Ottawa County Parks Greenway Initiative
A greenway is open space established along a natural corridor that links natural and cultural sites on public lands with populated areas.
Ottawa County is seeking to provide a connected network of park and open space lands by establishing greenways along three key river corridors and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway - The majority of freshwater dunes worldwide are found along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Seven county parks, three state parks as well as township and city parks provide visitors access to pristine sandy beaches, massive parabolic dunes and mature beech-maple-hemlock forests. Ottawa County offers over 1.5 miles of Lake Michigan beach.
Grand River Greenway - As Michigan’s longest river, the Grand River has a rich natural and cultural history. Ottawa County Parks manages over 1,800 acres with nearly 9 miles of river frontage. A long range goal is to provide a greenway trail linking parks properties with other public lands along the river.
Pigeon River Greenway – The Pigeon River, a relatively cold and clean river, begins and ends in Ottawa County. Two large county parks provide over 600 acres of land with many miles of multi-purpose trails to access this scenic river corridor.
Macatawa River Greenway - This river has been greatly influenced by agriculture throughout history. Working along with many partners, Ottawa County Parks has acquired over 660 acres much of which was former farm land restored to a mosaic of wetlands, forest and native grasslands. A paved greenway trail is in the early stages of development.
Park Projects
Holland Harbor Fishing Access Project
A public meeting was held on August 27 to discuss plans for waterfront improvements on Lake Macatawa in the historic Ottawa Beach area adjacent to Holland State Park. The $650,000 project will include extensive barrier-free boardwalks and fishing piers to provide improved access for fishermen and other visitors.
Concept Plan
Public Meeting NotesPlease contact the parks office if you have ideas or concerns that
you would like considered in the planning process.
Olive Shores Master Plan
Planning is in progress for improvements to the newly acquired Olive Shores property on Lake Michigan in Port Sheldon Township. Two public meetings have been held to gather comments and suggestions about how to develop this 20-acre parcel which includes a large wooded dune and over 700’ of sandy beach. A preliminary master plan has been prepared which illustrates proposed visitor facilities. Additional comments or suggestions about the plan are welcomed by contacting the parks office.
Introductory Presentation
Preliminary Master Plan
Olive Shores Master Plan Meeting Notes (6-17-2009)
Olive Shores Master Plan Meeting Notes (7-22-2009)
Parks Plan
The 2006 Ottawa County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan was adopted by the Parks Commission and the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in February 2006. This comprehensive plan identifies the Parks Commission's priorities and projects for the next five to ten years and outlines the direction for Ottawa County Parks in the areas of park expansion, improvements, new park development, establishment of greenways and other key initiatives. Elements of the plan include analysis of Ottawa County's population growth, land use changes and transportation network. A complete inventory of all local and state park and recreation facilities is included along with selected private recreation facilities in an effort to coordinate county park activities with both the public and private sectors.View the 2006 Ottawa County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Parks Funding
Funding for parks operations, improvements and land acquisition come from several sources. Parks operations and management is funded primarily by tax dollars and income generated through vehicle permits, boat launch fees and facility reservations.Many major park improvements and renovation projects have been funded through grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) which receives revenue from oil, gas and other mineral development on state owned land. Interest from this fund is available through grants to local units of governments for park improvements and land acquisition. The MNRTF is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
During the August 8, 2006 primary election, Ottawa County voters approved
a renewal of the Parks Millage for an additional 10 year period. The renewal
was passed by 67% of voters. The Parks Millage will provide funds for the
years 2008 through 2017. This renewal will allow the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
Commission to continue with land acquisition projects along major river corridors
and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Funds will also be used for improvements
to both new and existing park properties as well as for parks operations.
Two groups were instrumental in providing voters with millage information.
The Ottawa County Parks Millage Renewal Committee was co-chaired by Gordon
VanWylen and David Seibold and coordinated by Jean Laug-Carroll. Also, the
Friends of Ottawa County Parks provided parks information and activities
to bring about a greater awareness of the parks system.
