April 7 - For immediate release
Media contact: Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks: (616) 738-4810

Learn more about the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, a new, local non-profit support parks and green spaces in Ottawa County.

This month, the newly formed Ottawa County Parks Foundation will launch to the general public. "In order to celebrate, we're offering a special event on April 20 at 5 pm at the Nature Education Center," said Parks spokesperson, Jessica VanGinhoven. "We plan to introduce everyone to the Parks Foundation, discuss some current and future projects, and make a major Parks announcement," said VanGinhoven.

The Ottawa County Parks Foundation officially became a 501(c)(3) organization last year. With funding support from the Grand Haven Community Foundation, the all-volunteer board of directors was able to develop a strategic plan. "This Foundation has been a long time coming," said Board President, Tom Werkman. "We wanted to get started on the right foot." 

Many may wonder why, with a tax payer supported millage, the Parks Foundation was created. "There has been a lot of interest in major donations, of both dollars and land, to the Ottawa County Parks system, but many people would prefer to donate to a non-profit rather than a government organization," said Werkman, who also serves on the Parks Commission. "That said, private donations to the Parks Commission aren't new. The commission receives donations large and small from the community. Those dollars help us make parks that are already high quality, excellent. The ravine overlook at Grand Ravines County Park is a great example. That structure was built with a gift from the Aldrink family." 

One way the Parks Foundation will support the Parks Commission, and thus, the residents and visitors of Ottawa County is assisting with specific, strategic land purchases that are sometimes out of the Parks Commission's reach. "As the Ottawa County park system grows and develops, much of the millage revenue is used to keep existing parks in the best possible condition," said Werkman. Opportunities for land also often arise quickly, "Millage revenue is carefully planned out in a 10-year budget. It can be tough to be flexible."

"Essentially the Ottawa County Parks Foundation provides a vehicle for anyone to make a gift that will yield a lifetime return," said Werkman. "Our organization exists to ensure that wise investments can be made for today and tomorrow."

Event Details

April 20, 2017, 5-6:30 pm - brief program begins at 5:15
Light snacks will be served.

Nature Education Center, located in Hemlock Crossing County Park:
8115 W Olive Rd, West Olive 49460

View this event on Facebook.