Press Release: Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission welcomes two new members
Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 02/15/2024 10:30 AM EST
Feb 15, 2024 – For immediate release Press contact: Rylie Dorman, (616) 994-4774
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission welcomes two new members
The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission was created in 1987 to oversee the management and operation of the county parks system. The Parks and Recreation Commission is dedicated to providing Ottawa County residents and visitors with park facilities as well as recreational and educational opportunities that enhance the quality and enjoyment of their lives.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is made up of 10 members, five from the general public, two County Commissioners, and designees from the Road Commission, West Michigan Regional Planning Commission, and the Water Resources Commissioner's office.
County Commissioner • Roger Belknap
Roger (Rog) Belknap is a lifelong West Michigan resident, having grown up in Chester Township and currently resides in Grand Haven Township. Belknap is a small business owner and has over 20 years of public service experience, most recently working for the Michigan Department of Transportation as the Transportation Asset Management Council Program Coordinator. He has infrastructure planning and management experience gained while working as the Public Works Director for the communities of Cedar Springs and Spring Lake. Rog also worked for the Kent County Road Commission as a Transportation Planner where he was involved with roadway information system management and coordination of community development initiatives. Rog earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Public Administration and over the course of his career obtained licenses for municipal utility operations and other vocational training.
"I’m very excited to work alongside our professional staff and other members of the Ottawa County Parks Commission to continue development of our outstanding Parks System, which I believe to be the best in the Midwest. With Ottawa County’s abundant rivers, lakes, beaches, trails and forest areas, the Ottawa County Parks Commission has thoughtfully created amenities that enhance your hiking, biking, swimming, and camping activities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to assist in planning and maintaining these assets for future generations to enjoy."
Public • Bruce Greenlee
Bruce Greenlee and his wife settled in Ottawa County in 2009 after their daughter moved to the area to attend Hope College. They quickly discovered and began enjoying the county's great parks. Through 18 years of living and raising two kids in Western Colorado, Bruce and his wife developed a love for hiking, biking, skiing/snowboarding, and canoeing. He was impressed by the beautiful waterways, woodland trails, and great lakeshore beaches of Ottawa County. Since becoming an empty nester, Bruce has had ample time to explore and appreciate the county's nearby parks and open spaces.
Bruce appreciates the work of the invested citizens and donors who have been faithful stewards in conserving and protecting local natural resources. He is committed to being among the faithful stewards in the ongoing process of preserving the beauty and quality of Ottawa County's parks, beaches, and trails. His favorites include Tunnel Park, Hemlock Crossing, Pigeon Creek, North Beach, and Riley Trails.
Having retired from 3.5 decades as a physical therapist, Bruce has experience in speaking with people from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and varied ages. He has a keen understanding of physical functioning levels and needs for optimal mobility and quality of life. Bruce encourages everyone, no matter their age or ability, to enjoy the parks for fun, success, and relaxation. He believes that preserving these opportunities for posterity is important for years to come.
Since retiring, Bruce has been part of a landscape crew, planting and maintaining a variety of bushes, flowers, perennials, and trees, along with ponds and water features. His appreciation for nature and the outdoors motivates him to help ensure that existing parks are well maintained and that new parks are developed for years of public enjoyment.
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission Meetings
The Parks & Recreation Commission typically meets on the second to last Wednesday of the month at 3 pm at the Ottawa County Fillmore Complex in the Administrative Building. The specific meeting room will be listed on the screen in the main lobby. Meetings are available to watch via livestream here.
Meeting dates: February 21, March 20, April 17, May 22, June 19, July 24, August 21, September 18, October 23, November 20, December 18
As of January 2024, the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission Roster is as follows:
Kelly N. Rice, President (Public)
Jane Longstreet, Vice President (Public)
Linda McAffrey, Secretary (Public)
Roger Belknap (County Commissioner)
Joe Bush (Water Resources Commissioner Statutory)
Bruce Greenlee (Public)
Lukas Hill (Public)
Allison Miedema (County Commissioner)
Jim Miedema (Road Commission Statutory)
Paul Sachs (West Michigan Regional Planning Commission Statutory)