For Immediate Release | January 10, 2022
Press contact: Department of Strategic Impact | 616-738-4852

In order to cross the ravines and wetland areas along Phase II of Spoonville Trail, five 14-foot-wide boardwalks were constructed. The largest ravine crossing needed a 250-foot-long and 18-foot-high boardwalk. [Photo Courtesy Ottawa County]

County, partners recognized for Spoonville Trail Project

Department of Strategic Impact wins APWA Michigan - Midwest Branch Public Works Project of the Year Award

WEST OLIVE - West Michigan's natural beauty and convenient location to major metropolitan areas make it a popular destination for recreation. Ottawa County for decades has worked to increase recreational opportunities by carefully planning for and developing a system of non-motorized trails through some of the region's most stunning landscapes. This dedication to the public good hasn't gone unnoticed - on December 15, 2021, Ottawa County's Department of Strategic Impact (DSI) was honored by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Michigan - Midwest Branch with a Public Works Project of the Year Award for its work on Spoonville Trail.

"We are absolutely honored by this award. The completion of this essential north-south connecter trail across the Grand River represents a major milestone in the County's plans to build a truly regional non-motorized network of pathways."

Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact Director Paul Sachs

The 4.2-mile Spoonville Trail Project, built on behalf of the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department for inclusion into the County's existing trail infrastructure, was completed in 2021. Named after the 19th-century village that once existed on the north bank of the Grand River, this non-motorized pathway safely guides cyclists and walkers over the MDOT M-231 Grand River Bridge crossing, hugs the picturesque Terre Verde golf course, and ends in Nunica, giving cyclists, runners, and walkers access to the North Bank Trail in Spring Lake and the 28-mile-long Idema Explorers Trail in Grand Haven.

"We are absolutely honored by this award," said Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact Director Paul Sachs. "The completion of this essential north-south connecter trail across the Grand River represents a major milestone in the County's plans to build a truly regional non-motorized network of pathways."

Established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects, the Works Project of the Year Award recognizes the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor who collaborate to complete a project. Consultant for the Spoonville Trail Project was Prein & Newhof, and contractor was Anlaan Corporation.

By winning the Michigan Midwest Chapter Project of the Year Award, Spoonville Trail automatically moves on to statewide award consideration. Statewide APWA awards will be presented at the APWA Conference May 24-26 at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls, Mich.

A cornerstone link in Ottawa County's non-motorized network, Spoonville Trail is already enhancing recreational opportunities within the region, and is being regularly used by cyclists and runners.

About the APWA

The American Public Works Association (APWA) serves professionals in all aspects of public works, making it a voice for public works throughout North America. APWA includes not only personnel from local, county, state/province, and federal agencies, but also private sector personnel who supply products and services to those professionals. Membership in APWA is open to any individual, agency, or corporation with an interest in public works and infrastructure issues. For more information, visit Michigan.apwa.net.