Ottawa County Parks annual report for fiscal year 2019 (10/1/2018-9/30/2019). Thank you to volunteer photographer Mike Lozon for providing many of the images used in this report.

1. ANNUAL REPORT
FY 2019
October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019

2. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 2Executive Summary |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This was a remarkable year for the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission. It was full
of changes and challenges, awards, and new parks, facilities and trails.
In February, Vice President of the Parks Commission, long-term Friends of Ottawa County
Parks Board Member, active volunteer, and generous donor, Ray Statema, passed away after
a battle with lung cancer. His gifts to the parks and the community were many. To celebrate a
legacy of environmental leadership and honor he and his wife’s many contributions, Ottawa
County Parks formed the Ray and Alma Statema Park Stewardship Fund, an endowment fund
through the Allendale Community Foundation. Funds will provide grant awards to schools
throughout the county to participate in service-based work days in Ottawa County Parks.
Vanessa Guiterrez was welcomed onto the Parks Commission to fulfill Ray’s term.
The first and only Director since the Parks Commission was formed in 1987, John Scholtz,
retired in June. Ottawa County welcomed his succcessor, Jason Shamblin, later that month.
Shamblin was thrilled to participate in many park and trail openings in his first three months
on the job.
• Stearns Creek Park in RobinsonTownship was acquired in March and opened to the
public in June.
• After Memorial Day, the new Ottawa Beach Marina in Holland welcomed its first
seasonal slip holders. Transient slips were available later in the summer and the
community celebrated its official Grand Opening in August.
• Though it opened in 2018, Ottawa Sands in Ferrysburg was only partially owned by
Ottawa County. It was fully acquired in July.
• Construction was completed on two segments of the Idema Explorers Trail. One
segment along Cottonwood Drive in Jenison connecting neighborhoods to the
Jenison business district. The second connects the Allendale campus of Grand
Valley State University to Grand Ravines along 42nd Avenue.
Parks staff worked extremely hard to keep up with ever-changing weather conditions,
including record high water levels and shrinking beaches. Fortunately, this was not a deterrent
for beach-goers — revenue generated from lakeshore permits was record breaking.
Ray & Alma Statema volunteering
at a workday
John Scholtz, former Ottawa County
Parks Director
Jason Shamblin, Ottawa County Parks Director speaking at the
Ottawa Beach Marina dedication
Table of Contents
FY 2019 Awards 3
Focus on Greenways 4
Property Overview 5
Major Projects 6-11
Operations & Maintenance 12-13
Natural Resource Management 14
Volunteers 15
Programs & Education 16-17
Health & Wellness 18
Supporting Organizations 19
Board & Staff 20
Property Data (Appendix A) 21

3. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 3Awards |
Park Design: Grand Ravines
Grand Ravines Park in Jenison was chosen for the 2018
Park Design Award from the Michigan Recreation
and Park Association (mParks) for its many excellent
facilities and beautiful natural surroundings. The
application narrative and photos can be found online:
news.miottawa.org/grand-ravines-park-design-award
Curt TerHaar accepted the award on behalf of the Parks &
Recreation Commission at their annual award ceremony
in February.
AWARDS
A State History Award in the category of Restoration/Preservation was presented
September 21, 2018 to the Historic Ottawa Beach Society, which worked in
collaboration with the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department in Holland.
The brick building in Ottawa Beach known as the Pump House originated in 1901
as an electric generating plant.
In 1987, local residents formed the Ottawa Beach Historic Committee to preserve
and restore the building and to collect and interpret the area history in a museum.
The Historic Ottawa Beach Society incorporated in 2010 to raise money for a
restoration and renovation of the Pump House to its condition in 1924.
The Pump House Museum and Learning Center opened in 2018 with three permanent
exhibits and a temporary exhibit about Holland’s iconic lighthouse.
More than 600 people toured the museum in its first month of operation.
Preservation & Restoration:
Pump House Museum
Afterathree-yearrestoration,thepumphousebuildingin
HollandopenedtothepublicasthePumpHouseMuseum
& Learning Center. The restoration work was recognized
by the Historical Society of Michigan soon after opening.
The Historic Ottawa Beach Society was awarded a State
History Award in the Restoration/Preservation category
for their collaboration with Ottawa County Parks. Read
more about the award and see photos of the restoration
work online: news.miottawa.org/history-award
National Association of Parks & Recreation
Professionals
Just prior to his retirement, John Scholtz was awarded a
Lifetime Achievement award from the National Association
of Parks & Recreation Professionals. He was able to accept
theawardinCastleRock,Coloradoattheirannualceremony.

4. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 4Focus on Greenways |
FOCUS ON GREENWAYS
What is a greenway?
A greenway is connected and ecologically related corridor of park or
protected green spaces near an urban area, set aside for recreational
use or environmental protection.
Greenways in Ottawa County
There are four greenways in Ottawa County, each different and
special in their own way:
• Grand River Greenway
• Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway
• Macatawa River Greenway
• Pigeon River Greenway
Protecting the Grand River Greenway
The strategy of investing in our local greenways is one that has been in
place since 1989, two years after the formation of the Parks & Recreation
Commission.
This year was especially important in the effort to preserve and protect
land and water along the Grand River. The Grand River Waterway
project, a proposition to dredge a 23-mile segment of the Grand River,
was given state funding in early 2019. This project was wholeheartedly
opposed by Ottawa County and nearly all of the local municipalities
along the Grand River due to the serious potential for negative impact
to the ecology of and recreation on the river.
The community came together and rallied behind the investment that
has been made in this waterway and its lands, and a Friends of the
Lower Grand River nonprofit was formed.

5. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 5Property Overview |
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission oversees the
acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of 28 County
Parks and 12 Open Space lands, totaling 7,042 acres.
The Parks & Recreation Commission also oversees management of the
portion of the Musketawa Trail located in Ottawa County, under an
agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a
portion of the Spoonville Trail in partnership with Crockery Township.
See page 21 for a listing of all lands administered by the Parks Commission.
7,042
28
12
157
ACRES
COUNTY PARKS
OPEN SPACES
MILES OFTRAIL
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Adams St
Landing
Connor
Bayou
Crockery Creek
Natural Area
Deer Creek
Park
Eastmanville
Farm
Grand
River
Park
Grose
Park
Hager
Park
Hawthorn Pond
Natural Area
Hemlock
Crossing
Park
Historic
Ottawa
Beach
Parks
Kirk
Park
Musketawa
Trail
North
Beach
Park
North
Ottawa
Dunes
Olive
Shores
Ottawa
Sands
Paw Paw
Park
Pigeon
Creek
Park
Pine
Bend
Riley
Trails
Riverside
Park
Rosy
Mound
Natural
Area
Spring
Grove
Park
Stearn
Creek
Park
Tunnel
Park
Upper
Macatawa
Natural
Area
Bend
Area
Bur Oak
Landing
Eastmanville
Bayou
Grand River
Open Space
Hiawatha
Forest
Johnson St
Forest
Jubb
Bayou
Kuits
Bayou
Port Sheldon
Natural Area
Ripps
BayouRobinson
Forest
Van Buren
Dunes
Grand
Ravines
Park
COMPLETEFUTURE

6. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 6Grand River Greenway |
Fundraising
In 2019, the Parks & Recreation Commission and
staff worked closely with the Ottawa County
Parks Foundation and Grand River Greenway
Campaign Committee to close the gap in funds
needed for the Idema Explorers Trail.
Staff worked to formalize the end-of-capital
campaign strategy (in preparation for a public
campaign); create marketing materials to help
board members and others continue to fundraise; and, to host Greenway
Tours showing donors the“unseen”sights along the trail route.
Trail Progress
There were also a number of exciting accomplishments:
• The addition of the 118-acre Stearns Creek Park to the Grand
River Greenway
• Construction and completion of two segments of the Idema
Explorers Trail both in Georgetown Township
• 1.17 miles along Cottonwood Drive and 10th Avenue near
the Jenison business district
• 1-mile stretch within Grand Ravines County Park and along
42nd Avenue, connecting Grand Valley State University
(GVSU) in Allendale to Grand Ravines.
• Launching a new Corporate Partnership program
• Welcoming Herman Miller Cares, Shape Corporation, and
Gordon Foods as $100,000-level corporate partners
GRAND RIVER GREENWAY
& IDEMA EXPLORERS TRAIL
Idema Explorers Trail:
Versluis GVSU
Campus Segment
Idema Explorers Trail:
Bend Area/
10th Ave Segment
The 231 River Run, hosted at Connor Bayou, introduces new visitors to the
Idema Explorers Trail and M-231 pedestrian bridge in Robinson Township.
County Board Member Matt Fenske joins Judge Peter Versluis, Bea Idema,
GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella, Peter Secchia, and County Board Chair
Greg DeJong for a ribbon cutting of the Versluis GVSU Campus Segment of the
Idema Explorers Trail on the GVSU Campus.
2019 Completed Construction

7. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 7Grand River Greenway |
Located at the headwaters of the Grand River’s Stearns Bayou, Stearns Creek
Park is a now key piece of Ottawa County’s Grand River Greenway.
With over a mile of creek frontage, diverse wetlands, picturesque ravines, and
tracts of older growth forests, Stearns Creek Park is an ecological treasure
for both recreation and wildlife. In honor of the gift from the heirs of John J.
Helstrom, Stearns Creek Park features the 1.7-mile Helstrom Family Trail System.
STEARNS CREEK PARK Maintenance & Operations
Stearns Creek Park was opened in June after a few months of hard work by
park staff to get trails cut, signs made, and benches, tables, and parking spots
added. This has become a favorite spot of many because of its quiet scenic trails
and beautiful view of Stearns Creek and Bayou. This property has a rich family
history, and many of the benches at the site were donated by the Vollmers in
honor of their family’s legacy.
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation funded the wayfinding signage and
trailhead kiosk at the entrance of the park, saving Ottawa County Parks $6,000.
In Memory of Ludwig Vollmer
The Ottawa County Parks Commission extends a very special thank you to
the entire Vollmer Family, whose farm was located on the property for three
generations.
Fulfilling their father’s wish for the property to become a park, they sold their
land to Ottawa County to be enjoyed by the public.We are honored to be a part
of this legacy.
Parks staff was excited to interview two members of the Vollmer Family prior
to the park opening in order to share the history of the land with park visitors.
Funding for Stearns Creek Park
The total cost of this park acquisition was $989,850. It was funded with a
combination of federal and state grants, as well as a generous private donation.
Acquisition
Parks Millage $ 8,307
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program $491,925
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund $429,318
Gift from the heirs of John J. Helstrom $60,300
Development (Initial Improvements)
Parks Millage $25,000

8. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 8Grand River Greenway / Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway |
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission, Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), and Land Conservancy of West Michigan
(LCWM) officials and donors, along with members of the community
celebrated the dedication of Ottawa Sands this fall, following the completed
acquisition of the property in July.
OTTAWA SANDS Maintenance & Operations
After its opening early in the year, Ottawa Sands quickly became
a new favorite for many of our county residents. Almost all of
the improvements to this former sand mine were completed by
park staff including trail creation, sign printing and installation,
parking improvements, and a crosswalk complete with solar
powered pedestrian crossing.
Future Plans
Ottawa County Parks was awarded a grant from the Michigan
Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program in 2018 to initiate
a master plan for Ottawa Sands, including an inventory and
analysis of the site’s natural features.
This plan will determine the feasibility of the site for recreation
facilities, including lake and riverfront access and camping.
Planning is scheduled to begin in 2020.
Funding for Ottawa Sands.
The total cost of this park acquisition was $8.2 million. The
property was valued over $11 million. The previous owner,
Gaylen Byker, donated 25% of the land value to serve as grant
match. The MNRTF granted their funds over two years. In order
to purchase the property in full, the LCWM partnered with the
Parks & Recreation Commission to purchase a portion of the
property in 2017. This was re-paid with a the 2018 MNRTF grant.
Acquisition
Parks Millage $161,186
MNRTF $8,017,200
LCWM (loan holding cost) $145,775
Development/Planning
CZM Grant $30,000
Parks Millage $30,000
John & April Scholtz unveiling the Land Conservancy of West Michigan donor
thank you sign at the Park Dedication. The Land Conservancy raised over $400,000
to assist with the property purchase of Ottawa Sands.

9. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 9Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway |
OTTAWA BEACH MARINA
The grand opening of the Ottawa Beach Marina, Kayak Launch, and Park
Township Plaza represents the final step in a 15-year effort to implement
the Historic Ottawa Beach Master Plan. Historic Ottawa Beach totals 58 acres
interspersed between the historic cottages of Ottawa Beach and Holland
State Park.
New Amenities & Facilities
• 16 seasonal boat slips and 26 transient boat slips
• Universally accessible kayak launch
• New waterfront walkway
• Parking for marina and kayak launch users
• Marina services building with public restrooms, office and lounge,
laundry, and restrooms/showers for marina patrons
Other site improvements include landscaping, a natural storm water
infiltration system, kayak storage areas, and the Park Township Plaza. The
plaza area provides a welcoming space for the public to gather or just sit
and enjoy the views over the marina and Lake Macatawa. It also features
unique signage interpreting the role of Park Township as a recreational
tourist destination.
Maintenance & Operations
The new facility was opened and operated with the help of three new
seasonal staff members. Staff developed policies and procedures and
learned on-the-job how to provide great customer service to the slip
renters both seasonal and transient. Staff also prioritized the creation of
popular kayak storage program, based on immediate demand.
Funding for Marina, Kayak Launch, & Park Plaza
The total cost of this portion of the project was $2,475,812
Parks Millage $ 528,154
Park Township $ 109,291
Boating Infrastructure Grant $ 642,917
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant $ 291,000
Coastal Zone Management Grant $ 68,000
Pumpout Grant $ 36,450
Bonding $800,000

10. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 10Macatawa River Greenway |
MACATAWA GREENWAY TRAIL
Working with our partners in the Holland Area, the Parks & Recreation
Commission is developing a multi-use trail along the Macatawa River that will
connect Paw Paw Park, Adams Street Landing, and Upper Macatawa Natural
Area to the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail in Zeeland Charter Township, downtown
Holland, and the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Macatawa Greenway Trail 1.0
In partnership with the Outdoor Discovery Center the Parks & Recreation
Commission developed the Macatawa Green Trail 1.0. This initial effort
provides trailhead maps and wayfinding along a designated route through
the greenway. It will utilize existing non-motorized paths, bike lanes, and
sidewalks to provide a safe cycling route through the Holland area. Nearly
30 miles in total, the route will connect over a dozen park spaces and nature
preserves together and to local communities.
While more work must be done to accomplish the overall greenway vision, this
first step will provide a visible reminder of the connections we are trying to
make between people and nature along the Macatawa River.
Fred Meijer
Kenowa Trail
Upper
Macatawa
Natural Area
Paw Paw
Park
Adams St
Landing
Macatawa
Greenway Trail
New trail
signage at Paw
Paw Park & the
City of Holland
Walkers at Upper Macatawa Natural Area
Fishing & disc golf at Paw Paw Park

11. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 11Park Improvements |
PARK IMPROVEMENTS
In addition to the many major projects in 2019, there were also some
smaller-scale infrastructure projects that cannot be overlooked. Facility
and amenity improvements like these are budgeted and scheduled in our
10-year capital improvement plan.
Hager Park Visitor Center
The Hager Park rental building contains two public rental spaces, the
Vanderlaan Room and the DeVries Room. Both are frequently used by the
community for wedding receptions, graduation parties, and other special
events. Constructed in the 1970’s, the building has an unusual roof system
including both flat and sloped portions. Last year the design was improved
and the roof was replaced.
Grand River Park
The boardwalk and fishing deck at Grand River Park in
Jenison was updated.

12. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 12Revenue & Special Permits |
This chart reflects
revenue from fees
& charges only
201
9 Revenues
REVENUE &
SPECIAL PERMITS
1,540
173
9,191
14
32
RESERVATIONS
PREPPED & CLEANED
SPECIAL EVENT
HOSTED IN PARKS
VEHICLE PERMITS
SOLD
MEMORIAL BENCHES
INSTALLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
PERMITS
Vehicle Permits ($471,694)
Hunting Permits ($1,640)
Site Reservations ($166,634)
Ottawa Beach Marina ($67,175)
Pigeon Creek Ski & Snowshoe
Rental & Concession ($23,275)
Grand Ravines Dog Wash ($12,694)
Programs & Camps ($47,885)
Nature Center Gift Shop &
Snowshoe Rental ($13,820)
Many organizations and businesses look to host events in parks. Velo Kids
hosted the area’s first kids-only mountain bike race this summer.
Our facilities and beaches continue to be popular places to make family
memories or host business meetings.

13. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 13Maintenance & Operations |
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS
Managing High Water
Lake Michigan - Along the Lakeshore, most of our beaches are 75' smaller than
2018 and the waves have created large sand cliffs at many locations. Access to the
beaches has been limited as the stairs have been washed out and damaged at both
Rosy Mound and Kirk Park. The high water has also brought in large amounts of
debris in the form of logs, trash, and even a large number of stairways and docks.
The beaches will be evaluated in the spring of 2020 to determine how to best restore
access to Park visitors.
Grand River - The accessible kayak launches at Grand River Park, Grand Ravines
Park, Eastmanville Bayou, and Connor Bayou were noticeably missing this spring
as the high water prevented the installation of all but one. Plans are being made to
modify the kayak launches to allow installation in high water conditions.
Lake Macatawa - Areas along the banks at Black Lake Boardwalk and the Pump
House Museum & Learning Center required armoring with riprap and some
sidewalks repairs.
Pigeon River - An overlook at Hemlock Crossing Park began eroding into the Pigeon
River. Staff removed the existing overlook and re-constructed a new overlook
further from the shoreline.
Port Sheldon Natural Area - Even inland we are seeing the effects of the high water.
One of the parking lots at Port Sheldon Natural Area was closed due to persistent
flooding on the trails. Visitors were encouraged to use other entrances to avoid the
flooded area of the park.
New Maintenance Facilities
As the park system grows, facilities are required for
improved operations. This year, a North Park Operations
Center was added to Eastmanville Farm in Coopersville.
This facility has a publicly accessible restroom that
replaced a vault toilet that was on the site. It will allow
staff in the area to work more efficiently as parks and
trails are added in the northern region.
Damaged stairs on the
southern side of Kirk Park
Connor Bayou kayak launch
installation in early summer
Armored shoreline at Historic
Ottawa Beach along the Black Lake
Boardwalk
FY2019 was a year of great growth for the Parks system. The addition of Ottawa
Sands, Stearns Creek, Idema Explorers Trail, and the Ottawa Beach Marina
significantly increased the responsibilities of Parks operations staff. While many
of these changes were planned, the Operations team dealt with many unplanned
challenges as well.

14. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 14Natural Resource Management |
Effectively invasive free properties
Three properties joined Van Buren Dunes and Kirk Park in being effectively invasive-free
(free of detectable reproducing invasive plants):
• Connor Bayou (with the exception of the flood plain area)
• Port Sheldon Natural Area
• Rosy Mound Natural Area
It takes many years to make progress on the removal of invasive plants, and without
volunteers, itwouldnotbepossible.ActivemanagementofConnorBayoubeganin2008
and has taken 10 years to become effectively invasive-free. These properties continue to
be surveyed annually to catch new introductions.
Hiawatha Drain Results
In 2018, the Parks & Recreation Commission partnered with the Water Resources Commission
(WRC) to construct a drain through park property that serves the community during large
storm events, while also expanding and creating new, native habitat: Coastal plain marsh.
The project is considered successful for both the Parks & Recreation Commission and WRC. In
fact, the WRC received the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners Innovation
and Excellence Award.
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Prescribed Fire
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission has been conducting prescribed
fires to manage park and open space properties for many years. New this year, Parks staff
conducted its first in-house burn, in addition to
morecomplexcontractedburns.Thein-houseteam
has six certified staff members, three with national
certifications and three with midwest certifications.
Staff uses safety equipment equivalent with what a
burn contractors would use.
Three burns were conducted this year:
• Robinson Forest (contracted)
• Hiawatha Forest (contracted)
• Hemlock Crossing (in-house team)
Ottawa County Parks is a natural resource-based parks system and much effort goes into
ensuring the best possible stewardship of the land, balancing recreation with conservation. To
further prioritize this work, a full-time Stewardship Supervisor position was added. This position
manages a three-person Stewardship Crew and reports to the Natural Resources Manager. With
the help of our most engaged volunteers, the Park Stewards, this team has achieved several
noteworthy accomplishments this year.
Spring 2018 - Drain under construction
Spring 2018 - Volunteers and crews creating
wildlife hibernaculum (refuge areas)
Spring 2019 - The same area with 37 new
species; 63% of which are native
Spring 2019 - Re-growth in areas of construction;
these wetland species were not seeded

15. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 15Volunteers |
Volunteers play an integral role in the Parks system. One major contribution is
the help of volunteers in providing a high level of land stewardship through
invasive species control, restoration of degraded sites, and continued
inventory of natural features. In addition to the stewardship work, volunteers
assist with programs, park monitoring, and administrative tasks at the office.
Improving and expanding the Parks system’s volunteer plan will allow for
increased capacity without additional operational costs.
Each year we are grateful to have volunteers who go above and beyond
traditional partnerships. Park Stewards would certainly belong in this
category, as they travel to different parks in the county each week to tackle
a variety of tasks. Other partners of note include Train Grand Haven and the
Careerline Tech Center.
Train Grand Haven
Train Grand Haven tackled one of the most difficult and least popular projects
that we have ever needed help with: adding gravel to the on-grade stairs to
prevent trip hazards at Rosy Mound Natural Area. In order to fill the stairs near
the beach, they carried full buckets of gravel up and down hundreds of stairs.
VOLUNTEERS
9,6681,712 VOLUNTEER
HOURS
TOTAL
VOLUNTEERS
$99,102VALUE OFVOLUNTEER
TIME (EQUALTO NEARLY
4 FULL-TIME POSITIONS)
29 550ACRESPROPERTIES
VOLUNTEERS HELPED IMPROVE
Careerline Tech Center
Students in the CareerlineTech (CTC) Natural Resources and Outdoor
Studies and Construction programs worked together to build and
install 28 boot brush stations and a wader wash station at 10 park
properties.
Cleaning off boots and waders is an easy way for park visitors to help
stop the spread of invasive species. By offering these stations, Ottawa
County Parks joins an international campaign called PlayCleanGo:
Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks.
Though this campaign is gaining traction, there isn’t a boot brush
station available on the market, which is what made the partnership
with CTC so successful. Students used their specialized skills to build
and install these stations and worked with industry professionals
while giving back to the community in their field of study.

16. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 16
PROGRAMS & EDUCATION
Development of School Programs: A collaborative effort
Each year a growing number of teachers look to integrate more hands-on nature
experiences into their lessons. They continue to turn to the Ottawa County Parks Nature
Center to guide them in these efforts.
Early Education Program
Over 1,380 pre-k students participated in our monthly Early Education Program in either a
monthly or bi-weekly format in 2019 from the following schools:
• St. Mary’s Preschool • North Holland Kindergarten
• Rosepark Christian • Jenison ECC Transitional Kindergarten
• Southside Christian • Jenison ECC preschool program
Eco-Vision
Staff partnered with the Curriculum Director and teachers at Jenison Public Schools to
assist with the instruction of the entire sixth grade class. The new and improved Eco-
Vision program helps students gain insight into the ecosystems around them, how they
function, and how people are connected to ecosystems. This “vision” into ecology and
environmental awareness will benefit our community and beyond for many years to come.
Creature Connections & Adaptations
TheNatureCenterlaunchedanewthird-andfourth-gradecurriculum:CreatureConnections
& Adaptations. This program uses the springboard of a “featured creature”to aid students
in looking at how creatures adapt and how they are connected to other organisms around
them.
Homeschool Nature Center Expansion
When the Nature Center began offering a multi-session homeschool program for 10-
12 year old in 2018, requests were received for a similar program for younger children.
This year, the Nature Center was able to launch Homeschool Early Explorers for ages
5-9. The four-hour sessions encourage children to develop deeper connections to their
natural world through season-specific topics that incorporate observations, in-depth
investigations, and time for reflection.
Programs & Education |
“I want to come here every
day! Can I live here? When do
we get to come back? I love
taking care of nature.”
-Preschool student

17. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 17Programs & Education |
NATURE CENTER
Great Lakes Audubon
The Nature Center hosted its first official conference
this year. The conference was designed for leaders from
Audubon Chapters in the Great Lakes region to connect
with Audubon staff from the Chicago and New York
Offices. The weekend included fieldtrip opportunities at
Hemlock Crossing and other county parks.
Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective
The LVAC hosted an Art in The Parks event to benefit
the Ottawa County Parks Foundation in the spring. The
Nature Center was transformed into an exhibit hall that
featured over 250 wonderful pieces of art from local
artists. As a result of this event, the Nature Center now
partners with the LVAC to display seasonal artwork that
features parks and nature.
Native Garden
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, Linda Anderson and
Barb Beck, the pollinator garden and native landscaped
gardens at the Nature Center’s entrance have looked
well-maintained throughout this year. They spent many
mornings weeding and transplanting natives to other
areas of the garden. Linda created a “landscape” map
and an informational booklet for visitors interested in
learning more about the garden. Linda also helped to
create professional plant ID plaques that identify each
plant and provide some basic information.
The Ottawa County Parks Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park has served as
both an educational facility and visitor center for nearly 10 years. It is the hub of
nature education for all ages, hosting a variety of year-round programs for students,
families, and adults and both large and small groups.
The building includes exhibits, a wildlife den with critters and activities, a wildlife
viewing area where you can watch birds and animals at the feeders, and a gift shop.
It is also a popular rental facility.
413 programs offered
217 public programs served
4,717 participants
196 school/group programs served
7,410 participants
16,929 visitors to the
Nature Center
6,731 participated in programs
10,198 were“walk-ins”
905 reservations attendees

18. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 18Health & Wellness |
Step it Up!
Ottawa County Parks continued its partnership with the Department
of Public Health (OCDPH), Planning & Performance Improvement,
Innovation & Technology, and Allegan County to provide a free,
eight-week walking program to the community.
In 2019, over 1,300 people registered for Step it Up!, a 27% increase
in enrollment from the previous year.
A new component of the program was the addition of 15 minutes of
strength and stretching prior to group walks.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Park Rx America
Ottawa County Parks, along with the City of Holland, Holland Charter
Township, Park Township, Laketown Township, and the Outdoor
Discovery Center, partnered with Park Rx America and Holland
Hospital’s Physical Hospital Organization (PHO) to bring nature
prescriptions to patients in the Holland-area.
Due to the influx of recent studies uncovering
the science behind the healing power of nature,
healthcare is changing. Parks advocates know,
anecdotally, that time outside helps us feel
happier and healthier.With data to back that up,
doctors are getting behind the movement to
get more people outside more often. The Park
Rx America platform helps doctors, who may
not know local parks systems, connect their
patients to a park that is a good fit for them.
The county’s participation in this movement garnered
a significant amount of interest from local press and constituents.
The North Ottawa Wellness Foundation funded Park Rx pads to help
promote the program.
66%of participants
reported that their
health improved
as a result of
participating
in Step It Up!
Weekly group walks continue to be a popular component of
Step it Up!, with over 100 walkers regularly attending.
Ottawa Walks was created to continue to provide the
opportunity to walk with a group each week, year-round.
“What researchers are finding is that we were designed
to be healthier, to exercise more and to eat more plants.
Our brains are developed for sunshine and fresh air.”
-Dr. Beth Peter, physician with the Holland PHO
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
With the help of two volunteers, over 80 parks are
available on Park Rx America for local doctors to
prescribe.
Kyle Morrison, a pre-med student, input all of the
Ottawa County Parks property data into the Park Rx
America platform.
Dr. Barb W. Brown coordinated efforts with four
local municipalities to ensure their park data was
added by the launch date.
Ottawa Walks
As a result of the success of Step it Up! and the demand for weekly
walks throughout the year, Ottawa Walks was launched. Parks and
OCDPH staff recruited and trained volunteers to host group walks
in locations convenient to them (park or neighborhood). These free
walks are located in areas all over the county.
Name:
Discover Parks: miOttawa.org/ParksPhysicians can create a prescription: parkrxamerica.org
Recommended Activities:
† Walking
† Hiking
† Jogging
† Biking
† Playground with kids
or grandkids
† Kayaking / canoeing† Fishing
† Geocaching
† Cross-country skiing
† Attend a parks program
† Adams Street Landing
† Connor Bayou
† Crockery Creek
Natural Area
† Deer Creek Park
† Eastmanville Farm
† Grand Ravines
† Grand River Park
† Grose Park
† Hager Park
† Hawthorn Pond
Natural Area
† Hemlock Crossing
† Historic Ottawa Beach
† Kirk Park
† Musketawa Trail
† North Beach Park
† North Ottawa Dunes
† Olive Shores
† Ottawa Sands
† Paw Paw Park
† Pigeon Creek Park
† Pine Bend
† Riley Trails
† Riverside Park
† Rosy Mound
Natural Area
† Stearns Creek Park
† Spring Grove Park
† Tunnel Park
† Upper Macatawa
Natural Area
Dose: minutes per day,
days per week
Signature:
Enjoy time outside at a park!
Date:
Refills: Unlimited
Park RxOttawa County Parks &Recreation Commission
Find a free walkinggroup near you:miOttawa.org/ottawawalks
Natural spaces have been shown to positively affectbrain and body function by: Lowering blood pressure,improving concentration, improving mood and reducingstress, and providing increased vitamin D
Ottawa County Parks
to visit & explore

19. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 19
Ottawa County Parks Foundation
As the park system has grown over the past 20 years, so has the percentage of the millage
required to operate and maintain properties. While the bulk of the funds will be used for that
purpose, there are still new projects on the horizon, including:
• Construction of trails along the Grand River and Macatawa River Greenways
• Extension of the Pigeon River Greenway
• Expansion and development of the Bend Area and Ottawa Sands
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation exists to raise funds to assist the Ottawa County Parks
and Recreation Commission in achieving its goal and is expected to have an expanding role
in the future.
In 2019, the Parks Foundation contributed
over $180,000 for the Grand River Greenway.
They hosted multiple events to raise funds and
awareness for the organization including:
• Art in the Parks at the Nature Center in
collaboration with the Lakeshore Visual
Arts Collective
• Breakfast at the Park at Grand Ravines
• Fall into Nature for families at the Nature
Center
Long-term Funding |
Friends of Ottawa County Parks
The Friends of Ottawa County Parks support the parks system in many ways, including:
Open Houses - Friends of Ottawa County Parks hosted Open Houses for the public at both
the Weaver House and the Grand Ravines Lodge, as well as an incredibly popular Santa event
at the Nature Center.
Park Stewardship & Monitoring - Friends volunteer hundreds of hours within the Park system
both on their own and at scheduled workdays. They can be found helping with everything
from tending the eco-goats to treating invasive plants.
School Groups - In addition to assisting with programs and field trips, the organization helped
cover transportation expenses for many student field trips.
Community Events - Friends Board
Members represented Ottawa County
Parks at over 15 community table events.
The organization also helped to make
Park events extra special by providing
refreshments at the Stearns Creek and
Ottawa Beach Marina Park Dedications.
They went above and beyond this year,
also funding pontoon boat tours for guests
at the marina event!
FUNDING & SUPPORTING
ORGANIZATIONS
While income from fees and permits provide an important source of operating revenues, the voter-
supported parks millage provides core funding for Ottawa County Parks. In addition to supporting
a wide variety of park improvements and operations, the millage helps secure grant funds that are
critical to the expansion and improvement of the park system. The 10-year millage was renewed in
2016 with over 72% of public support.

20. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 20Commission, Staff, & Long-Term Funding |
David VanGinhoven, President
Roger E. Jonas, Vice President
Philip Kuyers, Secretary
Joe Bush
Tom Elhart
Matthew Fenske
Vanessa Gutierrez*
James Holtvluwer
Kelly N. Rice
Tom Werkman
Greg DeJong, Chair
Roger Bergman, Vice Chair
Joe Baumann
Allen Dannenberg
Matthew Fenske
Francisco C. Garcia
James Holtvluwer
Philip Kuyers
Kyle Terpstra
Randy Meppelink
Doug Zylstra
Park Planning & Development
Coordinator of Park Planning &
Development
Curt TerHaar
Park Planner
Aaron Bodbyl-Mast
Administration
Administrative Assistant
Kyle Roffey
Communication Specialist
Jessica VanGinhoven
Senior Secretary
Tabitha Rowley
Parks Secretary
Mary Bohn
Interpretive Services
Coordinator of Interpretive Services
Kristen Hintz
Parks Naturalist
Curtis Dykstra
Secretary
Mindy Stanton
PARKS & RECREATION
COMMISSION
BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS PARKS STAFF
Park Maintenance & Operations
Coordinator of Park Maintenance &
Operations
Jason Boerger
Park Operations Manager
Bob Reichel
Guest Services Supervisor
Elaine Eberling
Natural Resources Manager
Melanie Manion
Stewardship Supervisor
Nealy Molhoek
Parks Supervisors
Anne Engvall (North)
Collin Zackrison (East)
Jeremy Cook*** (West)
Eric Frifeldt*** (Central)
Parks Equipment Specialist
Jeremy Hamstra
Parks Maintenance
Aaron Goodell
Bob Shannon
Tom Dorton
Parks & Recreation Director
Jason Shamblin**
The Parks Commission also
employs a part-time Volunteer
Outreach Coordinator as well
as over 100 seasonal and part-
time staff, including Naturalist
Guides, Park Attendants, Grounds
Attendants, an intern, and
Gatekeepers.
***Staff as of December 2019 (FY20)
*Ray Statema served on the Parks & Recreation
Commission until February 2019
**John Scholtz served as the
Director of Ottawa County Parks
& Recreation until June 2019

21. Ottawa County Parks | 2019 Annual Report 21Appendix A - Property Data |
PROPERTY DATA
WATER FRONTAGE
(linear feet)
Parks and Open Spaces
Total
Acres
Lake
Michigan
Frontage
River
Frontage
Bayou &
Inland Lake
Frontage
GRAND RIVER GREENWAY
Idema ExplorersTrail
Stearns Creek 118 6,213
Connor Bayou 142 4,563 1,687
Crockery Creek Natural Area 334 2,640
Jubb Bayou (Open Space) 97 4,589 4,026
Riverside Park 95 6,737
Bur Oak Landing (Open Space) 263 7,392 5,267
Eastmanville Farm 229 1,365
Eastmanville Bayou Open Space 157 9,364 8,300
Deer Creek Park 2 530
Ripps Bayou (Open Space) 173 7,550 7,992
Kuits Bayou (Open Space) 80 6,191 2,650
Grand River Open Space 279 7,890
Grand River Ravines 202 2,640
Grand River Park 162 2,505
Bend Area (Open Space) 258 6,931
Un-named Sites - GTTownship East (4 parcels) 31 1,267
Grand River GreenwayTotal 2,622 0 72,153 29,922
PIGEON RIVER GREENWAY
Hemlock Crossing/Pine Bend 239 7,920
Pigeon River Open Space 46 2,354
Pigeon Creek Park 282 3,200
Pigeon Creek Forest (Open Space) 130
Pigeon River GreenwayTotal 697 0 13,474 0
MACATAWA RIVER GREENWAY
Paw Paw Park 172 6,878
Adams Street Landing 10 1,100
Hawthorn Pond 40 1,792
96th Ave Property 5 1,471
Upper Macatawa Natural Area 612 13,100
Macatawa River GreenwayTotal 839 0 24,341 0
PROPERTY DATA
WATER FRONTAGE
(linear feet)
Parks and Open Spaces
Total
Acres
Lake
Michigan
Frontage
River
Frontage
Bayou &
Inland Lake
Frontage
LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL GREENWAY
North Ottawa Dunes 593
North Beach Park 7 745
Ottawa Sands 345 5,740 8,400
Rosy Mound Natural Area 164 3,450
Kirk Park 68 1,850
Olive Shores 21 738
Tunnel Park 23 950
Historic Ottawa Beach Parks 58 756 2,560
Lake MI Coastal GreenwayTotal 1,279 8,489 5,740 10,960
GENERAL PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS
MusketawaTrail
Un-named Site -WrightTownship 8
Grose Park 40 823
Marne Bog 83
Robinson Forest (Open Space) 80
Johnson Street Forest (Open Space) 50
Hiawatha Forest (Open Space) 365
Hager Park 104
Port Sheldon Natural Area (Open Space) 440
Van Buren Street Dunes (Open Space) 120
Spring Grove Park 16
RileyTrails 300
Misc.Total 1,606 0 0 823
GRANDTOTAL 7,042 8,489 115,709 41,705
APPENDIX A -
PROPERTY DATA