DATE - For immediate release
Media contacts: Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks: (616) 405-3999
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On August 2, 2016 voters will have the opportunity to renew and restore the Ottawa County Parks & Open Space Millage. 

Ottawa County’s system of parks and open spaces is made possible by voter support of the Ottawa County Parks & Open Space Millage. 

Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved ballot language for the renewal and restoration of the County Parks and Open Space Millage. If approved, the millage will provide funding for improving, operating, maintaining, and acquiring parks and open spaces in Ottawa County from 2018 through 2027. The millage would generate an estimated $3.5 million annually for maintenance and development of county parks.

The 10-year, 0.33 mill County Parks millage was first approved in 1996 by 53.5% of voters and was renewed at 0.33 mill for another 10 years in 2006 by 67% of voters. Voters first approved the millage at 0.33; however, it has been reduced to 0.3148 mill due to a state law that ties property tax rates and inflation (Headlee Rollback).

The proposal to renew the Parks millage also includes language to restore it to its originally approved rate of 0.33 mill. The average home owner in Ottawa County currently contributes about $25 annually to the Parks millage. The restoration would increase this annual payment to $26, an increase of $1 per year.

The millage accounts for 80% of the Ottawa County Parks operating budget, and although it is the cornerstone of its funding, it is not the only source of funds. Ottawa County Parks diversifies its funding by charging user fees where appropriate, use of partnerships, efforts to secure gifts and donations (with formation of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation currently underway), and continued aggressive efforts to secure state and federal grants. Millage funds have leveraged over $20 million in projects since 1996. 

Ottawa County Parks received $530,000 annually from the Ottawa County general fund until 2010, at the peak of the financial crisis. Currently the department does not receive any funding from the Ottawa County General Fund. The Parks Commission is able to stretch the budget due to the generous support of volunteers who contribute more than 10,000 hours of their time each year (equivalent of 5 full time positions). 

Accomplishments the parks millage made possible between since 2008

In addition to high-quality maintenance of parks lands, specific accomplishments include:

• Over 1,200 acres of land added to the park system.
• Olive Shores was purchased and developed, providing more public access to Lake Michigan.
• The Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing opened, serving as a visitor and learning center.
• Trails, parking, and other improvements were completed at North Ottawa Dunes.
• A wide range of work was completed at Historic Ottawa Beach including dune stairs and overlooks, waterfront walkway, fishing docks and renovation of the historic pump house building.
• Connor Bayou was developed as a county park with trails, restored cabin, fishing, and picnicking.
• The Upper Macatawa Natural Area was expanded and park improvements were completed, including parking lots, restrooms, and a diverse system of trails for hiking and biking.
• Eastmanville Farm was developed with parking, equestrian trails, interpretive displays, and renovation of the historic barn.
• The Grand River Heritage Water Trail was established and a series of three universally accessible kayak docks were installed.
• Master planning and park improvements were completed at Riley Trails.
• A new 172-acre Paw Paw Park was established by acquiring the former Holland Country Club and combining it with the original Paw Paw Park, which was leased from the City of Holland. Major habitat restoration work was completed, and park facilities were added including trails, disc golf, & picnicking.
• Acquisition and development of Grand Ravines provides scenic views along the Grand River and the largest free, off-leash dog park in the area.

If renewed, millage funds will be used for the following projects

There are quite a few projects planned for the next ten years. Here is an overview of our projects for the next decade.

• Continued emphasis on good stewardship and high-quality maintenance at all parks and open space lands.
• Expanded nature education programs and educational opportunities for all ages.
• Complete the Grand River Greenway, a 28-mile pathway connecting Grand Haven to Grand Rapids (and many parks in between), including acquiring remaining key lands and easements and developing connecting trail.
• Develop master plan and complete improvements at the Crockery Creek Natural Area, including an expanded trail system.
• Continued progress on Macatawa Greenway, including land and easement acquisition and trail extension.
• Expand the Bend Area in Georgetown Township and develop first phase improvements.
• Expand and improve Pigeon River Greenway lands, facilities, and trails.
• Further improvements to Grand Ravines following the park master plan.
• As needed, renovate existing facilities including resurfacing parking lots, re-building stairways and boardwalks, renovating restrooms, and other improvements to keep parks in excellent condition.
• Maintain and improve accessibility of parks for persons of all abilities.

Official ballot language

For the ten years of 2017 through 2026, shall the previously authorized increase in the total taxable property rate limitation in Ottawa County, which has been reduced by required rollback to 0.3148 mills, be renewed and restored to the original 0.33 mills (33 cents for each $1,000 of valuation) for the purpose of acquiring, improving, operating and maintaining parks and open space areas in Ottawa County? This is a renewal of an expiring millage and a restoration of the originally approved millage and if approved and levied in its entirety raises an estimated $3,500,000 in the first calendar year after its approval.

Questions about the Ottawa County Parks & Open Spaces millage renewal can be directed to the Ottawa County Parks Administrative Office: (616) 738-4810.

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