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April
Scroll down for park news, upcoming programs, and more. Thanks for reading!
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 West Michigan City Nature Challenge
April 24-27, 2026
Join the City Nature Challenge! We’re teaming up with John Ball Zoo for this global community science event created by iNaturalist. Help document plants, animals, and fungi across Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa counties. You don't need to be an expert!
Step it Up! Registration is OPEN
Step it Up! is a free, 8 week walking program designed to help you get active while exploring new parks. Participants of all fitness levels are welcome to join! Track and report your activity each week for a chance to win weekly raffle prizes. The program begins April 28.
Kicking Off Connected County Park
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Connected County Park launch event! It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with our community and share the vision for creating healthier, more resilient landscapes by bridging the gap between public and private properties.
2026 Parks Millage Recommendation
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission has recommended a 0.53-mill, 10-year Parks & Open Space Millage, a 0.2-mill increase from the approved rate.
The Board of Commissioners has sole authority to decide whether this proposal will be placed on the ballot. A public hearing will take place during the April 30 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Find more details in the meeting event calendar.
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 Mushroom MycoBlitz
April 17 • 2-5 PM • Hemlock Crossing
Join us for a mushroom foray in collaboration with Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI). Learn how to observe, document, and collect fungi as an independent citizen scientist. We will be collecting specimens for the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
Service Saturday: Earth Day Edition
April 18 • 10 AM - 12 PM • Various Locations
Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to your parks! Gather your friends and family and join us for a morning of hands-on stewardship as we remove invasive species and clean up natural areas.
Choose your location and register below:
 Art for the Parks
April 25 • 5-8 PM • Hemlock Crossing
Mark your Calendars for National Astronomy Day
May 9 • 12 PM - 12 AM • Hemlock Crossing
Celebrate National Astronomy Day with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association at this free, family-friendly event! Enjoy solar telescope viewing, educational displays, an evening lecture, and nighttime observing, weather and cloud cover permitting. Each child will also receive a free raffle ticket and a telescope will be given away after the lecture.
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 Featured Programs
Click here for a full list of programs coming up in Ottawa County Parks!
Nature Saturday: Frogs & Salamanders (FREE)
Interested in herpetology? Come join others to search for frogs and salamanders and learn which ones are found locally in our parks. Registration is encouraged.
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Homegrown Habitats: Native Landscaping Basics (FREE)
Join us for a workshop as part of the Connected County Park initiative, where we will explore the science and art of creating vibrant, sustainable landscapes using native plants. Registration is encouraged.
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Archery for Adults
Ready to channel your inner Robin Hood? This adult-friendly class is all about taking opportunity to learn a new skill in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere! We’ll cover the basics of safely handling a bow and shooting at a target. Ages 18+. Registration is required.
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Bald Eagle Bash
Join us April 25 & 26 for a weekend dedicated to celebrating Bald Eagles at Grand Ravines Park! Attend an educational presentation, take a guided nest-viewing walk, or enjoy both for the full experience. Click here for more event details and to register.
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