Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Map & Directory


What is the difference between a park and an open space land?

The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission manages both parks and open space lands. Parks include properties where major improvements have been made such as paved parking lots, restroom buildings, designated trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds and other facilities. Some properties designated as parks are currently unimproved; however, improvements are expected to be completed in the future. Parks have more rigid rules and hunting is not allowed except by special permit. Currently archery deer hunting is allowed by permit at the Crockery Creek Natural Area and the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Learn more about hunting by clicking here.

Open Space Lands are typically less developed natural lands with less rigid rules than parks. Many Open Space lands do not have designated trails and at properties where trails do exist, they are less developed and not signed as extensively as Parks. Parking areas are usually small and have gravel surfaces. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash in most Open Space Lands and most are open to some form of hunting. Some properties are archery only, while others offer firearm and archery hunting. Learn more about hunting by clicking here.

* These properties have ownership/management agreements. Hawthorn Pond Natural Area is jointly owned by Holland Charter Township and Ottawa County. Port Sheldon Township owns Kouw and Windsnest parks. Ottawa County Parks & Recreation has been contracted for maintenance and operations per a management agreement.

Learn more information about a specific park or open space by selecting a property on the map or list above.