Greenway and Park Projects
Ottawa County Parks is engaged in an ambitious effort to improve and expand the existing park system. Funded primarily by a dedicated property tax approved by voters in 1996 and renewed in 2006, the Parks Commission is improving and expanding existing parks as well as acquiring and developing new property throughout the county.
Parks Plan
Current planning and development projects are guided by the Ottawa County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan which is adopted by the County Board of Commissioners. A new 5-year plan was approved at the February 22, 2011 meeting. This comprehensive plan identifies the Parks Commission’s priorities for the next five to ten years and outlines the direction for Ottawa County Parks in the areas of park expansion, improvements, new park development, park maintenance and operations, and other key initiatives. Elements of the plan include analysis of Ottawa County’s population growth, land use changes, and transportation network. A complete inventory of all local and state park and recreation facilities is included along with selected private recreation facilities in an effort to coordinate county park activities with both the public and private sectors.
View the 2011 Ottawa County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
Greenways
A key principle identified in the parks plan is the desirability of establishing greenways within Ottawa County. A greenway is linear open space system often established along a natural or man-made corridor that has value in linking parks, natural areas, and cultural sites with each other and with populated areas. In Ottawa County, a primary goal is to establish a connected network of park and open space lands along the Grand, Pigeon, and Macatawa river corridors and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Current Projects
Grand River Greenway – As Michigan’s longest river, the Grand River has a rich natural and cultural history. To help conserve this resource, Ottawa County Parks manages 2168 acres of land with 12.6 miles of river frontage and is actively expanding protected lands and public access to them. A long range goal is to provide a paved greenway trail linking these properties and adjacent communities.
Current Grand River Greenway Projects:Connor Bayou
Eastmanville Bayou
Grand River Ravines
Bend Area
Pigeon River Greenway – The Pigeon River, Ottawa County’s
coldest, cleanest and most pristine river, begins and ends in west-central
Ottawa County.
Current protected lands include over 600 acres of wetlands and forests
with many miles of multipurpose trails and access to the river for fishing
and
kayaking.
Current Pigeon River Greenway Projects:
Weaver House Grounds Improvements
Macatawa River Greenway – This river runs through southern Ottawa County
emptying into Lake Macatawa in Holland. Heavily influenced by agriculture
throughout its history, this river has recently become the focus of improvement
efforts. Working along with many partners, Ottawa County Parks has acquired
and restored lands within the watershed with the goals of improving water
quality, flood storage capacity, wildlife habitat, and providing quality outdoor
recreation opportunities.
Current Macatawa River Greenway Projects:
Macatawa River Greenspace (former Holland Country Club)
Upper Macatawa Restorations
Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway – Lake Michigan and its associated freshwater
dunes are Ottawa County’s most unique and valuable natural resource.
Seven county parks, three state parks as well as township and city parks provide
residents and visitors access to sandy beaches, massive parabolic sand dunes,
and mature beech-maple-hemlock forests. Ottawa County parks itself offers
over 1.5 miles of shoreline open for public use and enjoyment.
Current Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway Projects:
Olive Shores
Holland Harbor Fishing Access Project
Other Projects – Ottawa County manages several other parks and open
spaces. Although not connected to the existing greenway systems, these public
lands provide valuable park and natural lands for a variety of activities.
Parks Funding
Funding for parks operations, improvements and land acquisition come from several sources. Parks operations and management is funded primarily by tax dollars and income generated through vehicle permits, boat launch fees and facility reservations.
Many major park improvements and renovation projects have been funded through grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) which receives revenue from oil, gas and other mineral development on state owned land. Interest from this fund is available through grants to local units of governments for park improvements and land acquisition. The MNRTF is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
During the August 8, 2006 primary election, Ottawa County voters approved a renewal of the Parks Millage for an additional 10 year period. The renewal was passed by 67% of voters. The Parks Millage will provide funds for the years 2008 through 2017. This renewal allows the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission to continue with land acquisition projects along major river corridors and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Funds will also be used for improvements to both new and existing park properties as well as for parks operations. Two groups were instrumental in providing voters with millage information. The Ottawa County Parks Millage Renewal Committee was co-chaired by Gordon VanWylen and David Seibold and coordinated by Jean Laug-Carroll. Also, the Friends of Ottawa County Parks provided parks information and activities to bring about a greater awareness of the parks system.
