June 1, 2021 – For immediate release
Press contact: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 738-4810

Bend Area Celebration

Ottawa County Parks is pleased to invite the community to an upcoming Grand River Greenway event recognizing the opening of the expanded Bend Area Open Space and a recently completed two-mile section of the Idema Explorers Trail in Georgetown Township. The dedication event is scheduled for Friday, June 11 from 2-4 pm.

A short presentation will begin at 2:15 and will be followed by guided trail tours. 

Check out a sneak peek video of the new trails at the open space. This video was created in partnership with mi ECO buzz.

Sneak peek video

Can't join us for the event? Here are some other opportunities to get to know the property.

Join us for a National Trails Day program or volunteer work day on Saturday, June 5.

Spend Sixty at the Bend, 1-2 pm

Explore the Bend Area’s new trails, discover the importance of this spot along the Grand River Greenway and Idema Explorers Trail, and learn about what’s planned for its exciting future.

Trail Creation at Bend Area Open Space, 2-4 pm 

During this work day, we will be working on new trail creation and maintenance at the Bend Area. Please meet in the parking lot. We will provide tools, gloves, water, and a snack! Please come dressed for the weather and wearing closed toe shoes.

Scavenger Hunt

Get to know the Bend Area Open Space using a self-guided scavenger hunt! Share photos of your explorations with us on social media @ottawacountyparks / #ottawacountyparks

Scavenger Hunt - web version

Scavenger Hunt - printable version

Help us spread the word on Facebook!

About the Bend Area Open Space

The Bend Area is an evolving conservation and recreation property that Ottawa County Parks is still in the process of fully assembling. This future park site is the result of a long-term collaboration between the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission, Georgetown Township, as well as several land-owners and mining operators. The property currently includes extensive Grand River frontage and access, several man-made ponds and lakes, as well as 4+ miles of newly developed and marked hiking trails.

About the Idema Explorers Trail

The Idema Explorers Trail is a 36.5-mile multi-use pathway being developed on the south side of the Grand River that will connect Grand Haven to the Kent County border and connect Greenway lands together. 14 miles of the route is already completed. The trail is the culmination of decades of work that has been made possible with the assistance of several public and private partners.

Support 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 & make a donation: ottawacountyparksfoundation.org