Good News for Greenways: Land Acquisition, Trail Connections, and More!
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce significant funding recommendations for several park projects slated for 2025. This funding will enhance recreational opportunities, improve facilities, and expand natural spaces that are vital to our community.
Our mission: To enhance well-being by stewarding a connected system of natural communities and promoting outdoor experiences.
Our vision: To be a leader in creating a legacy of expansive, accessible, and biodiverse natural communities for all to enjoy.
LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL GREENWAY
Rosy Mound Natural Area Acquisition - A significant milestone has been reached with the acquisition of the Rosy Mound Expansion property, finalized on December 20, 2024. This 127-acre acquisition nearly doubles the size of Rosy Mound Natural Area to 291 acres, completing a vision that has been in place since 1989. This acquisition was funded with $3.29 million in grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), a significant donation of value by the landowner, funding from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation (OCPF), and the Ottawa County Parks millage. This expansion is a critical step in achieving our vision of creating a connected system of natural communities for public enjoyment.
"This acquisition represents our commitment to providing high quality natural resources and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors of Ottawa County while ensuring that this beautiful coastal dune ecosystem thrives for generations to come. This would not be possible without the MNRTF, the generosity of the landowner, donors to the OCPF, and the residents of Ottawa County." - OCPRC Director, Jason Shamblin
The upcoming 2024 Master Plan update for Rosy Mound will integrate this new expansion area, focusing on ecological enhancements and improved visitor access. The preliminary plan calls for recreational improvements on only 2.5% of the expansion area, ensuring that 97.5% of the land remains in its natural state or receives ecological enhancements. Proposed features include paved parking, picnic spots, and an expanded trail system.
 Rosy Mound Expansion Area - Overall Draft Concept Master Plan (Ottawa County Parks and Recreation & MCSA Group)
GRAND RIVER GREENWAY
Bass River Segment - The first three miles of the Bass River Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail are planned for construction next year, connecting Riverside Park and the Bass River State Recreation Area in Robinson and Allendale townships. This project is being done in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) through a management agreement that allows for the construction of the Idema Explorers Trail in the 1,665-acre property. Eventually, the Bass River Segment will be over 7.4 miles from Riverside Park to Eastmanvile Bayou Open Space. As part of the partnership, the MDNR applied for $750,000 in Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant funding and in December this grant was recommended for funding. As a result, this phase of the project should be fully funded. With design completed and permits in place, this project is expected to go to bid in mid-2025. This project will include areas along the waterfront of Kirby Bayou at Riverside Park and Max Bayou at the Bass River State Recreation Area.
 Bass River Segment Map (Ottawa County Parks and Recreation)
Eastmanville Connector - Another portion of the Idema Explorers Trail is also in line for grant funding. In December, a $400,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant for the Eastmanville Connector in Allendale Township was recommended for funding. Once proposed funding is approved by the state legislature, construction can begin (anticipated for late fall 2025). This 2.3-mile project will connect neighborhoods in Allendale Township to Eastmanville Bayou Open Space and includes nearly 0.7 miles directly along the Grand River, further enhancing our trail network.
 Eastmanville Connector Segment Map (Ottawa County Parks and Recreation)
Upper Macatawa Natural Area - In December, a $347,500 LWCF grant from the MDNR was recommended for funding that will assist with the construction of a modern, year-round restroom facility at the 84th Avenue access site at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. This facility will include showers for mountain bikers and a water collection system, with design and permitting currently underway. This project is expected to go to bid in mid-2025. For more on the 2024 LWCF recommendations, see this MDNR press release.
This initiative is part of the larger Middle Macatawa project which would further develop and connect the Macatawa Greenway. For more information, see this blog page.
Musketawa Trail - Starting January 6, 2025, the nearly 12-mile-long section of the Musketawa Trail in Ottawa County will be closed for a major reconstruction project. The trailheads in Marne and Conklin will be inaccessible during this time. This work includes 11 culvert replacements, one bridge replacement, trail repaving, and extensive tree clearing work. The expected project duration is about one year.
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