Ottawa County Parks
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
2010 Annual Park Permits On Sale Now
Parks Department Introduces Grand River Heritage Water Trail Website
Information is now available regarding the Grand River for kayakers through a new program that will display river information using an interactive map of the Grand River in Ottawa County.
The very powerful online map contains ‘layers’ of information such as a 2008 aerial photo overlay, historical points of interest, natural features including County lands that may be accessed from the river, and river access points for kayakers. Text box information is displayed by moving the cursor over the points on the map.
Also available is a trip planner; information regarding river safety and paddling etiquette; a link to the weather; and information regarding river stewardship. A photo gallery and self guided river tours are being developed as time goes on.
Nature Education Center Now Open
The new Ottawa County Parks Nature Education Center is now open year-round at the following times.
The Nature Education Center is located at Hemlock Crossing in Port Sheldon Township.
The Nature Education Center includes:
- Your gateway to 7 miles of trails at Hemlock Crossing
- Nature gift shop
- Exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area
- Wildlife Den with live "critters" and loads of activities
- Wildlife Viewing Area that attracts birds and mammals to feeders
- Information on 6,000 acres of parks properties
For a list of upcoming public programs in the parks, see the current newsletter.
If you are a teacher or youth group leader interested in scheduling a field trip, please contact Kristen Hintz at (616) 786-4847 or email khintz@miottawa.org.
Make a Donation to this Project
Eastmanville Bayou Master Plan
The first phase improvements of a new master plan for Eastmanville Bayou are scheduled to begin this summer. Eastmanville Bayou, located in Allendale Township, is a 157 acre open space land with 1.75 miles of Grand River frontage and 1.5 miles on Eastmanville Bayou. Acquired in late 2008, the property immediately became popular with fisherman as an access point to Eastmanville Bayou. Two houses on the property were removed in 2009 and access was permitted. Nearby residents and the general public were encouraged to participate in the master planning process that was completed in January 2010. Most improvements are planned for the property just southwest of the 68th Avenue bridge over the Grand River which will serve as the primary access point for the site. Proposed improvements include a 40 car parking area, a small boat launch ramp on the bayou, a walkway under the bridge to access eastern portion of the site, picnic sites, interpretive displays, a canoe/kayak dock on the Grand River and rustic toilets. The plan also envisions the site as a trailhead for the future Grand River Greenway non-motorized trail.
Eastmanville Bayou Master Plan
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.
