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Sep 11, 2025 - For immediate release
Press contact: Rylie Dorman, (616) 994-4774
Draft 2026 Parks Plan Available for Review
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Ottawa County Parks & Recreation has released a draft of the 2026 long-range Parks Plan, and community feedback is now being requested. This plan is updated every five years and ensures eligibility for grant funding from the State of Michigan and provides a road map for park and trail development.
A public hearing will be held during the Parks Commission meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Community members are welcome to attend and provide comments in person.
Learn more: miottawa.org/parks/plans-reports
Public Input
Ottawa County residents and park visitors can help guide this plan by sharing feedback in a variety of ways:
- Take our brief survey: [Click here]
- Email your comments to [email protected]
- Mail comments to:
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
- Attend the public hearing on October 22 and make comments in-person
Deadline: Please submit written feedback by October 17, 2025.
Parks Plan Overview
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Continues emphasis on high-quality maintenance and operations with projections of long-term capital renovation needs. A large majority of discretionary (non-operating) millage funds from the current millage level are dedicated to renovations of current park facilities.
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Identifies key property acquisitions and funding to enhance/expand existing park properties.
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Calls for efforts to improve and develop the Macatawa and Pigeon River Greenways, the Bend Area, and to complete the Idema Explorers Trail along the Grand River Greenway.
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Continues efforts to meet and exceed ADA accessibility guidelines at all lands and facilities.
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Provides flexibility to consider other unexpected opportunities and expand existing park properties.
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Continues focus on providing quality nature education and outdoor activity programs throughout the park system.
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Expands emphasis on communications to residents of available opportunities for optimal park use.
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Emphasizes the need for increased natural resource management and stewardship of existing parklands and the broader landscape.
Project Funding
The parks plan includes detailed budget projections and a capital improvement schedule. The plan notes that the current dedicated park millage combined with grant funds has allowed the Parks Commission to provide a large and high-quality park system to serve residents and visitors. However, with continued park expansion, a higher percentage of millage funds are now devoted to operations and maintenance creating greater reliance on other funding for new initiatives.
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