Lukas Hill is a graduate of Northern Michigan University and is Certified Planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners. Hill has lived in Ottawa County for the last 15 years with his family while working for Spring Lake Township as their Community Development Director. Part of his role with the Township is to help develop park and recreation plans and coordinate associated grants with various state and local agencies. Hill successfully managed a joint grant application with the City of Norton Shores that doubled the size of Black Lake Park and improved it with an accessible kayak launch.  

Hill is also involved with the Friends of the North Bank Trail (NBT) that works to develop and improve the 18-mile regional rail trail from Spring Lake to Marne along the old Grand Trunk Railroad. His effort helped to get the first seven miles of the NBT on the ground, connecting Nunica to the existing trail systems in NW Ottawa County. According to Hill, “Nonmotorized bike path systems are one of the greatest types of park as they provide not only great spaces for recreation and adventure, but they also offer safe alternative transportation options.” 

Hill is very impressed by the history of the Ottawa County Parks System and recognizes how important it is to have a strong foundation of parks and open spaces in one of the fastest growing counties in Michigan. “Living in a county where residents continue to support a park’s millage has resulted in some of the best opportunities for park development and land acquisition,” Hill said. “I am excited and very honored to serve on this Commission.”