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Feb 19, 2026 - For immediate release
Press contact: Rylie Dorman, (616) 994-4774
 
Ottawa County Parks Commission Recommends 0.53-Mill Investment
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Following extensive public engagement and a countywide scientific survey, the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC) voted at its February meeting to recommend a 0.53-mill Parks and Open Space millage. Public feedback consistently showed strong support for protecting land, expanding trail connections, improving access and strengthening stewardship of natural areas. The official ballot language will be considered by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners at an upcoming Board meeting.
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation millage was first approved by voters in 1996 and has been renewed twice, in 2006 and 2016, each time with increasing voter support, at a rate of 0.33 mills. Pending approval from the Board of Commissioners, the proposed 0.53-mill rate would be considered by voters in 2026 and is estimated to generate approximately $102,516,951 from 2027-2036. For a resident with a home market value of $400,000*, the proposed 0.53-mill rate would have an estimated annual cost of $68.90 per year. Learn more about Ottawa County property tax rates at: miOttawa.org/taxes.
The recommendation follows a comprehensive strategic planning process informed by broad public input, scientific surveying, and stakeholder engagement. Community feedback highlighted strong demand for additional protected land, expanded trail connections, more accessible amenities, and enhanced stewardship, outdoor education, and engagement services. While the existing Parks and Open Space millage remains the backbone of parks funding, rising operational and maintenance costs now fully consume current revenues. As a result, the system has little capacity to expand trails, protect additional land, or respond to growing public demand, even as park use has exceeded two million visitors annually.
“Public feedback has been clear,” said Jason Shamblin, Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation. “Residents value our parks and want more access, better trails connections, and continued conservation.This recommendation reflects what we heard, and what it will take to deliver. To meet growing demand and deliver what residents are asking for, we need additional funding.”
Thanks to decades of voter support, Ottawa County has built a nationally respected system of more than 40 parks and open spaces that has grown alongside the county’s population. Parks play a vital role in quality of life and local prosperity, generating approximately $6 in local economic impact for every $1 invested through the millage.
“Visitation to the county’s parks continues to increase annually and maintaining the status quo risks falling behind community expectations for access, recreation, and environmental stewardship,” said Shamblin. “Without a millage increase, Ottawa County Parks would lack the capacity to expand the system or respond to growing public demand.”
If approved by voters, the millage would allow OCPRC to respond directly to priorities identified through public engagement and scientific surveying, including:
- Improved habitat through proactive natural resource management
- More accessible parks through upgraded amenities
- Expanded outdoor education and programming
- Park enhancements and regional trail connections
- Continued high quality maintenance of trails and facilities
Questions may be directed to the Ottawa County Parks Administrative Office at (616) 738-4810.
*All calculations are based on taxable value
 One of the county’s most popular parks, Grand Ravines County Park
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