Ottawa County Parks
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Ottawa County Parks
12220 Fillmore St.
West Olive, MI 49460
Phone: (616) 738-4810
Toll-free: (Ottawa County Only) 1-888-731-1001 ext. 4810
Fax: (616) 738-4812
E-mail: parks&rec@miottawa.org
Individual staff e-mail addresses
Construction Begins on the Nature Education Center
At its March 12 meeting, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners gave the go ahead for the Parks Commission to proceed with its plans to construct a Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park in Port Sheldon Township. The $1,339,398 contract was awarded to CL Construction, Inc. of Holland, the low bidder on the project. Construction of the new facility began on April 6 with completion expected in fall 2009. In addition to serving as a Nature Education Center, the new facility will also function as an information center for the growing Ottawa County Parks system, now totaling over 5,500 acres. “Having a central location where we can provide information about our expanding parks system as well as a facility that will allow us to expand our educational programs has been a long-time goal for the Parks Commission” said Parks Director John Scholtz.
Funding for the project is coming from several sources including over $300,000 in private grants and donations, $420,000 from red pine harvest revenues on parks properties and over $85,000 in donated professional services. The balance will come from parks millage funds.
Local architect and former Parks Commission president Mark Oppenhuizen donated his services to design the over 8,000 square-foot center that will be tucked into the woods near the Pigeon River. The center includes a large multi-purpose room, classroom, exhibits, wildlife viewing area, fireplace, gift/bookstore area, veranda, staff offices, and restrooms. The building is designed to meet LEED certification at the gold level. A geothermal heating and cooling system is just one of many features that will make this a “green” building.
“This 239-acre park along the scenic Pigeon River provides outstanding opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage,” said Chip Francke, Parks Naturalist for Ottawa County Parks. “There is a real need, especially for kids, to be provided with positive outdoor learning experiences,” he said. The park has a wide variety of natural areas that are ideal for hands-on teaching, and is centrally located to provide convenient access to all county residents.
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Click here for information and how you can help make this new facility a reality. |
Interactive Aerial Maps
Interactive aerial maps allow users to view boundary lines, trails, nearby streets, park facilities and natural features by zooming in or out and navigating using the mapping tools provided. Information and links found with the maps also provide information about each park. You may begin with the Interactive Aerial Map of Ottawa County or go to Select-A-Park and select a specific park where you will find a link for the Interactive Aerial Map of that park. Parks staff, along with Ottawa County’s Geographic Information Systems staff, plan to add new features to the interactive aerial mapping of parks in the future. Interactive Mapping requires use of Internet Explorer.
The Friends of Ottawa County Parks
Organized in 2005, the Friends are a group of park supporters dedicated to connecting people with nature, recreation and the community at large by partnering with the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission. Become a Friends member and help protect our quality of life by expanding and enhancing parks and open space lands for a growing population. For more information on the Friends group and membership, visit www.friendsofocp.org.
Park Accessibility
An expressed goal of the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission is to offer facilities, programs and services that are accessible to all persons regardless of their level of ability. Great strides have been made in removing barriers throughout the county park system. Each park description lists barrier free facilities. Contact the county parks office for more details.
Hours
Main Office
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday
General Park Hours
April 1 through October 31 - 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
November 1 through March 31 - 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Note: Some parks are closed in winter or have hours that vary. Select each park for specific park hours.
