April 26, 2018 - For immediate release
Media contacts: Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks: (616) 738-4810

Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s Grand River Greenway Campaign to receive $50,000 grant from Consumers Energy Foundation

Progress continues to be made on fundraising for the Grand River Greenway and the Idema Explorers Trail with the Consumers Energy Foundation recently committed to a $50,000 gift to the campaign.

“‘Leaving it better than we found it’ is a stand we’ve taken as a company and a foundation as we consider Michigan’s future,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We have called this great state home for 130 years and the contribution to Ottawa County Parks’ Grand River Greenway will help ensure continued access to the river and adjacent trails for generations and provide citizens of all ages unlimited opportunities to hike and explore the area’s natural beauty.”

The greenway campaign is is the culmination of a 30-year vision to protect thousands of acres of high quality natural and recreational lands along the Grand River in Ottawa County and then connect the lands with a multi-use trail, the Idema Explorers Trail. 

Watch a video featuring the Grand River Explorers Trail.

“One of the things that I love about this project is not only that it will make the Grand River more accessible to thousands of families, but that it will also connect Grand Rapids and Grand Haven together with a river pathway route for the first time," said Peter Secchia, a co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Committee. "People will be able to start from Millennium Park, travel from park to park, have ice cream or a burger in Jenison or Allendale, and end with a sunset on the Grand Haven Pier.”

To accomplish the vision of the Grand River Greenway, Ottawa County Parks plans to acquire 700 acres of additional land and construct 27 miles of new trail (with 13 miles of the trail along or near the river or other water features). This will require $21 million in funding, with the Parks Foundation seeking $7.2 million in philanthropic gifts to leverage anticipated public funding. The Parks Foundation has raised nearly $5.7 million. 

"We are very grateful for the support from the Consumers Energy Foundation and the ongoing support of the community,” said Tom Werkman, President of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and a member of the Greenway Campaign Committee. "We plan to keep up the momentum and hope to announce new commitments to the project soon."

Consumers Energy, its foundation, employees and retirees last year contributed over $17 million to Michigan nonprofits. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy, providing funds for education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment, and emerging issues. 

Members of the press are invited to attend a brief check presentation ceremony on Thursday, May 3 at 2:00 pm at Connor Bayou County Park in Grand Haven. Contact Jessica VanGinhoven for more information.