Historic Ottawa Beach

Outdoors OTTAWA COUNTY

Pictured: Pigeon River , photo by Mike LozonOTTAWA COUNTY PARKS QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2019

Ottawa County Parks &Recreation Commission

Contact us: ocparks@miOttawa.orgMain Office: 616-738-4810Nature Center: 616-786-4847 miOttawa.org/parks

David VanGinhoven, PresidentRoger E. Jonas, Vice PresidentPhilip Kuyers, SecretaryJoe BushTom Elhart

Matthew FenskeVanessa GutierrezJames HoltvluwerKelly N. RiceTom Werkman

Greg DeJong, ChairRoger Bergman, Vice ChairJoe BaumannAllen Dannenberg

Matthew FenskeFrank GarciaJim HoltvluwerPhilip Kuyers

Activities and programs are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.

miOttawa.org/Parks

Randy MeppelinkKyle TerpstraDoug Zylstra

Ottawa Beach MarinaMuch progress has been made at the newest and final addition to the Historic Ottawa Beach Parks, the Ottawa Beach Marina! Seasonal slips will open by Memorial Day, and transient slips will be ready for rental in July. There are still seasonal slips available. Contact us if you are interested in slip rental: (616) 738-4810.Also available by August will be a universally accessible kayak launch (and a few associated parking spaces), and new, modern restrooms.

Transient slip rental - available soon!Whether you’re traveling the big lake or enjoying a stay-cation at a local campground, we’d love to host you and your boat at Ottawa Beach. We can also help you with trailer storage: (616) 738-4810.Transient slips can be rented online, through the DNR reservation system: michigan.gov/harborsBikes will be available to marina customers free-of-charge for travel around the area.

Pump House MuseumMake sure to check out the Pump House Museum & Learning Center while you are in the area. They will open for the season on June 1. Hours of operation:June 1-30 - Every Saturday & Sunday from 1-5 pmJuly 1-September 2 - Open every day from 1-5 pm

Save the date! August 15, 4-6 pmJoin us for a dedication event at the Ottawa Beach Marina.

2330 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland 49424

The event will feature a short program and light refreshments.

Park PermitsParking fees are collected from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at the following parks:

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

The Michigan State Recreation Passport is not valid at Ottawa County Parks.

Annual Permit Pricing• Resident: $15• Resident Seniors (60+): $9• Resident hang tag: $20• Resident senior hang tag: $12• Non-resident (incl. seniors): $25

Annual permits may be purchased at the Nature Center, Parks Office, most lakeshore park entrance gates during the summer, and the Oaklea Store (near Riverside Park).

Visit the new Ottawa Beach Marina & take a stroll on the Black Lake Boardwalk

Visit Stearns Creek Park -- opening June 27

Join us for a group walk near your neighborhood

Walk or bike along one of our regional trail connections

Explore the inside of the historic Weaver House

Join us for an ”after dark” Parks program

More summer recommendations & information in this issue!

Summer Checklist

miOttawa.org/Parks

PARK NEWS

Working with our partners in the Holland Area, Ottawa County Parks is seeking to develop a multi-use trail along the Macatawa River that would eventually connect its Paw Paw Park, Adams Street Landing, and UMNA properties to the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail in Zeeland Charter Township, downtown Holland, and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Some of this trail is in place, such as in the UMNA, but much more needs to be developed.

Spearheaded by the Outdoor Discovery Center, Macatawa Green Trail 1.0 is an initial effort to provide trailhead maps and wayfinding to designate a route through the greenway. It will utilize existing non-motorized paths, bike lanes, and sidewalks to provide a safe cycling route through the Holland area. Nearly 30 miles in total, the route will connect over a dozen park spaces and nature preserves together and to local communities.

While more work must be done to accomplish the overall greenway vision, this first step will provide a visible reminder of the connections we are trying to make between people and nature along the Macatawa River. Did you know there’s a connection to the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail through the Upper Macatawa Natural Area in Zeeland?

231 River RunRegistration is now open for the 2019 231 River Run on October 26 at Connor Bayou! The 10K run and 4 mile run/walk make the event attainable for every fitness level. Proceeds support the Idema Explorers Trail.Space is limited: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandHaven/M231K

Online ImprovementsIf you reserve a facility or register for a Parks program this summer, you may notice our system looks different. We have upgraded our database. Here’s what you’ll be able to do with our new system:

• Create a login and set up a household. You’ll be able to see your program registrations and facility reservations in one place.

• Single check out and payment for multiple purchases (facilities, summer camps, etc.).

• Purchase your annual Parks passHow-to videos will be available on our website to help you get started. We anticipate questions and are happy to answer them if you call: (616) 738-4810

Macatawa Greenway Trail 1.0

Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail

Upper Macatawa Natural Area

Paw Paw Park

Adams St Landing

Macatawa Greenway Trail

Photo by Mike Lozon

NEWS FROM OUR NON-PROFIT PARTNERS

Please join us for the grand opening of Stearns Creek Park! Upon opening visitors can expect: rudimentary trail system, parking area, port-a-let, wayfinding, and a few memorial benches and picnic tables donated by the Vollmer Family. A master plan of the site will be developed in the future, but ideas for future improvements include: accessible trails, longer trail loops with overlook decks, kayak and fishing access, and extensive habitat restoration and enhancement. A special thank you to Lakeshore Middle School students for their work prepping the trails!This acquisition was funded by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) grant, a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, and a gift from the estate of John J. Helstrom. In honor of the gift, the park will feature the Helstrom Family Trail System.

Idema Explorers Trail UpdateConstruction is nearly complete on a segment of the Idema Explorers Trail along Cottonwood Drive and 10th Avenue near the Jenison business district.This portion of trail was funded through the Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s Grand River Greenway Campaign in partnership with Ottawa County Parks and Georgetown Township. Funding from these organizations leveraged a grant from the MDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).The new segment will be an important transportation route for the more densely populated neighborhoods of the Jenison area. It also sets the stage for :

• Future connections to protected park areas (the Bend Area and an unnamed 40-acre open space north of Baldwin Street)

• Future direct connection to Kent Trails near the Ottawa/Kent County border• Future connection to the Grand River waterfront, which will be the first walkable/

bikeable route to public land along the Grand River in Georgetown Township.Construction on a segment of the trail along 42nd Avenue in Jenison is also expected this spring. It will connect GVSU to Grand Ravines.Learn more about the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and their projects or make a donation online: ottawacountyparksfoundation.org

Stearns Creek Trail ImprovementsThe Ottawa County Parks Foundation designated $3,000 of project funds to be used for trail and kiosk signage at the new Stearns Creek Park. Acquisitions and improvements like this could not be accomplished without public and private support!

Jim O’Brien MemorialJim O’Brien was a long-time member of Friends of Ottawa County Parks who passed away last year. Using memorial funds in his honor, Friends has partnered with the Tri-Cities Garden Club to plant a memorial garden at the Weaver House. Memorial funds were also used to purchase kayaks and paddles for the Nature Center for summer camps and other programs. Jim always loved the Weaver House and hoped the contributions in his honor could improve Pine Bend in some way, as well as support student education. We are pleased to be able to do both! Join us at a Weaver House open house this summer. Open houses will take place between 1-3 pm on the following dates: June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20.

Stearns Creek Grand Opening & Dedication

The Idema Explorers Trail is being constructed in phases along the south side of the Grand River. Once completed, the trail will be 35 miles in length and will connect together eight county and state parks in Ottawa County!

Save the date! June 27, 4-6 pmJoin us for a dedication event at the newest park property: Stearns Creek

13594 136th Ave, Grand Haven 49417

The event will feature...• A short program• Guided hike• Light refreshments

Learn more about the Friends of Ottawa County Parks and their projects online: friendsofocp.org

Upper Macatawa Natural Area

STEWARDSHIP

! Beech Bark Disease

! HWA

! Oak Wilt

City of Ferrysburg

P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

Ottawa County Parks

North Ottawa Dunes

Ottawa Sands

PJ Hoffmaster State Park

Beech Bark DiseaseHemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA)Oak Wilt

Forest pest infestation on private property is not shown on this map.

Careerline Tech CollaborationStudents in the Careerline Tech (CTC) Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies and Construction programs are working together to build and install 28 boot brush stations and a wader wash station at 10 Ottawa County Parks before the summer season. The installation of this equipment will culminate in a special advocacy event on June 1.Cleaning off boots and waders is an easy way for park visitors to help stop the spread of invasive species. It’s unintentional, but often the seeds of these harmful plants get stuck on the bottom of our boots or a snail attaches itself to a wader while fishing. Brushing off or rinsing off before and after you hike and fish significantly decreases the potential spread of these pests.By offering boot brush and wader wash stations, Ottawa County Parks joins an international campaign called PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. The campaign’s goal is to protect valuable natural resources while encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors. While this equipment sounds like a no-brainer, it’s not easy to come by. There isn’t a boot brush station available on the market. That’s what makes the partnership with CTC so successful; students are using their specialized skill to build something that Parks staff would have otherwise had to build, saving the county time and resources. Students found value in working with industry professionals while giving back to the community, especially as it relates to their field of study. Natural Resource and Outdoor Studies students used their class time to learn more about invasive species and how they can be good stewards of natural lands in the future. They are charged with assisting with on-site sign installation and also plan to host an advocacy event: Stand Up Against Invasive Species. This event is open to the public and will offer paddle board lessons for a small donation. Visitors can also look forward to fun activities and a guided hike. More info about the event can be found here: miOttawa.org/NRMThe boot brush stations will be installed at Kirk Park, Connor Bayou, Port Sheldon Natural Area, Hiawatha Forest, Hemlock Crossing, Pine Bend, Riley Trails, Grand Ravines, Van Buren Dunes, and Pigeon Creek. The wader station will be installed at Hemlock Crossing. Park visitors can also find a boot brush station at Rosy Mound Natural Area, constructed by Eagle Scout Eric Norton (Troop 37 Spring Lake) and both a boot brush and wader wash station at Ottawa Sands, constructed by Eagle Scout Aiden Yakemonis (Troop 37, Spring Lake).

”Partnering with Ottawa County Parks gives us an opportunity to connect with people working in natural resources and a chance to make a real difference in our community by helping to stop the spread of invasive species,” said JT Thonus, a Natural Resources student.

HWA Task Force UpdateUnfortunately, we can no longer say that Ottawa County Parks is free of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). HWA was found during surveys this winter at three lakeshore park properties: Historic Ottawa Beach, North Ottawa Dunes, and Ottawa Sands. No HWA was found at Olive Shores or Kirk Park. Parks staff is planning injection treatments that have proven to be effective for 3-5 years in high-risk areas. We’re using the injection method for several reasons:

• It will be a highly targeted application. • It will increase efficiency, allowing us to use the smallest amount of

pesticide necessary, which will have positive environmental and ecological consequences.

• Also important to our neighbors, the chemical will stay in the tree, instead of unintentionally leaching into the sandy soils of these dune parks.

As you’re enjoying the parks (or your own property), keep an eye out for HWA. For tips on identification or to report it, visit: saveMIhemlocks.org

NEW at the Nature Center

ADVENTURE CAMPS Date Cost Time Location AgeJr. Naturalist: Eco-Exploration June 18 $45 9 am-4:30 pm Grand Ravines 10-12Jr. Naturalist: Camo-Survivors June 25 $45 9 am-4:30 pm Grand River Park 10-12Survival Camp July 8-10 $100 9 am-4:30 pm Pigeon Creek Park 11-14Jr. Naturalist: Kayak Krazy July 11 $45 9 am-4:30 pm Hemlock Crossing 10-12Cruisin’ the Pigeon River July 18 $65 9 am-2 pm Hemlock Crossing 11-15Hike, Bike, Paddle July 23 $65 9 am-4 pm Pine Bend 11-14Jr. Naturalist: Astounding Arthropods July 25 $45 9 am-4:30 pm Hemlock Crossing 10-12Hike, Bike, Paddle July 30 $65 9 am-4:30 pm Connor Bayou 11-14Jr. Naturalist: What a Water-full World August 1 $45 9 am-4:30 pm Grand River Park 10-12Survival Camp August 6-8 $100 9 am-4:30 pm Pigeon Creek 11-14Jr. Naturalist: Crepuscular Capers August 15 $30 8 pm-11pm Pigeon Creek 10-12

SUMMER CAMPS☻ $

Register online!miOttawa.org/OCPevents

Children must be the age listed by June 1, 2019

Pricing is per child, per session

Celebrate your special day at the Ottawa County Parks Nature Center!Ottawa County Park’s Nature Center offers guided, nature-based birthday party packages for up to 15 children, ages 5-12 years old at Hemlock Crossing County Park.

For scheduling, pricing, and program information, vist: miOttawa.org/nature-center

Park Rx AmericaOttawa County Parks, along with the City of Holland, Holland Charter Township, Park Township, Laketown Township, and the Outdoor Discovery Center are partnering with a non-profit organization, Park Rx America, and the Holland Hospital Physical Hospital Organization (PHO) to bring nature prescriptions to patients in the Holland-area. Thanks to two incredible volunteers, Ottawa County Parks was able to play a major role in this project. Kyle Morrison, a pre-med student, input all of the Ottawa County Park data into this system. Dr. Barb W. Brown coordinated efforts with four local municipalities to ensure their park data was included. With their help, over 80 parks are available to local doctors to prescribe.

Why does this matter?Due to the influx of recent studies uncovering the science behind the healing power of nature, healthcare is changing. Parks advocates know, anecdotally, that time outside helps us feel happier and healthier. With data to back that up, doctors are getting behind the movement to get more people outside more often. The Park Rx America platform will help doctors, who may not know the parks inside and out, connect their patients to a park that is a good fit for them. We hope more local doctor’s offices embrace this system. Learn more about this initiative: news.miottawa.org/park-rx-america-pilot-project/

Volunteers matter!We are grateful for the thousands of hours our volunteers dedicate to the Parks system each year. Many of them work outside, but others help with administrative tasks and special projects like Park Rx America. No matter what your interest is, we can find a volunteer position for you. Apply online: miOttawa.org/Parks

Kyle Morrison

Dr. Barb W. Brown

NESTING BIRDS FIELD TRIP $Registration required, $15/personMigrant birds have passed and the resident nesters have settled in. Visit several local hotspots to identify a variety of notable breeding songbirds and waterbirds.

June 15, 6 am-12 pm • Various locations

FISHING FOR DRUM Registration required; ages 13+Learn to catch, clean, and cook big fish from the shore! The freshwater drum is a native fish that eats invasive species. Bring your own fishing equipment and a valid Michigan fishing license (youth under 17 years of age do not need a license). A limited number of loaner rods will be available.

June 15, 8-10 am • Black Lake Boardwalk (West)

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS @NATURE CENTEREach Wildlife Encounter presentation is followed by an optional guided hike. Kids’ program includes activities, walk, and craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required; ages 5-12.

Serpents in the Sand: Hognose Snake• June 16, 3-4:30 pm – For Kids! ☻• June 22, 3-4 pmIn Tune with Hummingbirds• July 7, 3-4:30 pm – For Kids! ☻• July 13, 3-4 pmMeadow Hunter: The Praying Mantis• August 4, 3-4:30 pm - For Kids! ☻• August 17, 3-4 pm

PIGEON RIVER KAYAK TRIP $Registration required, $8/person (+$15 for kayak rental); ages 13+Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring as you paddle the 3.5 mile stretch to Sheldon Landing. Each trip includes a basic kayaking lesson. No previous experience required.

• June 23, 9:30 am-1:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing• July 6, 9:30 am-1:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing• August 3, 9:30 am-1:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing

WETLAND EXPLORATION Registration required; ages 6+Explore a cattail marsh, and discover the diversity of life found there. You will have the opportunity to catch macroinvertebrates and view them under a microscope.

• June 30, 3-4:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing• July 14, 3-4:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing

PADDLE THE GABAGOUACHE AT THE MACATAWA WATER FESTIVALRegister on-site; ages 8+Adventure on the Macatawa River like a French Voyageur. Arrive early and get a ticket at the entrance to ensure your spot!

July 13, 9 am-1 pm • Windmill Island

IMPACT OF DREDGING THE GRAND RIVER IN OTTAWA COUNTY $Presentation is free; ages 12+Registration required for sunset paddle, $15 for kayak rentalJoin Dr. Dan O’Keefe to learn the potential physical and biological impacts of channelizing a portion of the Grand River. This presentation will include an update on the status of the project and an opportunity to learn more about kayak and fishing opportunities at parks along the Grand River. Sunset paddling and fishing on the Grand River will be available after the program.

July 17, 7-8 pm • Connor Bayou

NEWCOMB’S WILDFLOWER WORKSHOP Registration required; ages 12+Learn how to identify summer prairie wildflowers using the Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. A brief inside workshop will introduce participants on how to use Newcomb’s book as well as introduce some of the later blooming prairie wildflowers found in our parks. Then we’ll go outside and find flowers in bloom.

July 20, 9:30-11:30 am • Hemlock Crossing

PRAIRIE WILDFLOWER WALKSThe dazzling colors of the restored native prairie are a delight to experience. Come through the summer to see how it changes and what new flowers are in bloom each time.

• July 21, 3-4 pm • Hemlock Crossing• July 28, 2-3:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing• August 11, 2-3:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing• August 18, 9:30-11:30 am • Hemlock Crossing

PHOTOGRAPH LIKE THE PROS $Registration required, $25/person; ages 15+Photographer Mike Lozon shares tips to help you achieve professional results while shooting any subject matter. With an emphasis on nature, the workshop explores both the creative and technical aspects of photography—imaginative composition, enhanced editing, and basic camera operation. The workshop is designed for newer photographers who are using Single Lens Reflex cameras, but point-and-shoot cameras are also welcome. Please bring a bag lunch.

July 27, 10 am-3 pm • Hemlock Crossing

MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES $Registration required, $5/person; ages 12+Have you ever carried stress wtih you into the woods? Learn and experience some mindful activities designed to get you in touch with nature and yourself.

July 27, 7-9 pm • Hemlock Crossing

NATURE’S PLAYGROUND: SANDCASTLESLearn how to build a fantastic sand castle with award-winning sand sculptor Bryan Obermeyer, and discover more about dune ecosystems. This program is brought to you by a special partnership with Herrick District Library.

August 6, 10 am-12 pm • Tunnel Park

Photo by David Michael Law

son

SUMMER PROGRAMS

miOttawa.org/Parks

REGISTRATION REQUIRED $ PROGRAM FEE ☻JUST FOR KIDS

In the parks... after dar k!WHISTLE OF THE WHIP-POOR-WILL $Registration required, $5/person; ages 12+Introduce yourselves to this summer whistler of the moonlit woods! A short presentation at the Nature Center will be followed by a moonlit field trip to a few of its local haunts to experience this bird first-hand.

• June 7, 9-11 pm • Hemlock Crossing• June 14, 9-11 pm • Hemlock Crossing

STARGAZINGAges 10+Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) for telescope observation of the night sky (weather permitting). If possible, bring a lawn chair.

• June 8, 9-11 pm • Hemlock Crossing• July 13, 9-11 pm • Hemlock Crossing• August 10, 9-11 pm • Hemlock Crossing

KAYAK BY MOONLIGHT Registration required; ages 18+Join us for a 3-mile nighttime kayak trip on the Pigeon River. Bring your own kayak and life jacket or borrow one for free. This program is brought to you by a special partnership with Herrick District Library. Register on their site: libcal.herrickdl.org

June 17, 8:30 pm-12 am • Hemlock CrossingRain date: July 16

EARTH ENCOUNTERS: PETOSKEY STONE POLISHING $Registration required, $3/person; ages 9+Following a short presentation, you will have the chance to polish your own Petoskey Stone while learning lore and facts about this unique specimen. This program is made possible by Tulip City Gem and Mineral Club.

August 10, 3-4:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing

GABAGOUACHE TOUR PADDLE A VOYAGEUR CANOE! $Registration required, $8/person; ages 9+Take a short ride in a 26’ replica of a voyageur “North Canoe.” Discover why these canoes were so important during the fur trading era and learn about the life of a French Voyageur. Several hour-long time slots are available online.

August 17, 10 am-4pm • Connor Bayou

SHOREBIRDS FIELD TRIP $Registration required, $10/person per sessionShorebirds are on their way south for the winter. Intercept and identify a variety of them on these half-day field trip options.

• Session 1: September 7, 7:30-11:30 am Holland State Park and AAA Sod Farm in Hudsonville• Session 2: September 7, 12:30-4:30 pm Coopersville and Muskegon Wastewater Plant

SUMMER NIGHT SOUNDS $Registration required, $5/person; ages 10+When darkness falls on the forest, sounds can become creepy and unfamiliar. Bring a flashlight and join a naturalist to explore some of the sounds of nocturnal critters in the woods!

• July 12, 8:30-10 pm• August 9, 8:30-10 pm

NIGHT OUT WITH THE STARS Enjoy storytime, constellation-themed crafts, and stargazing. This program is brought to you by a special partnership with Herrick District Library.

July 13, 8-11:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing Rain date: August 10

FAMILY CAMPING $Registration required, $30/familyEnjoy a family fun weekend of camping at Pigeon Creek Park. Tents and sleeping pads are available for use.

Arrive: July 26 at 5:30 pmPack out: July 27 at 10 am

Questions? (616) 786-4847

Register for programs & classes online: miOttawa.org/OCPEvents

OTTAWA WALKSOttawa Walks was created in partnership with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health in response to participants of Step it Up! requesting a year-round program. A group of volunteers have made that possible.Beginning in June, volunteers will host a weekly group walk in parks and neighborhoods throughout the county. These walks are free, and registration is not required at this time. To find a walk near you, visit:

miOttawa.org/ottawawalks

NEW!

DON’T MISS OUR SUMMER CAMPS ON PAGE 5!

Quarterly Newsletter | Sum

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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission12220 Fillmore StreetWest Olive, Michigan 49460

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