Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Grand River Park Picnic Building

Facility Rules

• Nothing is allowed that would damage park property or furnishings. This includes nails, screws, tacks, staples, duct tape, mailing tape, or similar products.
• Anything that would leave evidence after the reservation is not allowed. This includes sidewalk chalk, glitter, confetti, birdseed, rice, or sprinkled decorations of any kind.
• Piñatas are allowed; however, a tarp or sheet must be placed under it to ensure everything is cleaned up after the reservation.
• There is a fee to bring in an amusement (such as a bouncy house, dunk tank, etc.) and these items must be approved in advance. Proof of liability insurance and a completed liability release form are required. Please contact the Parks Office for more information.
• Larger/specialty appliances are not allowed, such as cotton candy, popcorn, or ice cream machines. No more than one appliance is allowed per plug, including crock pots. Please do not use power strips for appliances, or the circuit breaker may trip.
• Dogs and other animals are not allowed in any rental areas. Service dogs are permitted if working and wearing an identifying harness or vest.
• Alcohol is not allowed.

• Decorations

  Set-up, decorating, and clean-up must be done within your rental time period. All decorations must remain within your rental area. All decorations, including any portable furniture/ structures, such as trellises, podiums, etc., must be contained within your rental area, must be completely removable and must not damage park property or trees in any way.

  Aisle runners and portable dance floors are allowed but must be removed immediately following the reservation time period and may not be left overnight.

  Wire stake signs are allowed at the entrance to the facility to indicate your event during your reservation time only. Signs and balloons may not be stapled, nailed, tied, or taped to light poles or park signs. It is the responsibility of the reservation holder to remove all signs at the end of the event.

  What Is NOT Allowed

  • No piñatas
  • No flames/fire, including candles, tiki torches, sparklers, lanterns, firecrackers/fireworks, portable fire pits.
  • Anything that could cause damage or leave evidence after the event, including but not limited to:
    • NO Adhesives, including masking tape, scotch tape, duct tape, glue, hot glue, painters tape or 3M command strips.
    • Sidewalk chalk, paint, color bombs
    • Objects/lanterns released into air/water
    • Sprinkled decorations of any kind, including confetti, glitter, birdseed, rice, or artificial flower petals
    • Tacks, staples, nails, screws, zip ties or anything that would damage structures or trees
    • Ground cover or any material that could suffocate grass
    • Free-floating balloons. Balloons must be securely tied to weights and must be taken home with you. (do not stuff inflated balloons in trash bags)

  What IS Allowed

  • LED or battery-powered candles
  • Bubbles in spill-proof containers
  • Real flower petals
  • Potted plants and flower arrangements (real or artificial)
  • Draped decorations, such as tulle or garland
  • Free-standing decorations
  • Sterno heating cans for buffet-style trays
  • Wire stake signs are allowed at the entrance to the facility to indicate your event during your reservation time only (It is the responsibility of the reservation holder to remove all signs at the end of the event).
• Tables & Chairs
  • Six 8’ long rectangular tables, with two extras for serving. Seat 8-9 people per table.
  • Chairs are wooden folding chairs with padded seats.
  • No tables or chairs may be taken outside.
• Tents

  Tent companies should setup/take down on the same day as the reservation. All tent companies should schedule their times with the Guest Services Supervisor: 616-368-7587.

  Tents may be set up and torn down any time that DAY, as long as they are aware they may not enter the building until their specified time. To inquire on pickup times outside of your paid reservation time please contact the Guest Services Supervisor at 616-368-7587 to discuss options.

  Electricity available in the tent set up area. We provide a special adapter for this electrical upon request.

  Approved Tent Vendors

  • A & B Rental: (616) 669-3270
  • Alpine Rental: (616) 396-7300
  • B-n-T Tent Rental: (616) 647-9617
  • Tent Chik: (616) 638-4643
  • West Michigan Tent Rental: (616) 477-4139
• Grill & Pig Roast

  Grills

  • There is one grill about 200 ft away that is first-come, first-served.
  • They may bring in their own grill as long as the grill stays on a paved surface with a pan underneath if there will be any drippings.

  Pig Roasters

  May be used outdoors if kept on cement, gravel, or paved surface. Must have pan underneath to catch drippings. All waste from grilling/smoking/roasting including bones and grease must be removed from the site after the event. Please do not use our dumpster.

• Alcoholic Beverages & Rules

  Alcohol is NOT allowed at this location.

• Facility Opening/Closing

  If you wish to request an arrival time that is earlier than the facility's scheduled opening time or change an arrival time, at least two weeks' notice is required. Please notify the Parks Office. Additional fees will apply. We are not able to accommodate early arrival requests with less than two weeks' notice.

  Parks Staff Responsibilities & Services

  • Staff will have the facility clean, setup and open at your arrival time.
  • Staff will have tables and chairs set up. You may rearrange them but need to return them to their original locations at the end of the reservation.

  Renter Responsibilities

  • Any decorating or food-related needs, such as table coverings, dishes, utensils, etc.
  • Cleanup instructions are available at the facility as a guide to follow at the end of your event.
  • We ask that you leave the facility in the condition you found it, including bagging all trash and depositing in the dumpster located in the parking lot. If you need assistance with this task let the staff person know when you arrive.
• Showings Policy

  We encourage you to view the video walk and pictures here.

  In person tours require advance appointments within two weeks of the reservation and will be accommodated as the facility schedule allows. Call (616) 738-4810 to make an appointment.

  Each reservation, or potential reservation, has the option to take one, 30-minute tour of a facility for $25. Anyone involved in your event can attend this tour including caterer, decorator, etc.