February 28, 2023 – For immediate release
Press contact: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 786-4847

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission is now managing Kouw & Windsnest Parks

On January 24, 2023 the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved the partnership between the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission with the Port Sheldon Township to manage:

• Kouw Park: 5591 Lakeshore Ave., Holland 
• Windsnest Park: 7905 Margaret Ave. West Olive 

>> Read Port Sheldon Township's release by clicking here

Windsnest Park is one of two lakeshore parks in Port Sheldon Township that will be managed by Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission in 2023. Photo courtesy of @frommichiganwithloveblog on Instagram.

Why is Ottawa County Parks & Recreation managing these parks?

If you’re a summertime beach go-er, it likely does not come as a surprise that local beaches have been busier! Busier parks and bigger crowds often result in a need for additional staff presence to support the increase in visitation.

“Over the past year and a half, the Port Sheldon Township Board has been working to address an influx of issues with our lakeshore parks, including complaints of overcrowding, abuse of rules, trespassing, and other issues,” said Port Sheldon Township Supervisor, Mike Sabatino. “Through a management agreement, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation has been contracted to handle the custodial and enforcement concerns for the parks.”

Jason Shamblin, Director of the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission said the Parks Commission would be responsible for the maintenance and operations of Kouw and Windsnest Park, while the Township would be responsible for capital improvements and major renovations. 

“This will be a great win-win for both of us,” said Shamblin. “We’ll have shared responsibility, and I think it’s going to work out great. This model of forging partnerships and collaborations to serve residents is consistent with the Parks Commission’s ongoing strategy of leveraging the public investment made by the community.”

Important information about both properties:

• Port Sheldon Township still maintains ownership/oversight of both parks. They own Kouw Park and lease the land for Windsnest Park.
• Port Sheldon Township has contracted these services out for many years. However, with the increase in traffic and subsequent complaints, particularly at Windsnest Park, they opted to contract with a local organization who has a proven track record and expertise in parks management.

What does this mean for Port Sheldon Township residents?

An Ottawa County Parks & Recreation motor vehicle permit will be required Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at both parks. Port Sheldon Township residents can expect an option for a discounted motor vehicle permit. This discount will be subsidized by Port Sheldon Township. 

Annual motor vehicle permits will be discounted for Port Sheldon Township Residents (-$5) and an additional Senior discount will also apply for those who qualify. As an additional benefit, the discounted permit also allows access to all of the other Ottawa County lakeshore parks (Tunnel Park, Kirk Park, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Olive Shores, and North Beach Park) for the season.

Ottawa County residents will be able to purchase their annual motor vehicle permits this April. When purchasing your permit, if your address is in Port Sheldon Township, you will be automatically eligible for a discounted permit.

Parks that require a motor vehicle permit Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 

• North Beach Park 
• Olive Shores 
• Kirk Park 
• Rosy Mound Natural Area 
• Tunnel Park 
• Kouw Park
• Windsnest Park
• Riverside Park (boat launch only) 

To be alerted with annual motor vehicle permit sales are available, sign up here.

What else should I know about this transition?

Visitors to Kouw & Windsnest Parks in Port Sheldon Township will notice several changes this year thanks to the new partnership.

Park Rules & Changes 

1. The rules will still be the same regarding no alcohol or fires allowed in the parks. 
2. A big change is that dogs WILL be allowed, from September 30 to May 1. Dogs were previously prohibited at both parks.
3. Park visitors will have the option to exclusively rent a pavilion for events. First come, first serve usage is still available, if the pavilions are not rented. Pavilions will be available to book online soon: Rental Facilities - Ottawa County, Michigan (miottawa.org).
4. A motor vehicle permit is required Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. This permit can be purchased at the park via pay stations or the Ottawa County website (beginning in April 2023).