sylvan Lake

Park Rate and Policy Changes

Due to many complaints and problems over the last several years related to dock spaces, the City Council has adopted new policies with specific enforcement procedures and penalties.

• A $30 park registration fee has been instituted. The City of Sylvan Lake must now pay property taxes on our park property. We are required to do this because the parks are for residents only. They are not open to the general public. The $30 fee is to cover the cost for property taxes. It will also help pay for increased policing of our parks this summer. This fee will be charged when you purchase your first tag or key. For example: if you purchase a beach tag, you will be charged the $30 registration fee, and the park tag fee of $20 for a total of $50. If you purchase a ramp key and park tag, you will pay the $30 registration fee, and the $20 ramp key fee, and the $20 park tag fee for a total of $70. You will only be charged the park registration fee once per season.
• The $30 registration fee will also be charged in addition to the dock fee. The fee will now be $365, which includes the $30 registration fee.
• At least one watercraft at each dock space must be owned by the dock space holder. If the dock space holder does not have a water craft, they must inform City Hall by March 1st. The next resident on the “wait list” will be allowed to use the space for one year. If the dock space holder does not have a water craft licensed for the space the following year, the dock space will be forfeited.
• Proof of PL & PD insurance for the dock space and all water craft that will be placed in the dock space. You are also required to name the City of Sylvan Lake as additionally insured on your homeowners insurance policy. Important: The insurance policies must not expire prior to the end of the boating season. This is added protection for both the dock holder and the City.
• Proof of PL & PD insurance required for dock sharers. If you are a sharer, you must also provide proof of insurance on your boat and the dock you are using as additionally insured on your homeowners insurance policy.
• The Deadline for submitting a dock license application and all information has been moved back to March 1st. This will give residents that are offered a dock space from the wait list ample time to make necessary arrangements for the season.
• Sticker required for watercraft being launched at the boat ramp. Every watercraft that is going to be launched from the City’s boat ramp must register at City Hall. Every boat owner must purchase a key for the boat ramp. When you purchase a key, you will receive one (1) sticker for one (1) watercraft. The sticker must be permanently affixed to the watercraft. The exact location for the sticker will be illustrated in the information with the sticker.
• Additional stickers required for additional watercraft. The first sticker will be given to you with the purchase of your ramp key. If you own more than one watercraft, you will be required to register all watercraft with City Hall and obtain a sticker for each watercraft. The registration fee is $10 for each additional watercraft.
• All water craft moored at your dock space (no more than two with at least one belonging to the dock space holder) must belong to a Sylvan Lake resident and must be registered with the City, you must stay within the confines of the space licensed to you and you must secure and maintain your dock, moorings and water craft in a manner which keeps your property from damaging the property of other licensees.
• This policy also requires the City to periodically inspect the dock spaces for compliance.

One- Day Boat Launch Pass

A guest ramp pass will be issued to a resident (only), for the purpose of allowing a specific guest to use the boat ramp. The cost for the guest pass is $25.00 for one day, for one watercraft. If a guest places their boat in the water and leaves it in the water for more than one day, another guest pass will be required to use the ramp when the watercraft is removed. You are not charged based on how long the watercraft is in the water, just how many days you use the ramp. To obtain a guest pass, a resident must fill out a very short form indicating the type of watercraft along with the MC# that will be using our boat ramp. Guest ramp passes may be picked up at the city hall during the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. The pass is good for only one water craft for one day.

Boat Dock Spaces

The City has about 165 Boat Dock Spaces around the lake. However, there is a lengthy waiting list, possibly up to 25 years. When you become a property owner or resident you may sign up to be added to the list. Once you obtain a space it is yours for as long as you are a resident, but you must renew it every year. You need not renew your spot on the waiting list every year. The City maintains a boat ramp next to the Oakland County Boat Club on Ferndale. You must purchase a key for $20.00 to unlock the chain at the ramp, and you are responsible to see that it is locked after each time you open it. The charge for a boat dock space is $365.00 per year. If you are sharing your space with another resident that resident must pay an extra $365.00 fee. Both of these include a park tag, boat ramp key and a sports tag. Legal Lake Level Legal Lake Level is set at 928.7 during the summer months. During the winter months, the level drops to 927.5.

Beach Areas

There are two Beach Areas in the City known, informally, as the "big" and "little" beach. The little beach is located on Lakeview and the big beach is on Ferndale at the park area. You must swim at your own risk as we do not employ a lifeguard at either swim area. Because the beach and park areas are for residents only, you must have a park tag which may be purchased at City Hall for $20.00 ($15 for senior citizens). One tag per family is issued and it entitles you to eight guests. During summer months we have Park Rangers who patrol the park areas and will ask to see your tag. If you do not have one you will be asked to leave the park. The park areas close at 11:00 p.m.

Community Center

The City maintains a building complex just over the bridge on Pontiac Drive known as the Community Center which is rented to residents only. Apply at City Hall for usage or click on the calendar to the left. There is a rental fee of $150 week days or $375.00 for weekends and a $250.00 deposit that is returned if the premises are left clean and in good repair. Other rental options are available. Call City Hall for rates. Located at the Community Center Park are two tennis courts, a volleyball court and two bocce ball courts. The same rule follows for the courts as for the park areas, i.e., you must have a tag to use the facility. Residents may purchase a tag for $10.00 at City Hall and is good for your household and three guests. Activities at the center include tennis, bocce ball, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. A bocce ball league and informal tennis lessons are available in the summer.

Sylvan Lake Garden Club

The Sylvan Lake Garden Club began in 1939 as a social group with a horticultural focus. Over the years they have helped beautify the city through plantings such as those on Garland Blvd. and the development of Memorial Park. The Garden Club sponsors the annual Ice Cream Social. Club meetings are on the third Wednesday of every month and new members are welcome!!