Open Space Lands & Unimproved Parks

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission manages over 1,400 acres of Open Space Lands which are undeveloped and open to the public for a variety of uses including hunting opportunities. There are also several unimproved parks managed by County Parks. Plans are underway to improve these sites for better public access in the future. A Hunting Application Packet must be submitted in July or August to qualify for the lottery drawing for a Special Parks Permit to hunt at Crockery Creek or the Upper Macatawa Conservation Area.

Rules and regulations for improved county parks and unimproved county parks can be found under Rules & Regulations. See below for Open Space Land Rules.

Open Space Lands

Unimproved County Parks

Open Space Land Rules

All Parks Rules and Regulations are in effect on Open Space Land with the following exceptions:

  • See each property description for hunting information.
  • Year 'round hours are 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Dogs are allowed off-leash.

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Open Space Lands

Eastmanville Bayou - Open Space Land

This 80 acre property is located in Allendale Township and is bordered by the Grand River and 68th Avenue.

No Firearms. Archery hunting only (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Hiawatha Forest - Open Space Land

This 365 acre site is located in Sections 33 and 34 of Grand Haven Township just east of Kirk Park. The site is flat and heavily forested with both hardwood stands and red pine plantations. A very limited, unmarked trail system exists. The Park Operations Center for Ottawa County Parks occupies approximately two acres on the southwest corner of this site on Fillmore near the intersection with 168th Ave.

Open to firearm and archery hunting (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Johnson Street Wildlife Management Area - Open Space Land

This 50 acre site is located in Section 4 of Robinson Township. Vegetation consists of mixed hardwoods. Forest management for wildlife has been a priority in the past. No development exists.

Open to firearm and archery hunting (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Jubb Bayou - Open Space Land

In October 2005, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of this 97 acre parcel in Crockery Township. This property includes nearly a mile of frontage on the Grand River, about 0.5 miles along Jubb Bayou, some high ground and significant floodplain and wetlands adjacent to the river. The $515,140 acquisition was funded by the parks millage.

Short-term plans call for a small parking area, trail head to permit public access and removal of an existing house. Long-range plans for the property will be determined in the future.

Hunting on this property has yet to be determined by the Parks Commission. Call the parks office for information.

Access to this property is on Oriole Drive near its intersection with 104th Ave.

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Port Sheldon Natural Area-Open Space Land

This 440 acre site is located in Sections 26 and 27 of Port Sheldon Township. It has gently rolling terrain, a diversity of vegetation, five wildlife ponds and is bisected b y Ten Hagen Creek. An extensive but unmarked trail system exists.

No Firearms. Archery hunting only (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Ripps Bayou Open Space Land

This 115 acre site is located in Polkton Township and is only accessible by boat from the Grand River. The site is surrounded by private property and there is no road access. The property includes a large bayou surrounded by woods. No motorized watercraft are allowed in the bayou.

No Firearms. Archery hunting only (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Robinson Forest Open Space Land

This 80 acre site is located in Section 2 of Robinson Township. A large portion of the site is covered with an old red pine plantation with the remainder a combination of oaks and white pines. No development exists except for two-track roads.

Open to firearm and archery hunting (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Timmer Farm Open Space Land

This 68 acre site is a former farm located in Georgetown Township. The farm house and barns still exist.

No Firearms. Archery hunting only (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Van Buren Dunes - Open Space Land

Located in Section 33 and 34 of Port Sheldon Township, this 120 acre site has the most topographical relief of the Open Space Lands. Vegetation consists of red pine plantations with scattered pockets of deciduous forest. No development exists.

Open to firearm and archery hunting (no county parks permit required).

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for an Open Space Land map before accessing property.

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Unimproved County Parks

Connor Bayou - Unimproved County Park

Acquisition of lands for the Grand River Greenway initiative continued in March 2003 with the purchase of 0.5 mile of riverfront in Robinson Township. The cost for this scenic riverfront property was $142,200 and includes 47 acres of floodplain with extensive wetlands and a portion of Connor Bayou.

In April 2005, County Parks acquired an adjacent riverfront property with help from a grant through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). This adjacent land includes 95 acres of high quality natural land with 0.36 mile of Grand River frontage as well as a portion of Connor Bayou and adjoining wetlands. The majority of this site is high ground with a fairly mature deciduous-coniferous upland forest. Views from the site are outstanding and encompass the river, Connor Bayou and associated wetlands plus an expansive marsh located immediately across the river owned by the Spoonville Gun Club. The purchase price for this 95 acre property was $1,640,000 with $823,000 coming from the MNRTF. The remainder was paid with county millage funds. This purchase also included a log home overlooking the Grand River.

Together, these two acquisitions provide a 142 acre park with nearly a mile of Grand River frontage and a wide diversity of natural communities. Preliminary plans call for a variety of resource based recreation opportunities at the site including hiking, cross country skiing, fishing, picnicking, canoe/kayak access, wildlife viewing, camping (family and group), plus a paved pathway for biking, roller blading and other non-motorized uses. A master plan for this property will be developed in 2006.

No hunting of any kind is permitted on this 142 acre property.

The Connor Bayou entrance is located on N. Cedar Drive just west of 128th Ave. in Robinson Township. Look for a small parking area on the north side of N. Cedar Drive.

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Crockery Creek Site - Unimproved County Park

In July 2001, the Parks Commission successfully completed the acquisition of 248 additional acres of riparian land along Crockery Creek. This property, which is immediately adjacent to a previously purchased 58 acres along the Grand River, forms a 306 acre property that includes nearly two miles of Crockery Creek frontage running from just upstream of the confluence with the Grand River.

The 248 acre property was purchased from two separate landowners for a total cost of $1,118,000 including $481,600 toward the purchase through a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The remainder of the cost came from the parks millage passed by voters in 1996.

In addition to the creek itself, natural features on the site include mature wooded ridges, floodplain forest, open hardwoods, wet meadows and buttonbush swamp. This diversity of natural communities provides habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, red-headed woodpeckers and river otters. A small created wetland also provides a resting and feeding area for waterfowl. In addition to resident wildlife, the area provides staging areas for many migratory birds.

The next step in the Crockery Creek Site Project will be to create a master plan with public input. This master plan will be used as a blueprint for future improvements. Proposed recreational uses for the property include hiking and cross country ski trails, wildlife viewing, canoe/kayak access to Crockery Creek, fishing access and picnicking.

Beginning in 2003, Ottawa County Parks began issuing a limited number of special permits for bow hunting on the property. Hunters interested in applying for a permit should contact the county parks office. No firearms.

A new trail head and two miles of hiking trails were completed at Crockery Creek in spring 2006. Trails may be seasonally wet or muddy

To access to the Crockery Creek Site, travel on Leonard Street to Wren Drive. Travel west on Wren Drive and park in the small parking area near the Crockery Creek sign.

Interactive Aerial Map for Crockery Creek

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Community Haven - Unimproved County Park

The 229 acre Community Haven property, located on the Grand River in Polkton Township, was acquired by Ottawa County in the early 1800s and established as a “poor farm” to provide housing and services for indigent residents. This operation survived until the late 1990s. In April 2004, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved a request by the Parks Commission to designate the Community Haven property for future park use.

Following several public meetings with potential user groups, a master plan for Community Haven was approved. The plan includes equestrian trails and facilities, development of an educational farm and general recreational use including river access. Restoration of the existing barn is currently underway and development of equestrian trails and parking is planned for fall 2007. Future development of the educational farm as well as expanded equestrian facilities will rely upon successful fundraising and support by outside interest groups.

Community Haven Master Plan

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for access information.

No hunting of any kind is allowed at Community Haven.

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Macatawa River Site - Unimproved County Park

In 1999, Ottawa County Parks agreed to provide a $83,000 local match toward a FEMA (Federal Emergency management Agency) Hazard Mitigation Grant to purchase and remove flood prone structures in the floodplain of the Macatawa River. FEMA provided $250,000 in grant funds toward the purchase and removal of structures in the floodplain. As part of the FEMA grant, Ottawa County purchased two houses in Holland Township on Adams Street just west of 104th Avenue. Both houses were removed in 2002.

The scenic 10 acre site where these houses were located, with its mature trees and approximately 1,200 feet of river frontage, will provide a key public access point on the river with future opportunities for fishing, canoe and kayak launching and picnicking. The site is also expected to be an important staging area for a future greenway trail which the Macatawa Greenway Partnership is actively working to establish along the river corridor.

No of any kind hunting permitted.

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 before accessing this property.

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North Ottawa dunes aerial view.North Ottawa Dunes - Unimproved County Park

On December 15, 2005, Ottawa County acquired the 500 acre North Ottawa Dunes property. Just off the Lake Michigan shoreline, between the Grand River and the southern boundary of P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, this tract is one of the largest wooded dune assemblages remaining in the central West Michigan area. The property is uniquely situated between state, county and city parks and is adjacent to township-owned undeveloped land. The acquisition will protect high quality coastal dunes and establish trails linking P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Ottawa County’s North Beach Park, Ferrysburg’s Coast Guard Park and undeveloped land owned by Spring Lake Township.

The property features tremendous topography with an elevation change of 185 feet in the parabolic dune formations. Eight distinct dunes in the rugged landscape exceed 750 feet in height. The property varies in width from 900 feet to 4,200 feet and has a north to south reach of approximately 10,200 feet (1.93 miles.)

Wooded area on the dunes.Project Budget: An independent appraisal determined the value of the property to be $9.5 million. The owner indicated a willingness to sell the property to Ottawa County Parks for $7 million with total acquisition costs at $7.1 million. Ottawa County Parks initially applied for a state grant of $4.9 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). Ottawa County Parks sponsored the grant proposal with assistance from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and the Committee to Acquire North Ottawa Dunes. Dave Seibold, Pete Price and Pat Cannon of Grand Haven spearheaded the fundraising committee which, together with the Land Conservancy, received pledges for $1.35 million toward the project. The fundraising success spurred the Parks Commission to increase the parks millage commitment to $1.85 million and reduce the grant request from $4.9 to $3.9 million.

The North Ottawa Dunes were near the top of the list of projects recommended for funding by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund in December 2004. The $3.9 million grant was one of 15 acquisition grants awarded statewide totaling $26 million. Parks Manager John Scholtz stated, "The strong community support which allowed us to reduce the size of the grant request was likely the key to our success in obtaining the grant."

Two appraisals and an environmental assessment were submitted to the DNR where officials reviewed the appraisals and determined the fair market value for grant purposes. The Parks Commission received approval by the Board of Commissioners for a purchase agreement prior to the closing.

Construction Aggregates Corporation, the owner of the property, worked closely with county parks to complete the sale. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan will notify individuals and organizations that have pledged funds toward the acquisition to send in their donations now that the acquisition is complete.

For those wishing to view part of the wooded dune property, a hiking-only trail has been marked beginning at Coast Guard Park. For more details on this trail and access, call the county parks office at (616) 738-4810.

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Park 12 - Unimproved County Park

The Park 12 Properties is the name given to twelve park parcels consisting of a total of 58 acres located near Holland State Park. These park parcels were dedicated in the late 1800's during the establishment of the West Michigan Park Association (WMPA), an association of historic cottages located in the dunes overlooking the lakes.

Ownership interests in these properties has long been disputed resulting in disagreement between Ottawa County and cottage owners over the extent of public use to be allowed on the properties. For many years, Ottawa County's goal was to transfer the properties to the State of Michigan to be managed through Holland State Park. After over 10 years of effort, the transfer to the state was determined to not be feasible and Ottawa County Parks decided to proceed in developing a master plan for these properties.

In May 2004, a master plan titled Twelve Park Parcels at Ottawa Beach Master Plan Study was adopted by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. The approval of this plan was the culmination of a complex planning process which included many public meetings and extensive input from area residents. The plan focuses on expanding public use of selected park parcels that have high value for public recreation. Those parcels feature 700 feet of Lake Michigan beach front, extensive Lake Macatawa waterfront and Mt. Pisgah, a large dune which towers over the harbor. In August 2005, Ottawa County circuit court cleared the way for implementation of the master plan by resolving previous lawsuits and with approval of an agreement with the WMPA.

Plans for the Lake Macatawa property include a waterfront walkway with fishing piers, historic interpretive displays, continued marina use and waterfront viewing areas. The historic pump house is proposed for renovation as a museum in line with earlier plans by area residents. The bike path along Ottawa Beach Road is proposed to be improved and set back from the roadway.

The plan also proposes to construct trail access to Mt. Pisgah through Holland State Park including boardwalks and a stairway to dune top overlook decks. Dune grass plantings are proposed to stabilize the eroding dune and park visitors will be discouraged from running down the dune face. Trails will be marked connecting the county-owned property to trails in the state park.

Lake Michigan beach frontage would remain undeveloped with management coordinated through the state park. Many of the park parcels located in close proximity to historic cottages would remain unimproved and not promoted for public use.

No hunting of any kind allowed.

Contact the county parks office at (616) 738-4810 for additional information and maps before accessing this property.

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Riley Trails

Riley Trails is 300 acres of rolling terrain, beech-maple forest, pine plantations and an informal trail system located in Park Township. The property has long been enjoyed by hikers, cross country skiers, mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Although county-owned, Park Township has provided assistance over the years in maintaining the site for public use. In 2006, the County Board of Commissioners transitioned the property to Ottawa County Parks.

Riley Trails includes 40 acres that was formerly the Southwest Ottawa County Landfill. The landfill closed in 1979 after ground water in the area showed evidence of contamination. Ottawa County installed a system of purge wells and a water treatment facility in 1987 and has been treating groundwater since that time. Working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Ottawa County developed a plan to recap the landfill with clay to further limit water leaching through the landfill and to update the system of purge wells to better treat groundwater contamination.

Despite challenges created by the landfill, the Parks & Recreation Commission has long recognized the value of this site. Although the groundwater clean-up efforts will continue into the foreseeable future, county administrative staff overseeing the landfill recapping project incorporated input from county park planners to protect, create, and enhance park amenities. Construction zones were carefully chosen to avoid impact on the beech-maple forest and other native vegetation. Excavation of a large quantity of sand from the site was required for the recapping which provided an opportunity to create a large pond and wetland feature to enhance wildlife habitat. Sledding hills with run-out areas were shaped during the landfill recapping process and oriented for optimal snow retention. Seed mixes selected for the landfill cap include native grasses and wildflowers. The Parks Commission also constructed a footbridge to reestablish a key trail connection affected by the pond construction.

Historically, the landfill cap itself has been closed to public use to protect the cap from damage and because of potentially harmful methane gas which was emitted through vent pipes. Because of the age of the landfill, gas levels are significantly reduced, but the landfill area will remained closed to the public until gas emissions are studied further and determined to be at safe levels. Following this determination, the top of the landfill will be opened to the public with trails, overlooks and sledding hills.

A Riley Trails Master Plan was approved in 2007 following two public meetings and extensive input from interested trail users. Plans call for continued hiking, biking and cross country skiing on park trails which will be upgraded to improve trail safety. A first phase improvement project is planned for fall 2007 involving parking lot upgrades, trail improvements and the addition of picnic sites and a rustic toilet.

Riley Trails Master Plan

Master Plan     Appendix F Public Meeting #1 Notice
Master Plan Report Appendix G Public Meeting #1 Notes
Appendix A Site Context Map Appendix H Public Meeting #2 Notice
Appendix B Topography Appendix I Public Meeting #2 Presentation
Appendix C Vegetation Appendix J Preliminary Master Plan
Appendix D Cultural Features Appendix K Public Meeting #2 Notes
Appendix E Issues Analysis  

Access to Riley Trails is on the south side of Riley Street between 160th and 168th Avenues.

There is no hunting at Riley Trails.

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Upper Macatawa Site - Unimproved County Park

The Upper Macatawa Conservation Area (UMCA), located in Zeeland Township, has been rapidly growing. The site now includes 576 acres with the potential for up to 700 acres in the future. With input from county residents, guidance from the Macatawa Greenway Partnership and funding from the Holland-Zeeland Community Foundation, a master plan is now in place that will guide the development of this project. The Parks Commission approved the Upper Macatawa Conservation Area Master Plan at its February 2006 meeting.

In addition to recreation, the plan recognizes the value of the site for water quality improvement, flood water storage and wildlife habitat enhancement. The majority of master plan improvements for the UMCA have been completed including construction of key parking areas on 84th and 76th Avenues as well as the development of footbridges, picnic areas and overlooks. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, including a section of paved trail that will be part of the future greenway trail system are also being completed. Additional wetland restoration and a remeander of a section of the river channel, funded with a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Michigan Initiative, $100,000 in private dollars donated through the Macatawa Greenway Partnership plus park millage funds, has also been completed. Another restoration project, funded through the Michigan Department of Transportation, will create over 18 acres of wooded and shrub-scrub wetlands for mitigation purposes.

No firearms. Bow hunting by special Ottawa County Parks permit only. Call the parks office for information on applying for a permit.

The UMCA is currently accessed by the parking area on 76th Avenue (south of Byron Road).

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