May 27, 2021 – For immediate release
Press contact: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 738-4810

Celebrate the American Hiking Society’s #NationalTrailsDay with Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Millions of people have found physical, mental, and emotional restoration on trails and in quality green space during the pandemic. Let’s return the favor as a community! Help care for our magnificent trails and advocate for equitable inclusion outdoors by:

1. Joining us for a volunteer work day or a program on June 5, 2021

• Program 1 – Restoration at Riverside Park, 9-10 am
• Trail Workday 1 – Trail Maintenance at Riverside Park, 10 am-12 pm
• Program 2 – Spend Sixty at the Bend, 1-2 pm
• Trail Workday 2 – Trail Creation at Bend Area Open Space, 2-4 pm 

Your assistance at the workdays will help us prepare for two upcoming events:

Bend Area Celebration

On June 11, 2021 from 2-4 pm we'll celebrate the expansion of the Grand River Greenway with the recent acquisition of 149 acres of land at Bend Area Open Space in Jenison. This property is undeveloped now, but its future is bright. Attendees are invited to explore a newly developed hiking loop and an important Idema Explorers Trail connection.

Here's a sneak peek of the work being done at the property. 

Riverside BioBlitz

On June 12, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation will be hosting its first-ever BioBlitz at Riverside Park (from pre-dawn to dusk). This event will bring local scientists and conservation organizations together to work with community members to build an awareness of the biodiversity along the Grand River while collecting monitoring data. All ages welcome - no experience needed!

2. Support your trails by donating to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation

The Ottawa County Parks Foundation raises funds to assist the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission in achieving goals for acquiring land, developing parks and providing parks and recreation services and nature education programs for residents and visitors of Ottawa County. Programs to achieve these goals include various fundraising initiatives including efforts to secure donations of estates, solicitation of general donations from individuals and foundations, mail and email solicitations, fundraisers including annual event. Learn more: ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/

3. Taking the National Trails Day® Pledge

I pledge to take action in 2021 to care for trails and advocate for equitable, safe access to quality green spaces.

Help us spread the word on Facebook!