General 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.
- There is a fee to bring in an amusement (such as a bouncy house) 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.
- Helium balloons are not allowed at Grand Ravines Lodge. Air-filled balloons are permitted.
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited at most rental facilities.
Beer and wine are allowed for special events in the Grand Ravines North Lodge, Pine Bend Park Weaver House, Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing, and Connor Bayou Woodland Cabin. An approved bartender and a security deposit are required.
View approved bartender list and alcohol rules here.
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. All decorations and materials must be removed and properly cleaned up by the end of the reservation period.
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.
- NO helium balloons at Grand Ravines Lodge. Air-filled balloons are permitted. Balloons must be securely tied to weights and must be taken home with you (do not stuff inflated balloons in trash bags).
- 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
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).
Tents
Tents are not allowed at all facilities. Please check the individual facility page for specific rules.
Tent companies should setup/take down on the same day as the reservation. All tent companies should schedule their times with the Parks Office: 616-738-4810.
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 Parks Office to discuss options.
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
Facility Opening/Closing
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.
Cancellation Policy
If the person renting a facility cancels the reservation, the following policy applies:
- 61+ days prior to the reservation: 80% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
- 31 to 60 days prior to the reservation: 50% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
- 0 to 30 days prior to the reservation: Reservation fee will not be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled. 100% of deposit will be refunded.
- No show, no call, or cancellation after the reservation date: Neither the reservation fee nor the deposit will be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled.
Exceptions to cancellation policy
- If the facility is unavailable due to a building maintenance issue (e.g. a fire, plumbing or HVAC issue, etc.), a natural disaster, pandemic, government restriction, or other problem outside of the control of both Ottawa County Parks and the renter, the renter would be offered a 90% refund of the reservation fee and 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled at no additional cost, or the funds may be placed on account for a future reservation, park program, or merchandise.
- If Ottawa County Parks chooses to cancel the reservation for any reason not listed above, 100% of all fees will be refunded, or the reservation may be rescheduled at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay?
Online reservations require immediate payment. All fees are due at the time the reservation is made.
How far in advance can I make my reservation?
Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
What is your cancellation policy?
If the person renting a facility cancels the reservation, the following policy applies:
- 61+ days prior to the reservation: 80% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
- 31 to 60 days prior to the reservation: 50% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
- 0 to 30 days prior to the reservation: Reservation fee will not be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled. 100% of deposit will be refunded.
- No show, no call, or cancellation after the reservation date: Neither the reservation fee nor the deposit will be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled.
Exceptions to cancellation policy:
- If the facility is unavailable due to a building maintenance issue (e.g. a fire, plumbing or HVAC issue, etc.), a natural disaster, pandemic, government restriction, or other problem outside of the control of both Ottawa County Parks and the renter, the renter would be offered a 90% refund of the reservation fee and 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled at no additional cost, or the funds may be placed on account for a future reservation, park program, or merchandise.
- If Ottawa County Parks chooses to cancel the reservation for any reason not listed above, 100% of all fees will be refunded, or the reservation may be rescheduled at no additional cost.
How do I cancel/change a reservation?
Customers can make changes up to 14 days prior to their reservation. No changes are allowed within 2 weeks. Cancellations are allowed at any time, but our cancellation policy applies.
- 61+ days prior to the reservation: 80% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
- 31 to 60 days prior to the reservation: 50% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
- 0 to 30 days prior to the reservation: Reservation fee will not be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled. 100% of deposit will be refunded.
- No show, no call, or cancellation after the reservation date: Neither the reservation fee nor the deposit will be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled.
Changing Your Reservation
- Login to your account.
- Click your name in the top right-hand corner.
- Under History & Balances, click Manage My Reservation.
- You should see your reservation, click Add To Cart.
- This will take you to the Facility Search page, and you should see at the top of the screen in a blue text box that you are in Change Mode.
- Build a new reservation that you want to change your existing reservation to.
- Click add to cart.
- Check out, and you should see that you are cancelling one reservation while creating the other.
Cancelling Your Reservation
- Login to your account.
- Click your name in the top right-hand corner.
- Under History & Balances, click Cancellations.
- Click the blue “Cancel Item” button next to the item you wish to cancel.
If I have a reservation at a park with an entrance fee, do I still have to pay the fee?
Yes, unless you have an Ottawa County Parks annual motor vehicle permit. View more information about fees.
Can I have a bouncy house/moonwalk (amusement)?
Many sites allow these type of items; however, some sites have restrictions about where amusements may be located and whether they may be staked or must be sandbagged. In addition, all amusements require proof of liability insurance and a signed indemnification form. Contact the parks office for more detail.
Can I have alcohol at my event?
Not at most reservation sites. Beer and wine are only allowed by special permit at the Pine Bend Weaver House, Grand Ravines Lodge, Connor Bayou Woodland Cabin, and the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park. A refundable $250 alcohol security deposit is required. The presence of alcohol at an event at one of these locations without a special permit will result in forfeiture of your security deposit and possible event closure. If you have alcohol in a facility that does not permit it, you and/or your guests may receive civil infractions, and your event could be shut down.
Can I bring my pet to a reservation?
Pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are not allowed in any rental areas, or buildings. Service animals that perform a task for a person with a disability are welcome everywhere in our parks and facilities.
Can I have a food truck?
Yes, a food truck may cater your event with the following qualifications:
- They must pay for a daily or annual motor vehicle permit.
- They must park in a parking spot.
- They need to park so that their window allows for your guests to line up in the grass or sidewalk, and not the parking lot.
- They cannot dispose of food preparation waste on site.
