Update #2 - Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission COVID-19

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 03/19/2020 10:46 AM EDT

March 19, 2020 – For immediate release
Press contacts: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 738-4810

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation COVID-19 Information

Ottawa County Parks will be implementing the following plans immediately. The purpose of these decisions are to ensure we're doing all we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 by following recommendations made by the CDC, Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Click here to sign up for OCDPH alerts related to COVID-19.

Ottawa County Parks properties and trails are open and free to visit -- please be safe while you visit!

With over 7,000 acres and 100+ miles of trail, visiting an Ottawa County parks is a great way to combat cabin fever while practicing social distancing. And, the parks are free to use! The only fees associated with Ottawa County Parks are in effect Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and only at the lakeshore parks.

Visitors should be conscientious of social distancing (staying 6'-10' apart from others) while visiting parks, especially at busier ones such as Rosy Mound Natural Area, Olive Shores, and Grand Ravines. If you stop by one of these parks and the parking lot is over half full, consider exploring a new park. You can find all 40 properties here: miottawa.org/parks

Limit your group to under 10. Please do not congregate.

Be aware that hard surfaces such as playground equipment, handrails, and benches are not disinfected. Wash your hands before and after visiting a park.

Update (3/23/2020): All playgrounds are closed.

Facility/amenity closures through April 10, 2020:

All restroom facilities are closed (including pit toilets). Plan ahead before your hike.
All rental facilities are closed
The Nature Center remains closed and programs are canceled

We will do our best to bring nature to you through videos and Facebook Live programming. Visit us on Facebook to tune in (Youtube links will also be posted on our website).

Be smart, be safe, wash your hands, and get outside!

Please note that closures and cancellations may extend if recommendations from our county/state health officials change.

Online Programming Schedule

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Images included with this press release may be reproduced for editorial use.

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Ottawa County | Where You Belong

Operations, improvements and programs are funded by grants and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you pay $26 annually investing in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. Thank you. Learn more about the 7,000 acres of park land in Ottawa County at miOttawa.org/Parks

Ottawa County Parks

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